In the market for a larger vehicle

[psyphy]

I have a 2010 JSW TDI which I love. I'm passing this on to my daughter, who needs an upgrade. Most likely I'll be getting the Touareg TDI. I feel more comfortable in a vehicle of that size & I want to stay with diesel. No great interest in Porsche or Audi, which leaves MB ML350 vs Jeep Grand Cherokee. Obviously, no one's driven the Jeep yet, beyond the test reports.

2 questions:

Which would folks get.
Is there anything special coming out with the 2015 Touareg that I should wait for.

 

[markitzero]

2 questions:
Which would folks get.

I went with the Lux because of the 12-way seats (instead of 8-way) and that they were leather covered instead of leatherette primarily because my back bothers me from time to time and I want as many options as possible. For what it's worth, I love these seats... better than my old Q7 and Cayenne. In addition you get the panorama sunroof which is a love hate for me... I want a sunroof but sometimes in the middle of summer wish it was just the standard size roof because it can heat the vehicle up fast. I wish mine (it's a 2012) had the pushbutton start that they current models include as our Passat TDI has it and once you have it, it's hard going back.

My regret? Not going to the Executive for the Dynaudio system. The stock system in the Sport and Lux has a lot to be desired... then again, maybe I am just picky.

Is there anything special coming out with the 2015 Touareg that I should wait for.

I'm not sure much has been said about the 2015 models yet. They bumped the engine from 225hp to 240hp in 2013 but I am not sure anything else major has been done.

 

[TNriverjet]

panorama... I want a sunroof but sometimes in the middle of summer wish it was just the standard size roof because it can heat the vehicle up fast.

I solved this issue on my JSW roof by having 5% limo tint applied. I now leave the shade open all the time and still have my big pano roof to enjoy. It cuts down on a good portion of the greenhouse effect. Make sure to pay a few extra $$ for the good quality tint material. My .02.

 

[OsirisTDI]

We decided on the 2012 Executive last July. After 38,000 miles of ownership, this is a fantastic vehicle.
Pick one and bring it home.

The Touareg is a bargain-basement in Exec trim if you compare to the trio of diesel SUVs in the OP. It seems that the Jeep is unavailable in diesel for for another year. The Benz has a smoother ride with the air suspension and it has an array of useful options that not offered on the Touareg in North America.

 

[oilhammer]

I'd also take a look at the new Audi A6 TDI. Drives a lot nicer (since it is still actually a car), and is a bit roomier although we no longer get the Avant version here. Unless you actually want an SUV.

The A6 TDI starts at $43k, the T'reg TDI starts at $51k. Both use the same 3.0L V6 TDI, both are AWD, the A6 just does it with nearly 10 MPG better fuel economy.

 

[skinnyb]

Don't discount the Passat TDI unless you specifically want a SUV. The interior space on the Passat is immensely larger than my JSW and is much more comfortable. Also the Passat rides much smoother and gets better fuel economy on the highway.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk now Free

 

[psyphy]

Thanks. Great suggestions. I will check out the A6. I don't need the hauling space so much, just greater headroom. Still likely leaning towards the Treg.

 

[dieseldorf]

The A6 TDI starts at $58k, the T'reg TDI starts at $51k.

Brian, I fixed that for you

 

[ruking]

Thanks. Great suggestions. I will check out the A6. I don't need the hauling space so much, just greater headroom. Still likely leaning towards the Treg.

Another might be the MB 250 (2.1 L blue tec), if you want/require a CUV.

No "known" upgrades are coming to the 15 MY VW T TDI. Now this is not to say there will be no upgrades, even as there will be. Prices will always increase. You will also be the test mule for the so called upgrades.

I am really liking the 2012 VW T TDI. It really has a LOT of headroom, even in the rear seats section. The 13/14 VW T TDI's have 20 mpg C/29 mpg H EPA's (406 # ft) . The 14 Audi A6 3.0 L TDI is rated 428 #ft and is rated @ H EPA of 38 mpg (MSRP $57.5 k). It, of course is app 800#'s lighter.

 

[oilhammer]

Brian, I fixed that for you

You're right, when you click on "expore A6 TDI" it dumps you to the main A6 starting page, LOL.

I'd still rather have the A6 even if it cost more. No need for a Stupid Useless Vehicle. Until all the roads are gone and the grocery store is suddenly moved into the mountains, I just don't see the need.

 

[APT]

Q5 TDI is a bit smaller than T-reg, but nicer appointed for the $.

 

[markitzero]

I'd still rather have the A6 even if it cost more. No need for a Stupid Useless Vehicle.

Unless you are living in your vanagon... I feel the same about it.

 

[oilhammer]

Unless you are living in your vanagon... I feel the same about it.

Huh? My Vanagon is used primarily for camping trips, although my current one hasn't really been driven much at all. My previous one was, and I also pulled my dirt bikes when I had them. Also a useful when you need a big 1-ton box on wheels. Always fun to see the looks on people's faces when I go to Lowe's or Home Depot, open the hatch, load 15 sheets of drywall, 20 2x4s, several of which are 12 feet long, 2 5 gal buckets of mud, a big box of air nails, and a whole cart worth of other odds and ends, then close the hatch and drive away.

My Eurovan has a wheelchair lift, for my two disabled children. It also does not get driven a whole lot. Of course, for me, that means about 5k miles per year.

I drive a Golf every day, and my wife drives a Passat.

 

[carnotgas]

Suv

Stupid Useless Vehicle, I love it. It's so true! I want an AWD Diesel Passenger Van that's not huge.

 

[oilhammer]

Yeah, sadly that would mean moving to a different country. Plenty of them out there, just not here.

I wish I still had my '87 syncro Vanagon. I got rid of it long before the TDI conversion rage came about. Other than the abysmal 16 MPGs, it was a good vehicle. The TDI engine would have fixed that.

 

[Paisan]

I have a 2010 JSW TDI which I love. I'm passing this on to my daughter, who needs an upgrade. Most likely I'll be getting the Touareg TDI. I feel more comfortable in a vehicle of that size & I want to stay with diesel. No great interest in Porsche or Audi, which leaves MB ML350 vs Jeep Grand Cherokee. Obviously, no one's driven the Jeep yet, beyond the test reports.
2 questions:
Which would folks get.
Is there anything special coming out with the 2015 Touareg that I should wait for.

I'm in the same quandary. I wanted to give the Jeep GC a shot but apparently they are not coming to dealers any time soon.

I ended up buying my 2014 Touareg TDI Lux from Chris @ VW of Langhorne. Give him a call and he will take good care of you.

-mike

 

[psyphy]

Thanks all. I'll definitely check with Chris, a lot of good buzz about him on this site.

RE size, of vehicle, I need more headroom than most sedans and room for 4 sets of golf clubs, so I'll probably go with the Touareg. RE MB, I didn't like the little "turn signal" stem & paddles for shifting, but I guess you get used to things. Like others have said, it looks like the Jeep Diesel isn't coming out anytime soon, but I'd love to at least drive it before I make my decision.

 

[handweanie]

eco diesel

pretty sure i saw jeep grand cherokees with eco diesel badging on trailers west bound on I-94 in detroit last week.

would've taken pics but i was going about 70.

so it shouldnt be long before theyre on lots unless those werent complete

if they had them 14 months ago i wouldve tested them but im lovin the treg

 

[Paisan]

Yeah I gave up on the Jeep Diesels. Besides do you want to be the tester for a first year car? Not at $57K I don't

-mike

 

[psyphy]

I just test drove the Jeep GC diesel. Nice car, nice ride, engine very responsive. My only concern is that on Edmunds there are numerous user reviews of the 2014 JGC with people having problems with the transmission. I guess it's a bad idea to by a car with a new transmission the 1st year. Back to looking at the touareg as my main choice.

 

[VW/Porsche Fahrer]

Check out this Car and Driver comparison of Diesel SUVs. The Porsche would win but not for $34K more than the VW.

http://www.caranddriver.com/compari...-diesel-2013-bmw-x5-xdrive35d-comparison-test

 

[IFRCFI]

Not at $57K I don't

I'm seeing new ones on the lot around here (DC area) for $42K - Limited

Check cars.com.

 

[psyphy]

Thanks VW/Porsche Fahrer, great article. Makes me more confident about my choice.

I have a JSW TDI. I've been pleased with VW. Still several months off from trading in. My car is 4 + years old & I like to keep them 5. Most likely I'll get a 2014 when the 15's come out, if any are available.

 

[VW/Porsche Fahrer]

Thanks VW/Porsche Fahrer, great article. Makes me more confident about my choice.

I have a JSW TDI. I've been pleased with VW. Still several months off from trading in. My car is 4 + years old & I like to keep them 5. Most likely I'll get a 2014 when the 15's come out, if any are available.

FYI, I also recently received a Consumer Report issue about cars and for Luxury SUV category, the Touareg TDI Sport was near the top of the list for "would you but that car again?".

 

[psyphy]

I'm sticking with the touareg. Other options don't work for me. I'll be doing the sport TDI. No hurry as my current car is great. I'll probably pick up a 2014 when the 15's come out to get a discount. Here's what it came down to. Small SUV's, I don't fit, my head hits & I have to get in like an 80 y/o, tush 1st then duck my head, then bring my legs around. JGC not confident in the transmission. MB ML too expensive, also the drive seems a little too cushy; I feel the road & steering more with the Touareg. If VW does a loyalty program, I could be convinced to buy sooner. I have 3 VW's between myself & my kids. MB had one that gave a $1K discount. Otherwise, I'll wait until Oct. Love the Treg & looking forward to having my 2nd TDI. Thanks for the responses. I'll post a picture in Oct.