Volkswagen Touareg – an unattainable dream for most car enthusiasts. The reason – the inflated cost. However, purchasing a car on the secondary market can help realize the dream. But is it worth spending on a used vehicle?
First owners of Volkswagen Touareg SUVs, produced from 2002 to 2006, sold their cars when the engine, gearbox, or transmission failed. The electronically packed vehicle was prone to malfunctions, and repairs were costly. Therefore, it was easier to replace the car than to spend on repairs.
Volkswagen Touareg gasoline engines are a headache for the manufacturer, which still causes trouble for the brand.
In 2007, after the restyling of the SUV, the market saw an updated vehicle. The basic configuration changed. Power increased. Build quality improved. Electronics worked better. Overall, Volkswagen Touareg gained in the eyes of buyers. Notably, the interior remained unchanged after the restyling.
Volkswagen Touareg: Advantages and Disadvantages
The introduction of a turbocharged diesel engine with a straight 5-cylinder layout added power to an already agile vehicle. To keep the engine in good condition, the manufacturer recommended using quality fuel and changing the oil frequently. Ignoring these tips could lead to engine and cylinder head failure at 100,000 kilometers. Turbine bearings also tend to fail. Similar issues are observed in V-shaped 10 and 6-liter diesel engines.
For gasoline engines, using poor-quality fuel can cause timing phase misalignment already at 50-60 thousand kilometers. The fuel pump may also fail. When buying a used car with a gasoline engine, experts recommend checking the timing mechanism and comparing cylinder compression with standards.
In the Volkswagen Touareg offered on the European market, a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission is installed. A notable feature of the automatic transmission is oil consumption. Already at 50 thousand kilometers, the gears show wear. SUVs with powerful engines may experience issues with transfer cases, and the engine for the locking differential may fail.
The advantages of the Volkswagen Touareg SUV include the suspension. Springs, struts, and air suspension can easily last 100,000 km without maintenance. Experts recommend replacing components at 150,000 km, as issues tend to arise after this point. Ride quality, handling, off-road capability, and soundproofing are additional benefits of the vehicle.
However, engine and transmission problems after 100,000 kilometers raise concerns among buyers on the secondary market. The main reasons are the high cost of spare parts and maintenance services.
