We even tend to look past the fact that our girl can get a bit annoying, giving us such constant messages as "Airbag Fault," "Flat Tyre," "Driveline Fault-Workshop!," "Check Brake Pads," "Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Fault," and "Faulty Wheel On Board." At least the wheels were fine. We just wish she'd go about her business quietly and without trying to get our attention all of the time with flashing idiot lights, shrill beeps, and annoying alerts. Perhaps its about time for an intervention.
With seemingly so many issues and baggage, you might think we would have dumped her already, but truth is, she does everything so well and she looks so good on us; it's hard for us to resist her good side. We think we'll overlook the flaws for now and keep enjoying her company.
Report 1 Of 4
Previous reports: None
Base price: $57,800
Price as tested: $63,365
Four-wheel-drive system: Permanent electronic 4WD with low range
Long-Term NumbersMiles to date: 10,265Miles since last report: First reportAverage mpg (this report): 17.13Test best tank mpg: 22.00Test worst tank mpg: 11.35
Maintenance
20,000 -mile service, cost: $526.44
Replace airbag module, cost: None, warranty
Replace ECM, cost: None, warranty
Front brake job, cost: $837.29
Update nav and instrument
software, cost: None, warranty
Replace both turbochargers,
cost: None, warranty
Replace rear diff lock motor, cost: None, warranty
Problem areas: Front-end bind, airbag module, ECM, turbo wastegate, locking diff motor, tire-pressure monitoring system
What's Hot,What's Not:
Hot: Hot is the sleeper shape and high-zoot V-10 turbodiesel, especially paired with the six-speed automatic transmission. The adjustable air suspension is fun to impress with, and allows the Touareg to hunker down at super-legal speeds, and rise up to meet off-pavement challenges. The interior ergonomics and quality of materials is superb.
Not: Not is all the electronic gadgetry that greets drivers with a confusing learning curve, and constantly beeps whether it is a bad tire-pressure sensor, or a curb too close. We also know our neighborhood Volkswagen dealer on a first name basis since our Touareg spends so much time being serviced. Parts and labor are prohibitively expensive, and having a rare vehicle means long waits for backordered parts.
Logbook Quotes:
"Wouldn't know it was a diesel unless idling next to a wall."
"On-board air compressor is cool."
"Four 33-inch tires fit in the rear with seats folded."
"The Touareg has again convinced itself that it has a flat tire."