Should You Buy a VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG? (Test Drive & Review MK1 3.0TDI)

[@graemetucker8150]

I had one for 4 years. Its very good, loved it. 4/5 at everything but not compromised like a x5, Disco, ML etc. Even though there were some questionable interior plastics, the build quality and engineering was evident and very good. The Also the MK1 has all the proper 4x4 gubbings unlike a Q7, X5 and more even the more modern Touaregs.

[@hughmarcus1]

The original ones had a Torsen. Do the later ones use a Haldex?

[@richardkhoonk]

Yes Touareg Mk 2 and newer models use Haldex. @@hughmarcus1

[@davey6024]

That's soo clean! Most the VAG motors from this era iv looked at all seem to suffer from the climate buttons turning white like the paints scraped off.

[@TheAngrychipmunk96]

I swear to god, every time I start perusing the Internet thinking of buying a certain car, you end up reviewing it!! Love the content

[@baffourohene-kena4962]

You must be like me then. Always thinking of buying a new user car 🤣

[@stephenlane9168]

Me too. It’s an expensive hobby. 👌

[@richarddyasonihc]

Funny thing that, I have watched (probably all ) of the High Peak videos and seen Matt review both my previous car and the one I own now. I had to wait nearly a year till he had the current one in his showroom though!

[@jackfruitbananas]

His video convinced me to buy the 5 series GT. Wife wasn't too happy!

[@TheAngrychipmunk96]

@@jackfruitbananas Nice! I've the F11 touring myself, love it.

[@krisbodurov1497]

My mate has one of these and has been running it for the past 10 years, covered well over 300k miles and its great with no major faults. Off road is amazing as we do go fishing and hunting a lot, its amazing in deep snow when we go skiing in winter. Parts are way cheaper than Mercedes ML / BMW X5 or Any Land / Range Rover. There a lot of cheaper and better quality after market parts as well for the Q7 and this Toureg which is something to look for.

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s good going

[@ldorman]

The Touareg was designed for hunters, rangers, farmers and the military. It is simple, the buttons large so you can operate them with gloves on. It was never designed to be a luxurious car, it was supposed to be tool out in the sticks - however, again a proof how marketing department and designers talk past each other. I like them, I always liked them. A friend had the V10 TDI with ABT tuning - that thing was fast. His father was a local ranger and owned the V6 TDI, and both were used in the alps with no issues, also the one from his father was chipped, it wasn't as extreme moded as his V10. Great cars and actually on my short list to get one.

[@jesusprado6394]

I bought my wife a brand new 2008 Touareg and after owning several different SUVs, well, this one is a keeper. At 92k miles its the best SUV we've owned.

[@Chazb5046]

Spent the last two weekends travelling across the whole country looking at clapped out/rotted out discovery 2s. I’ve given up. Probs going to get a Touareg now. Thanks for the great content!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good stuff

[@stevogarnham6869]

I had a 3.0tdi v6 for about 3 years was not bad never let me down would still have it now if I still needed a bigger cat keep up the good work

[@Lukey86]

Ours had a lot of problems with air suspension went though about 3 compressors, injectors went around 150km and new turbo around 120km and also the same problem with the battery drain stated in this video exactly the same solution. A few electronic problems here and there but overall was a decent car eats up miles on motorway did around 6 trips between Poland and England with no issues. V6 TDI 2007 owned from 98km to 220km mileage

[@Lonewolf_rider]

AC problem is that its low in gas. The condensator is probably fitted on the right hand side so it's always colder at that side because the air has to travel to the other side it's heating up.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for the advice

[@RichardEnglander]

I want one of these with the factory off road pack, comes with the under body protection and proper diffs. I really like how they look, not too fussy and all that.

[@pccorner101]

Spending 10% of a cars value on road tax is just plain daft.

[@ukvette]

Wife's 2013 is just £260

[@sameerishaque7635]

@@ukvette what? Too much

[@TheAngrychipmunk96]

Wouldn't mind paying £600; this car would cost equivalent of £2,050 a year to tax in Ireland!

[@jb6368]

@@TheAngrychipmunk96 i was just about say dont come to ireland lol

[@paulparoma]

What is plain daft is the road tax you have there in the UK. I know, many places have it, but that doesn't make it less daft.

[@richarddyasonihc]

I have seen quite a few comments which suggest that you would be a good TV car presenter. I love your subtle digs and jokey comparisons - my favourite is still the one about the rear window of an XJL being in a different post code.

[@stevendavenport364]

I think my wife has the same fault. She blows hot and cold as well. If you find a cure please let me know. Thanks for another great post.

[@joao_spinola]

I would buy a tesco van before the touareg, same size and cheaper to run😂

[@paulparoma]

Tesco makes vans?

[@joao_spinola]

@@paulparoma Call the costumer service

[@paulparoma]

@@joao_spinola I don't have any costumes that need servicing.

[@joao_spinola]

@@paulparoma So f off mate

[@tomscott9938]

..and full of food.

[@steveh545]

had a second gen V6 TDI. for about 1 yr. Top spec, really comfy, and handled really really well (for an SUV). Got tired of bumping my head getting in and sold it. In the US, it's a bit of an odd car. Mine retailed for about $65K, which put in in competition with lots of 'fancier' SUVs. They never really caught on here, then the whole diesel thing. I bought used, and didn't really lose any money selling it a year later. The Q7 TDI probably outsold it 10 to 1 (a wild guess).

[@fizzlepop9451]

Owned an 07 Touareg Altitude for 9 years after giving up my Maserati 3200 GT and thinking "What next?" Loved it. Started getting expensive after 135,00 miles

[@s4b1n123]

Regarding the AC blowing cold on one side, and hot on the other - it's probably the flap motor that adjusts the air mix on the left side. Should pop-up when you do a VCDS scan. You can also try to run adaptation on the climate flaps. Can't remember the exact procedure, but there should be some videos online how-to.

[@sababan1226]

It's actually interesting that he mispronounced the name Touareg, but a very good job for the anglicized world. The name of the Berber tribe is actually pronounced: t'-WAH-rg (in 3 guttural syllables). My source on that is my Berber buddy from Morocco when I asked him about the correct pronunciation of my Touareg.

[@paulparoma]

My mechanic friend used to say, "There are expensive German cars and there are cheap German cars." He considered the VW a cheap German brand, but some of them are far from cheap, especially the Touareg. I realize it's a serious vehicle, but can't imagine wanting one.

[@matthewsmith2787]

Vw are not cheap cars, they are expensive to buy and run

[@paulparoma]

@@matthewsmith2787 Duh.

[@hopgood007]

Great review Matt. Absolutely love every one of your videos - I'm slowly working my way through the whole back catalogue. I laugh out loud at the witty one liners on all the videos and love your presenting style. Any plans to review the Jaguar E-Pace?

[@Y1AN1]

I love my Touareg nothing creaks and it’s a beast. I know we all have different tastes but seriously I just can’t agree with plastic and creaky

[@brushrescue1701]

I'm 4x4 response north-east ..and I love my V10 TDI

[@CTE-6000EagleVeryHeavyFighter]

Touareg, in my opinion, is one of the best looking SUVs ever made. Saw a really early V6 TDI lying at the dealership with a shattered windshield and a wheel missing. Felt really sad about it since knowing India, it'll probably be scrapped.

[@mickles1975]

Ah the smell of touareg campfires. Unmistakable.

[@TwizyMan]

Obviously a rowan Atkinson fan!

[@bartektwardowski]

Well this video by you changed my perspective on the touareg. The 5.0 tt v10 tdi idea is neat tho

[@tonywelch8760]

The air cond issue is the TX valve. I had exactly the same issue on my V10. Great review. Great car. Thank you

[@Motormouth...]

Funny, telling us how to pronounce Touareg but mispronounce Porsche....hmmmm. Good video though.

[@HighPeakAutos]

You're the first person to comment on that. I was expecting that to be picked up much sooner haha

[@the40thstep]

I'm pretty sure you do not pronounce Volkswagen correctly while having a go about Porsche pronunciation lol

[@flyinghigh245]

@@the40thstep You would only understand if you have a Touareg and believe me I understood this person just fine.

[@BackwardFinesse]

Cannot manage Jetta, either, try “Yetta”.

[@crunchybro123]

Honestly I love the simple rounded look, and it’s interior looks 10x better than a Ford explorer that we have.

[@viduransivakumar3192]

Of the engine choices available, the V10 diesel is my favourite one since no other SUV has one 😉

[@christianronn5301]

Yes, until you find out that basically every little engine related job means taking the engine out. Glow plugs, etc. Then the V6 TDI suddenly sounds like a much better (if boring) proposition.

[@RichardEnglander]

@@christianronn5301 ? You mean the V10 engine takes up so much space that it has to come out to get to the rest?

[@christianronn5301]

@@RichardEnglander It’s terrible to work on. Lots of basics things mean the engine has to come out.

[@RichardEnglander]

@@christianronn5301 thanks you likely saved me from a future headache. V6 it is

[@johngunning2123]

They should only sell them in "Beige", that non-colour that everyone derides as being boring. As dear as poison in Australia and as rare as hens teeth in Australian scrapyards. Another interesting review with some funny bits. Keep them coming!

[@milosmanolo]

You have a valve that controls left and right A/C, just replace it with a new one, my friend did on his passat b6.

[@Bootneck-RMC]

Another great and honest review Matt. 👍 I've always sort of liked the chunkiness of the Touareg, but just always thought that it was expensive for what it is. The most annoying thing about it is, VW spelt the name wrong (Tuareg)! 😂 (or maybe the Tuareg people have it copyrighted🤣)

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hahaha never thought of that

[@R36vw]

I’ve just been offered a 2008 one of these with all the whistles and bells. I e. Rocksliders. Bull bars etc. for my 2010 Audi A5 3.0 tdi Quattro s- line. After watching this I think I’ll keep my audj. 👍👍

[@R36vw]

Do you think I made the right decision buddy. Or should do the swap. The Tuareg do seem to lose value very quick.

[@Closetchef23]

You know when you've been watching HPA vids too much when the Missis gets home with the kids and you greet them by saying, "Alright guys how's it going, welcome back".

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂

[@kevinwright3141]

Good to see the might Villa getting a mention... I do think however, you will be comparing the Villa to an up and coming brand in years to come; perhaps in the EV world of Motors, Villa will be the Hyundai, as they produce great innovative products compete against the might of the Californian and Germanic brands? Or perhaps my love of the Villa and cars is just getting the better of me..?

[@markspark899]

When I put all my heaters on cold the middle right hand one is always warm too! Always been the same in the 2years I've owned it and always was curious about it

[@matthewking5612]

I drove a V10 version in 2005, very impressive.

[@monerochad5211]

If I had a lot of money I wouldn't mind the V10 version.

[@blazzz13]

Must say for VW's first attempt at an SUV it wasn't bad at all. They've since perfected the recipe and the new ones look the part

[@timoteidanut5244]

after the boeing 747 "consumer advice" I had to smash the like button :))

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers!

[@noahmcdaniel4920]

A 2010 TDI cost of ownership is fantastic. Definitely not like a range rover. Above average reliability score (but somehow depreciated at virtually the same rate as the other YM’s), generous dieselgate warranty, price can’t be beat, and gets twice the gas mileage as its competitors. Anything other than a 2010 is going to be pretty damn unreliable though. But one way or another it will still cost you about the same as an outback of the same age and miles. If you want something more reliable with the same capability it’s going to cost $5k+ more and have more miles and years, and no warranty, and worse gas mileage. The 2010 is a hidden treasure.

[@DonnellyLawrence]

Air con - I read somewhere that cars do this when they are low on AC gas, prioritise driver comfort

[@MrGman2804]

My neighbors bought a brand new one of these about late 2000's. A V10 5ltr diesel. They used it to drive back and forth to Southern Spain until it got to about 120,000 miles. Then they had terminal gearbox issues. This is on top of a broken prop-shaft a few years back. But they bought another brand new one a few weeks ago! They like it, mainly as it is big and they can afford it. Personally I wouldn't spend 60k after a broken prop-shaft and duff gearbox. I suppose if you can afford the depreciation, or scoop up a bargain after the depreciation it's ok. I'd stick to a Toyota Landcruiser if I really wanted a big car to cover big distances reliably! The Australians wouldn't buy anything else, because in the outback, you can not afford to break down!

[@sunsetgarage755]

I’m Australian, and what you fail to mention is that we pay more for Toyota cars than any other country in the World. It’s simply because they are so reliable in a world full of crap carmakers. Having said that, I could probably buy 3-4 Touaregs for the price of a similar year Landcruiser due to the difference in price, and Australians poor perception of VW Australia’s servicing which is a total ripoff . I’m choosing a Touareg, because I can do most of the servicing work myself, and I can’t afford $50AUD for an older used Landcruiser with 200,000 + kms.

[@MrGman2804]

@@sunsetgarage755 Good-day. I am Australian too, and my experience was Toyota's are priced in about the same position in the market in Australia as anywhere else. I know the prices are higher generally across the board. I haven't been in Oz since 2016, but if you are seriously telling me a Toureg is only 25% the price of an equivalent Toyota I will certainly check one out when I am back. VW service dealers are over-priced in the UK aswell. As you will understand I am out of touch with current prices in Oz, but I did spend a while living in Karatha, WA, where you simply cant afford to break down, and the observation was Japanese build was the car of choice. I had an Isuzu with a 3.2 v6 petrol. It was great! Seriously sorry to sell it.

[@IlijaBlazevski-ct5kc]

You should've test the one with air suspension! I have it and it's a dream to drive!

[@comradebismarck]

I have a 2017 67 plate VW passat R-Line, and I want a Touareg

[@johndavies6769]

Honest review and entertaining. Thanks I’m going to stick with my Tiguan due to the running costs you mentioned. Why spend bmw Audi money.

[@trizvanov]

In regards to cold/hot issues, see if there is a way to run a calibration process. My old 9-5 Aero had a similar issue, and the first step was always to run that process. I am sure, VW has something similar.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I’ll look into that. Cheers

[@adolynch]

I totally concour about the manual in a Disco3, I worked for Land Rover in the past and on the rare occasion that I'd have a manual Disco 3 home rather than an Auto RR Sport I always had a smile changing gears, so clunky and satisfying... Are we to be described as "gearbox anoraks"?!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha yes

[@ChrisMacleod-wb7ox]

I had one and it’s just superb 👍👍👍

[@keponen331]

seat and suspension were uncomfortably firm for me, like sitting on a bench. used to SUV seats feeling like a plush couch

[@HerbertDuckshort]

“This is basically Aston Villa with wing mirrors……” Whereas my car is Oldham Athletic with twenty MOT advisories.

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂

[@Stealt707]

Nobody pronouces touareg properly! not even me. Thanks for the lecture. If all diesel are quiet as a church mouse there will never be a reason to disown one. LOL Love this review!

[@daivikved]

Love the content..just one suggestion please add stamps for fuel economy and mileage (from mpg to l/100km and miles to Km) just like Doug demuro does ! That would be great for the people other side of the pond..

[@HighPeakAutos]

I keep meaning to do that. I will in the future

[@Stu412t]

That will be your heater matrix.

[@pena747]

I enjoy your reviews so much keep up the good work!

[@fandango6544]

The trouble with pronouncing Touareg correctly is that you end up sounding like a touat

[@daviddenley3512]

At last, you did the review on it! Yes, they do appear to be quiet expensive to maintain! Oh well, never mind. Thanks for this review anyway.

[@jasonclark316]

Done a review on a the worst looking toureg out there, I got one and changed from a x5, the toureg is league's ahead. A silky-smooth 3.0 V6 remapped to 305bhp altitude, so a bit of a body kit and look and goes like stink.

[@jashugg]

The confusion about how to say Touareg probably came about because the nomadic tribe Tuareg which you say correctly is spelled without an “o”.

[@garrypeaks770]

Great video .have you reviewed a XC60 .I know you reviewed the XC90 but that not for me my wife keeps looking at the XC60 cheers mat 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Not yet but I've got one coming soon. I like them. Much prefer them to the XC90

[@garrypeaks770]

@@HighPeakAutos cheers mat 👍

[@robertmagee5523]

Please test drive a 2010 Hyundai Santa fe if you get a chance...and help me figure out how they get 411Nm of torque out of a 2.2 crdi...another great review btw.

[@jakesmith5233]

Im literally sat counting the days to get one 😢

[@JamesAllen300]

AC issue will be the blend door

[@adi8324]

The AC system needs a recharging. Had the same problem on my Mercedes.

[@JamesAllen300]

No it doesn't!! It works on one side and not the other.

[@adi8324]

@@JamesAllen300 As I said. I had the same problem.One 75€ freon top up and the problem was gone. it's been 2 years since.

[@jamesoconnor8300]

Another great video, very well done 👍

[@andrewbass6837]

If I had to pick a VW Touareg i would go for a V10 Diesel or the W12 petrol

[@LA-fr7fx]

Thank you!

[@aaronhall1037]

Could you do a review on a newer version and compare? Great videos fella always great entertainment

[@HighPeakAutos]

Will do thanks!

[@pking6402]

Nice review Matt....however that fact you didnt really rate it is obvious. I have owned a 2.5 for 7 years and its been brilliant. Over 30mpg, bullet proof no belts engine, now done over 250k miles, low ratio box and lockable diffs. Space for kids and dogs. Absolutely will go anywhere, makes XC90 and X5 look like what they really are; road going SUVs. Now looking for a V6 diesel to replace. Those who know what they are buying get one of these, those who want to look like they know, buy an X5 or ML.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Im pleased its been reliable - I've had a few issues with them over the years

[@pking6402]

@@HighPeakAutos Its had its issues, new turbo because I didnt check the oil level, and some suspension bits, but on the whole fine. Care to share your issues as I am looking for another. Thanks dude. Off topic, International school in Spain wasnt Sotogrande was it?

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@pking6402 Ah ok. No it was Benalmadena

[@antking8847]

Blend motors? similar fault on many P38s - maybe? just a thought..(that assumes the AC is still working on a P38 lol)

[@planchernewfinish]

The quick answer nope no never. And i have one to prouve it

[@khashayar1098]

its basically like Aston villa but with wind mirrors :)))))))

[@chriszbodula1894]

I wish he told the specific year of the car in this review. I have a 2011 hybrid and the interior is incredibly tight and well formed. Dare I say it handles better than my 02 Carrera 4 convertible. What a pice of crap that at was. Just hope the transmission lasts as the start/stop feature hammers it at times. Cans stand when I’m launching my boat or pulling it out and then starts the engine in the middle of a hard pull. VW should have given the option to turn it off. I’m thinking of suing to make them come up with a program to turn it off.

[@Abi-bi6cb]

It's a late 2008 model. If you're not from the UK - the number plate says the year over here. '58' means late 2008, '08' would mean early 2008.

[@davidwalker8345]

Your videos make me laugh 😆 seems a while since you’ve been on. Great content 👏👏

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you like them!

[@kevinbeck6419]

I love my 2004 v 8 model

[@jackdaniel9308]

could the rattle just be the oil pressure coming up to operating level?

[@divanshukumar7160]

can you make a video on wv tiguan 1.4 tsi 2014 the facelifted one pls I'm about to buy it and I need your opinion on it please. Thanks!

[@Billythebubble]

Nice honest review for the VW barge

[@jasonclark316]

Of the worst looking one! I've got an 2008 altitude 3.0v6 and it looks for better

[@stefanpfeifer5999]

V10 tdi will do 145mph stock

[@darrensymonds4006]

Which would you choose between one of these or discovery sport for a family of 5 plus a dog 🤔. Love the reviews as always.

[@lv0102]

Size wise it’s one category up from the disco sport. We drove about 5 Touaregs in succession from 2002-2014 until our family of 5 + dog became a family of 6 + dog. Excellent car for family duty, mild off-roading & horse box towing. We were very happy with its understated looks compared to the Cayenne or Q7. We now drive a Disco 4 & some other stuff for fun. Disco is nicer car than the Touareg. Similarly understated, but lot's more character.

[@athollmcnicoll256]

Thanks Matt but No Thanks - thinking along the lines of a Clio RS 220 which has an automatic double clutch gearbox and costs just over £20. And before you ask NO I did not win the lottery. LOL!!

[@manuelmikewa388]

I'm interested to know which cars would you have over this for the same money

[@wildracoon6807]

Do and E90-91 LCI!!!

[@TheSkinheadlad]

so what car would you recommend instead of this?

[@callierens7796]

thanks for the info, which way to KIA

[@rouman7]

My daughter bought one last year ( 7 seater) 2020 ... there ok I have used a few times boring but ok ... that is a older version. But I know people who swear by them ...

[@TheDominicius]

Still looks good for an ol' gal . . . And i would buy it . . .

[@richwood1736]

As a Villa fan the comparison hurt.... mainly due to its accuracy

[@HighPeakAutos]

There were many clubs I could’ve chosen. Before the oil money I could’ve included Man City

[@ericsbuell]

big chunky buttons...ideal if you wear winter or work gloves.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yeah exactly

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

I offer such great advice I really should start charging!!! Thus spoke the used car managing director Kerching $€¥£

[@CPDutch]

My sister in law’s, spends too much time in the garage and costs too much to run

[@embrj1453]

This was definitely not a sponsored review lmao

[@alexandermaxwell2955]

Stay clear ctap boot space and need a big wallet to keep it on the road.

[@lukaswint7067]

What you think of a ford kuga? 2lt awd?

[@Imaveryniceguy]

I've always wanted one.

[@djgerard82]

Now I'm not going to be able to get into my 2004 VW Bora Highline without having a good sniff to identify the VW smell!

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂

[@Valisk]

"Aston Villa with wing mirrors" genuine LOL!!!

[@PaulieMD5]

I love the Touareg, it's like a tank, safe car, suitable for the dangerous roads here in estern Europe

[@henryshu6265]

Jesus! That bad!?

[@Vaiyn]

@@henryshu6265 I drive such a tank in Eastern Europe, very nice experience :)

[@MrKeefrichards]

prefer bmw x5 better in every way

[@artaxerxe1]

@@MrKeefrichards it is no match to touareg!

[@DemoNXCros]

@@MrKeefrichards as someone who has owned both that the bmw is only better on the road, the bmw is garbage off road. BMW has a better infotainment system, acceleration.. Thats it

[@andyjamieson9576]

I’ve had the same problem with my AC. It’s called the W.I.F.E fault - it blows hot and cold

[@jamest5149]

Blend door is probably the fault with the AC, it’s a common fault on all cars especially those fitted with dual zone.

[@thisiszaphod]

Another vote. Yep - blend door or its actuator.

[@stuartday1876]

Genuinely thought Blend Door was a predictive text typo, was trying to work out what you meant. Then I realised it wasn't a typo!

[@chappy2121]

As dreary as these are, I wouldn't mind a go in the v10 tdi version

[@MrMarkbrown218]

@@chappy2121 owned a remapped V10 for 2 years, words can't describe the power delivery on it. Regret selling it and now looking for another one