Should You Buy a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan? Thorough Review By A Mechanic

[@angelt4186]

Sorry to say but this review is well underrated. My wife has a 2022 Tiguan with just over 40k miles. Not a single problem. She loves this car so much she says next vehicle would be again VW. Best car ever we owned. Oil change is so easy. I do it every 5k miles for 20 minutes with NO mess. I'm telling you we have owned this car for almost 3 years. This is the best car of all cars that we had before (Ford, Kia, Subaru).

[@rickjohansson4257]

No car should have problems at 40k miles come back at 100000 miles and then speak.

[@mrbob9556]

@@rickjohansson4257 I have a 2019 Tiguan with 83k miles and not a single problem so far. The only real complaint is the plastic oil plug. Other wise it has being a very reliable car with a few long trips from Boston, New York and Florida. Fuel economy on the highway is around 30 mpg. My previous car was a Mazda Cx9 very unreliable lots of recalls and parts failure until the water pump leaked the coolant into the engine without a warning. That was at 100k miles.

[@marcelpatel9017]

VW at 40,000 miles is peanuts. It'll give problems at 100,000.

[@Tread1775]

@@marcelpatel9017 I used to drive 50-60K miles a year. Owned 20 VAG cars. Passats, Jetta’s, GTI, S3, and a 19’ Arteon SEL Premium AWD was the last new car. All my VAG cars were over 150K without issues. Change the oil @ 5K. There’s always people that criticize particular brands. There’s always people like me that have never had any issues. Be familiar with your car and what it’s telling you. I’d bet your car has others bad mouthing the manufacturer.

[@MrFlamingstick]

Audi/VW tech here, love the video, good overview. About the plastic oil pan/drain plug, VW and Audi do recommend replacing that drain plug every time you remove it, its essentially hand tight and I dont nornally see any problems with them unless the plug is not replaced. That being said, we are instructed to pretty much always extract the oil through the dipstick tube. Much quicker, less mess, and you dont have to replace the plug. For anyone servicing this at home I would recommend an oil extractor, makes it so you can do the change in 15 minutes or less with no mess!

[@victorbaird8220]

😂😊

[@GrumpyMonkey69]

I work as VW technician too.And we also extract the oil through the dipstick tube.

[@Mac-t4y]

Now you need buy a special tool for the oil change.

[@GrumpyMonkey69]

I work as a VW tech and we also drain the oil from the dipstick tube.

[@MrFlamingstick]

@@Mac-t4y No? It just makes things easier, but if you want to crawl around on the ground and do it "the old fashioned way" be my guest. Nothing stopping you from doing that.

[@AD-zy4qw]

I love your car reviews. Very thorough and detailed. Too many speak about design and drive but do not discuss the mechanics of the vehicle. Thank you. Keep it up.

[@arnoldm889]

His kids know they messed up bad when he says "thats' ok"

[@andrewkiyko7413]

Underrated 😆

[@leexu2073]

@@andrewkiyko7413that’s okay*

[@rjmari]

I see you got a D on your math test. That's okay.

[@RobertLizinski]

I get the feeling he doesn't like this car. I own one, and it's the most pleasant driving car I've ever had. It has an excellent German feel and fantastic gas mileage. It's one of the best cars I've ever owned.

[@AlsadsajsAlsadsajs-vl7th]

150k on a 2015 GTI with no issues. Previous Fords, Toyotas and Hondas could never make it a year without something breaking

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@RobertLizinski Guy is knowledgeable but his domain and biases are firmly in the Toyota camp

[@TKAT.]

Pointless comment when we don't know what cars you've driven or owned.

[@vr6cmkh668]

We got one in December 2018, SE 4motion it now has 88,000 miles. Nothing has gone wrong. It’s quiet and smooth. It always gets better gas mileage than what it’s rated for. The 4motion system works well in the snow with decent tires. Very comfortable. We are very pleased with the CUV. Sister got a 2018 Atlas a little over 200,000 miles. Nothing broke on it that wasn’t caused by external bashing into things. It smooth it’s quiet. Serving her well.

[@tomaskroupakkfoto4132]

200K on VW without issue...I do not believe it :)

[@vr6cmkh668]

@@tomaskroupakkfoto4132 It’s true they treated our family well. I forgot to mention my brother-in-law has a red 2012 Jetta with around 200,000 miles. The only things that have been changed are the oil, spark plugs, brakes, and tires. :)

[@tomaskroupakkfoto4132]

@@vr6cmkh668 wow…I had only issues with those junk moddrn VW´s as company car

[@legiox217]

checked

[@rjmari]

​@@vr6cmkh668 Should probably change the air filter, fuel filter, and coolant too.

[@rosslonewolf]

Queens of the Stone Age "In my head" on the infotainment system brought a big smile to my face! Thanks for the amazing content. You ROCK !

[@RubzNotNice]

WOW - thank you good sir for doing this review! Appreciate it!

[@Uskok7611]

That little door covering the emergency boot release is actually designed to hold a folding safety triangle, which is mandatory equipment in Germany.

[@janikakis]

guy's a Toyota fanboi

[@shannon4811]

This is probably the best car review I have ever seen! Very detailed and honest !!!

[@richardeckert1050]

110,000 miles and no issues. It is a gem of a vehicle, design, comfort and performance. It has been a very satisfying vehicle to own.

[@mdrlz]

how the hell have you done 110,000 miles in a 2024 Tiguan?

[@richardeckert1050]

@ 2017

[@cheeks3211]

@@richardeckert1050 I have a 2016, that had a turbo changed under warranty only has 64k, i baby it. hope to get to that 100k number.

[@wat7850]

Owned 2019 Tiguan. design and comfort were good, but performance? this is probably the weakest 2.0T you can find in market and gas mileage is not good consider the performance.

[@richardeckert1050]

@ mileage could be better, but we have found it to be terrible. Performance? In it’s class I think it is rather well rounded. For our driving habits it has been fantastic. We would purchase it again.

[@ThirdCoastGems]

2019 SEL Tiguan driver here, 49k miles, zero issues but a timing belt this year. Oil changes, filters, tire rotations: that's all folks!

[@westwasbest]

A timing belt at 49K?

[@914made2]

49,000 miles and you have to get a new timing belt? what do you mean zero issues?????

[@larrysimmons9732]

didn't realize a 2019 had a timing belt..

[@ghislainlussier5987]

Chain not belt

[@bck0001]

@@larrysimmons9732maybe euro market diesel or something

[@armaansandhu2610]

I have great respect for this guy. He is knowledgeable and knows what he is talking about for Toyota and Lexus. I am a Volkswagen guy and we have had VWs from mid 2000s till now. Currently we have 6 VWs in the family. Ranging for Generic MK6 Jetta to all the way up to speciality cars like Golf R. I love these cars, they make one of the most amazing cars and most well built cars of any manufacturer. Their attention to detail to tiny things is just amazing. There is a term and condition. Not every car they have ever made is the best. If you get the right car, you experience will be the best but if you get the wrong car, your experience will be bad. They are either super good or bad. They have no middle ground. Fortunately all my cars are well researched and I have never had a single issue with any of them. All of them, TDIs, MPIs, these 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 TSIs, we have had oil changes done at 10,000 miles. Not a single issue. Here is the catch, you DO NOT have to get your oil change done for these cars before 10,000 miles or 1 year. Here is a reason, VW do not just specify the oil grade and interval, in fact they only specify the spec of the oil and in newer cases, both spec and oil grade. Like my 2011-2013 Naturally aspirated cars call for VW.503 oil, which is either 5W-30 or 5W-40 and is fully synthetic. Depending on the region you’ll go the former or latter. New TSI calls for VW.508 and TDIs call for VW.507. These oils are expensive. Significantly more expensive than the regular full synthetic. That’s for a reason. They are well made oils and are designed and have additives for longevity and proper compatibility. The manual strictly says to only stick with the spec oil. Stick to the spec oil, it could be Mobil1, Castrol, Motul, whichever. But stick to the spec oil and OEM filter. Drive worry free for 10,000 miles. This is coming out of experience and volume of cars we have owned over the years. He is right, these engines had oil burning issues along with timing chain issues, water pump issues, carbon build up and then some. But they all were in its 1st and 2nd generation. The 3rd and 4th generation have proven to be very reliable with no issues. The plastic parts have also improved a lot more than the early 2010s. Also all these issues were related to the poor design and not due to the oil change interval. VW has been doing 10,000 miles oil change interval for the longest time now. Also this is not exactly a 2010s car. This generation of Tiguan is based on MQB platform and was release in 2018. Before that, the Tiguan was based on PQ platform. So it is not exactly an early 2010s car.

[@thesj2233]

He is not researching these cars well, we understand he is a specialist on Toyota/Lexus but he did nothing but repeat the tired old stories about German cars. Your info on the oil was interesting, I had no idea about that.

[@armaansandhu2610]

@@thesj2233 that's my problem with the reviews and reviewers. He actually did research a lot on drivetrain and I was surprised to see how accurate he is because nobody seems to know anything when they are "reviewing" cars. My problem is all the reviewers get these cars for a week, max, and just give out the old tired more than a decade old opinion and story on them. German cars aren't what they used to be. They are very different now a days. For over 15 years we have been following the recommended 10,000 miles oil change interval on all our cars. 0 issues. Some vehicles have been extensively used as delivery vehicles. We only have 2 Toyota cars and one has an interval of 5,000 miles and other had it for 7500 miles. Which we have been following from day 1 with no issues. When I came across this channel, I saw a theme of 5000 miles oil change no matter the car and recommendation. But I value his opinion so I started my own research. Sent many samples to the labs to see. All the companies that has started to do the 10000 miles oil change interval in the recent time has only started it to follow the trend without proper work. They do not have any oil spec mentioned. The synthetic oil that is used is just generic synthetic oil. It is cheaper and is not well built. The oil that VW/Audi and other Euro manufacturer ask for is more expensive and really too quality. This explained a lot. He is right about 5000 miles oil change on Toyota. And to be honest on most cars. But not on these. Their recommended oil is almost 1.5-1.75 times more expensive to be begin with. There is a good reason for that. It will last twice as much. Imagine paying 1.5-1.7 times for an oil change and getting it done every 5k miles. That will be expensive.

[@AD-zy4qw]

There is a difference in quality between German made and assembled VW and one assembled with some manufacturing in Mexico. They are not apples to apples equal.

[@Tebostang]

it shows he is a Toyota fan, that is fine but he should stick with Toyotas, rarely does he mention Toyota 2017 to 202 CVT problems. But he does do decent detail work.

[@alphadevyat]

The reason German manufacturers went with longer oil intervals is two fold. One is they include free service plan in the first four years so why would they service your car more. Second, used oil recycling in Europe is expensive so same thing, it’s cost driven. Specs aside, it’s about money. If you ever opened a motor that had 7k intervals vs 15k intervals you would know. And throw turbos into the mix here.

[@GTI_BOOZ]

Man I just bought a 2023 SEL R Line (which is kind of identical) and am in love with it, but this video was depressing because he’s nitpicking everything. What did a Tiguan do to you 😂 If you’ve had previous Volkswagens you will feel at home in this car

[@stevewise1656]

There's a lot to nitpick about VW's. He nitpicks many brands, because he's honest.

[@GTI_BOOZ]

@@stevewise1656 respect the feedback (still in love with it lol btw)

[@lsmith7155]

You seem very uncomfortable about the truth? That’s a huge problem with many of us Americans and honestly (no pun intended), exceptionally sad.

[@SsolteszZ]

I drove a Golf R for 8 years that had the same Engine style / Plastic Oil pan. It was a dream to change the oil on, the top mounted filter meant no mess and the plastic drain plug is actually single use so you just pop a new one in and it just clicks in with about a half turn using a flat head screwdriver.

[@stevo5976]

Same here with a GTI. Super easy. Oil filter in the bay. Never had a problem. This guy is very nit picky.

[@viacheslavkrasin3119]

@@SsolteszZ you right. This dude does not recognize the fact that on other cars when you are replacing a filter or draining an oil you are required to replace a gasket with/without a bolt. Usually, the bolt is not replaced and might be damaged due to the use of electric/pneumatic tools and cause oil leaks. It’s ok to have cast iron block as it’s turbo. I was in a situation to replace my coolant and arravide to gas station to buy a canister. The buddy on gas station picked one for me the most general with a words.. it’s ok. The canister does not said anything about VW. Under the hood I found that it has big letters stating : Please use G- something in pink color. Mine was a blue. I just rejected to buy given and headed to auto parts for the proper one. Of course if you are not feel the different , not reading manuals, trust plumbers for replacement of HVAC in your house.. VW is not for you but once most demanded Toyota trying to build something performance oriented like Supra they always get BMW parts.

[@jasonharris996]

Does that mean you have to order a new plug from the dealer at every change?

[@67daltonknox]

At $13.85 + tax + shipping, that ups the price of the oil change significantly.

[@arekf3470]

@@stevo5976He is extremely biased.

[@singular9]

The 8 Speed is in fact, an Aisin, its the same gear box as in the now discontinued Arteon.

[@UhOhUmm]

So this Tiguan is basically a Toyota.

[@richardclark5187]

Too bad it didn't have a Toyota Engine as well !!!

[@tomd5010]

@@UhOhUmm No, it’s a typically over engineered German nightmare. Toyota does own part of Aisin though.

[@gregrobsn]

Aisin transmission. I've got a 2021 and it has an Aisin transmission. I guess he was the only mechanic out there to not know that.😂

[@clauskohler7560]

VW has been offering the Aisin transmission for decades. I had a 2007 Passat with the 2.0T with 309,645 miles and original transmission.

[@OmarZ77]

Insane how quickly these vehicles are growing in size. In 2017 this would have been a Touareg.

[@alistairblaire6001]

Yeah there’s an arms race to build bigger and bigger vehicles. Driving a small car has become terrible because you can’t see anything around these giant vehicles.

[@UltimateBreloom]

​@@alistairblaire6001Result of poorly implemented regulations. CAFE regulations require less stringent fuel requirements with bigger size. Makes it less economical to build small cars.

[@cars291]

By price too if I am not mistaken

[@mtunofun1]

Interestingly, the short wheelbase version is available in the US as the Audi Q3. In Europe, it’s called the Tiguan Allspace.

[@whatchis1120]

@@OmarZ77 Unfortunately the tow capacity hasn’t, gotta spent almost 80k to get it from Audi. Plus the interior quality of yore, the leather smell that still lingers 7 years later.

[@bmanz8117]

I love my 2023 Tiguan, SE R Line Black. I like the minimal frills on the interior. It's perfect, functional, and the ambient lightening is nice. The exteriir is beautiful from all angles.

[@Reza-xh7vk]

Transmission is Aisin. Same company that supplies transmissions to Toyota/Lexus.

[@lezha123]

My Tiguan 2016 went 235000km without a single issue. Only the consumable things. I now have the 2023 Tiguan Allspace 2.0 turbo Diesel. So far, 35.000, no issues. I hope will live the same as my old one. Whatever VW did to you my friend, the German build one is the best. Worth for the money.

[@DH-og5yr]

If you have a diesel you’re prob in Europe. If you’re in Europe you don’t get winter. So sure, your car lasted awhile, great.

[@charlesspillar6934]

My 2019 Tiguan with 100K miles has been very reliable. Even more reliable during the first 100K than previous Toyotas and Hondas I have owned. There were a couple of minor sensor issues early on that were covered under warranty. Other than that, just normal consumables.

[@faheemabbas3965]

Same here. 2018 Atlas with 83k miles. 2.0T. Amazing SUV. Just a tire pressure sensor problem and nothing else.

[@legiox217]

I'm considering buying a 2024 SE R line black Tiguan, what do you think?

[@thelemonpepperdon]

@@Pamlicojdjdj1487he is calling trash for what it is TRASH..... Stop getting in your feelings because you feel the need to defend your purchase from a multi billion dollar corporation that has taken a nose dive in quality.

[@persaifi]

i work on them every day. it is a aisin transmission.

[@whatchis1120]

Yeah VW has been using Aisin and ZF Transmissions for decades, part of the reason you don’t see too many with faulty ones. We have a ‘19 Tiggy, ‘22 Taos, ‘13 Passat tdi, and the most German acting ‘17 Touareg. None have had mechanical issues even the 2 with over 100k miles. The Touareg is probably the most expensive vehicle we have ever owed or maintained just for basic maintenance. We enjoy them and they hold up if you maintain them and can afford too. 2-4x what the car cost is what I go by for a German car.

[@michalsvihla1403]

Interesting fact, they only use torque converter autos in US and Australian markets (as far as I know). The whole European market gets their in-house DSGs (Dual-clutch automatics), which are arguably less reliable.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@michalsvihla1403 Less reliable? Evidence? VAG makes the best and most reliable DSGs in the industry but you have to properly service them at 30K-40K intervals. Most people neglect maintenance and this how the end up with premature failures.

[@michalsvihla1403]

@@Pamlicojdjdj1487 I can't post links here, but it's common knowledge that the smaller DQ200 box with dry clutches is prone to premature wear and often needs clutch replacement at 80-100kkm, which is very expensive. They're also known to be jerky at slow speeds. The bigger DQ381 box with wet clutches is reliable from what I've read, but it's only used in engines with >250Nm, so only 2.0 TDI 110kW and up and 2.0 TSI engines. My source is the czech journalist Martin Vaculík and the magazine "Svět Motorů" that he writes for.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@michalsvihla1403 I truly appreciate your reply. Yes the DQ200 with dry clutches very problematic indeed. My 2 VWs have the DQ381 with wet clutches. I have been advised to service it at 30K-40K mile intervals.

[@michalsvihla1403]

@@Pamlicojdjdj1487 Yeah, just make sure to change the oil in the transmission at regular intervals (I don't remember what the interval is right now). VW claims that the transmission oil is lifetime, but that isn't true and it needs to be changed regularly due to particles that wear off of the clutches. Unless you run into some unexpected issues with the mechatronics the DQ381 is all good.

[@andyk6796]

I have a 2019 Tiguan and got the APR software flash. Made a nice difference in acceleration and performance. Would recommend for anyone who owns one of these, otherwise the engine output is somewhat disappointing for a 2.0 turbo.

[@thebigskyguy]

I own a 2021 Tiguan SEL and it's close to 70k mileage. So far no issues. No reason to trade in for 2025, not a fan of the changes.

[@TonyC300]

I have a 2015 VW Jetta SE 1.8T with 170K Miles. My car started eating oil at 80K Miles. Then I switched to CASTROL EDGE Full Synthetic and Never eats oil anymore. I ONLY get oil changes every 10K Miles as recommended and both dealer and independent shop agree my car is in top shape. Now I only Use Castrol Edge in All my Cars! My 2013 Prius with 280K Miles, Castrol Edge quite the engine and seams like it has more power!!! Mobile 1 was horrible in my opinion. All my cars drank that like gasoline. It wasn't till Castrol Edge that oil consumption stopped cold turkey! Btw, 2025 is when VW will bring the new redesigned Tiguan (we'll see if that timeline matches). A much needed replacement for sure! Great review as always!!!

[@calokraine5901]

So u r saing that if I switch from Mobile 1 to Castrol Edge oil in my 2012 prius it will stop drinking oil 😮 ?!

[@punishthemeatpocket]

Been using Mobil One in all my Toyotas for years now. No oil consumption.

[@I_know_what_im_talking_about]

@@calokraine5901- try different oils and find out that works best in your POS engine. 😂👍🏼 Try the new Valvoline Restore & Protect that just came out. It’s advertised to Clean the piston rings to help with oil burning.

[@TonyC300]

@@punishthemeatpocket , Try Castrol Edge, you will get better power and quieter engine. You can easily tell the Horrible difference with Pennzoil Platinum, Mobile 1 and others. Doesn't hurt to try. I was initially skeptical until I read articles about Castrol Edge performing better.

[@82dupont]

This is spot on comment about oil. My 4Runner sounded like valves needed adjustment with Mobil1, I switched to Castrol and the engine is a lot quieter and smoother.

[@cars291]

One thing Id like to add about the interior: it is very nice to not have the generally pointlessly huge centet screens there. Btw The fake gages are there because they do the work and might as well be real gages.

[@damienmb88]

The (unfortunate) point of the huge new protruding screens is so they're easier to use...because they replaced most of the physical knobs & buttons. I wish they hadn't in the first place, but once they committed to that decision they compensated by making the touchscreens larger and closer to the driver.

[@stan916]

@@damienmb88 Replace "easier" with "cheaper" and you got it.

[@elijahanderson1331]

The oil drain plug is pretty clever really. Most cars you need to replace the metal ones each oil change and risk stripping it out, whereas VW thought ahead and made a plug that snaps in to eliminate that risk, and ifnyou replace them every oil change they wont leak

[@anibalcarbonell5818]

It is an Aisin, most VW’s use Aisin’s. I don’t like the plastic oil pan but it is, the plug is one time use, it is like a click on bolt with o-ring. BTW, it is not a 2010, new platform came out in 2016, here in USA since 2018. The door on the gate also holds an emergency triangle.

[@Sanitytrain]

Great offering! I really trust CCN as he is a legitimate expert with loads of hands on experience. I buy cars more based on what is underneath them, how well they are built from body protection really matters in the rust belt. VW is still building some great stuff-Change your oil-now!

[@BamaMark]

I LOVE when AMD says “It’s very interesting “. 🤣🤣

[@MichaelSwanson-j9l]

We have a 2018 Tiguan. 68,000 miles. No problems. We do change engine oil every 5,000 miles. 36-40 mpg on highway trips. Ours doesn’t burn oil, either. We feel we made a great choice! Likely will buy another when we replace this one.

[@alb0zfinest]

68k is nothing yet to have any major problems. Even one of the least reliable cars the grand Cherokee you typically won't have major problems till you hit 100k.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@alb0zfinest😂

[@Fiandrea9]

I have a 2016 VW Jetta SE TSI with 117,800 miles and no issues. I do oil changes every 10,000 miles or six months, usually right around the 10k mark. I’ve never had any major problems-no check engine light, just the gas light and tire pressure light occasionally. I can’t say the same for my 2018 Toyota Camry SE, though.

[@jeffkatt]

Same here! 2018 Tiquan. We got it when it was 5yrs old with 26,000 miles! No problems so far. 🙏🏾

[@MichaelSwanson-j9l]

@@alb0zfinest well, when we get to 100K miles with zero issues, I’ll get back with you. We’re at 72K miles now…

[@OscarGomez-hx8zc]

Our 2013 Tiguan has been one of the best cars I have ever owned, still drive it every day and it only has 49 thousand original miles…😊

[@lukeav6097]

why are you so biased?

[@SpectralBloo]

Why didn't you use the ratcheting function of the armrest? It raises and you wouldn't fall off. Those armrests never rattle BTW, we have an old A3 where the plastic piece broke off and 10 years on, no rattles.

[@rudolphna54]

US market VWs don't get ratcheting armrests anymore.

[@insanegixxerdude486]

its an assen 8 speed torque converter trans. very simpe and reliable if serviced on time. Amd, you can't accidentaly open the hood while driving because the door card blocks the hood lever movement when the driver door is closed. As for the oil pan drain plug. The dealer vaccuum out the oil from the dipstick..I do the same at home. It's designed to be down that way and i can confirm it gets more of the oil out this was than draining from the bottom as theres a few mm of depth from the bottom edge of the pan to the lower edge of the drain plug. The pan used to be stamped steel however it would develop leaks and so the moved to a gasket plastic pan and leaks have been reduced. Most owners can buy the skid plate cover from the alltrack since its' the same MQB platform to protect the plastic pan from impacts.That little door on the tailgate hides the manual release, but is also where you keep the road hazard triangle that is required in parts of europe to be equiped with.

[@whitelotus1594]

The electric steering and turbo on my 2011 SE, both went out at 65K. The entire steering rack needed to be replaced, about $4K, which was about what that thing was worth on a trade in. Despite only taking super unleaded and getting crappy gas mileage, I really liked the car and would have considered another if the repair history was different.

[@stevo5976]

@whitelotus1594 a 2011 yeah those are VWs dark days where they where pretty unreliable. Since about 2015 or so the gen 3 and gen 4 engines are alot more reliable.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@stevo5976 Yeah I would argue VWs Dark era was from about 1997-8 to 2014

[@kr63]

YES is the only answer. Go for it. You’ll be pleased.

[@loufrank2518]

just got a new sel rline love the interior have to disagree hate the new design love this look so much better

[@boricua4052]

You explain everything so precisely yet easy to comprehend.

[@mattforner]

I appreciate that Volkswagen makes cars with the recognition that Americans are larger people. I actually really like other SUVs in the category like the Mazda CX-5, which you recently reviewed, but it just feels cramped in comparison. So, I end up feeling like I have to make a trade-off. I wish there was a mid-size SUV that is both spacious/comfortable AND reliable!

[@vwbora26]

This Tiguan is built in Mexico, that's why that sealer is weirdly applied. Oil consumption has been fixed now with redesing piston rings. Plastic parts like the pan and covers are not really an issue.

[@simul8guy75]

The wheel lug bolt caps are black. The bolts are not. The wheels on this Tiguan are black. Therefore, the black lug bolt caps ensure the gloss black wheels don't have silver lug bolts to ruin the visual effect. The tool to remove the lug bolt caps is located in the trunk with the jack assembly.

[@I_know_what_im_talking_about]

OR… now bear with me here… They could have PAINTED THE LUGS BLACK to match the wheels and be like every other normal auto-manufacturer with exposed lug nuts. 😒

[@simul8guy75]

@I_know_what_im_talking_about - paint which will flake off gradually when the wheels are rotated and the tires eventually replaced. The black plastic caps are much easier and less expensive to replace than black painted lug bolts. BTW, unless the lug bolts are made of stainless steel they will eventually corrode. The black plastic caps hide the corrosion.

[@sonofrobert]

I like the bolt caps on my Sportwagon. It's a nice clean look and they pop of super easy. I just take them off before the shop rotates and I put them back on after I re-torque the lugs.

[@boricua4052]

You are a pro when it comes to car reviews man. Gracias. 🙏

[@David_Denali]

Wish u reviewed more brands like Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover and Aston Martin

[@Subie-Driver]

Appreciate the honesty on this vehicle. My last VW was 2004 TDI wagon. It was bulletproof…went 13 years and 300,000km. After that…the lack of reliability drove me away from VW.

[@bradh6185]

I met a guy recently who was driving a TDi Jetta with 600,000 miles on it. It may have been a 2004 as well. I was very impressed.

[@damienmb88]

Given the warranty is 5 years and the complexity of modern cars, 13 years of "bulletproof" reliability sounds pretty good. 300,000km is a lot of wear and tear on any non-commercial vehicle. But sure, European cars are generally not "built for life".

[@kurtweakland6485]

As a huge fan of yours, I respect this review. We own a 2019 Tiguan, came with a 6yr/72k mile warranty. Loved it while it lasted. Have had some issues, but all covered under warranty. Now, a couple things to note, contrary to your review. Changing oil is a breeze and super simple with the plastic drain plug and easy oil filter location in engine bay. Driving is very quiet and smooth and the AWD is second to only an Audi in my opinion and third is Subaru. Comes in handy in Iowa. Interior is simple and straight foward in our 2019. Dials all around, not inspiring but simple and easy to use. Back seat is large in space. Option 3rd row is availble as well. Overall, if you don't have oil burning issues, it can be a very reasonable offering in the busy SUV midsize market. My order is, Toyo, Subaru, Honda, then VW. VW being the best value option especially in the S Model. Cheers and thank you for another review.

[@nobatteriesincluded3968]

The new Tiguan is out already it’s has all the right upgrades can’t wait til we get it here in 🇺🇸 2 kinds of cars in the world VW……and the rest 😁yes it’s an aisin trans from 🇯🇵 same one Lexus and Acura uses in many of their cars cool review 💯

[@amird7949]

No issues whatsoever I have 178000 miles, no issues.

[@BigCarKilla]

It 100% is an Aisin transmission. They use the same transmission in front wheel drive for the entry level golf in Australia, in lieu of dry-clutch dsg.

[@doktorra]

Another great review! I have a 2.0 Tdi 2023 European version and I completely agree with all the findings of the vlogger. Respect.....!

[@PeterFlyntz]

I have been following your channel for years and have picked my last 2 on your recommendation. Last year you reviewed at the Jeep Wrangler I would love you to review the full size Ford Bronco. Thanks for all the hard work.

[@mm2024-7]

I am currently renting one of these now. Gotta say I’m completely impressed by the ride quality and fuel consumption aspects as well as the comfort quality. Gotta say, when you dove deeper into the engine compartment, it kind of threw me back. Also, a lot of shortcuts that need to be strengthened and improved on this car. Was considering maybe buying one in the future. I would like them to fix all the flaws in it strength wise, and maybe relocate the water pump hoses.

[@vovakovtun]

The latch on the interior of the hatch door is designed to hold a foldable roadside emergency triangle. part #: 000093055AA

[@imgee7620]

Another great review. Your tech reviews, with pro and cons of the vehicles, make your online reviews the best. No b.s. “always glowing” reviews like others. God bless..

[@robotech1990]

The only thing i like about Volkswagen is that they said they no longer believe in full electric cars by 2030. And together with other EU car manufacturers theY SHUT the door to the politicians . How long will they last? I don't know. But they sent the right message.

[@beefbottom]

I have a 2018 Tiguan with 56,000 miles. Haven't had any issues yet...I have the 3rd row and it comes in handy with shuttling kids around occasionally. I've gotten 36 mpg on the highway and it is actually a fun car to drive handling wise. Engine could use more power though. As for the oil drain plug...it gets changed every oil change so yeah not really seeing the issue.

[@stevepalincsar4273]

Mirror defrost on the mirror control on the 2024 Tiguan is identical to the mirror control on my 2017 Golf Alltrack. It works fine. The spot on the steering wheel housing with the plastic plug where the key used to go contains the sensor where you touch the key if you're having key battery issues; again, identical to my 2017 Golf Alltrack.

[@23kamyar]

Great video!👍 happy you are reviewing german cars also!

[@ramijundi3349]

181000 miles no problems on a similar generation 2018 Tiguan. Just maintenance

[@barrymoore9061]

Wish it was a tdi. Our sportwagen is a tdi and we love it.

[@woodensailone]

Longevity!, I agree. I run my cars form 20 plus years. 250 k miles

[@Sanitytrain]

VW is a master at avoiding self promotion. They build good stuff, and make damn sure not to talk about it.

[@Jjplaytime04]

Your video is always, for a lack of a better word, very detailed!

[@dsk-xx]

Your tone speak it all.

[@Tread1775]

23:29 That’s where the key can be programmed.✌️

[@letsgettropical2347]

Your roasts are top notch!

[@shawndonnelly862]

We just purchased a used ‘21 Tiguan as a second vehicle. I really like the spartan, utilitarian feel of it. The seating space is very nice. It drives fine for our needs. This is our fourth VW and first non-TDI. VW’s are what they are, with many head scratching design choices, the Tiguan seems to follow right along with all the other VW idiosyncrasies. My experience with VW is to fix things completely and correctly, and don’t trash them when driving. Oh, and make sure to put a metal belly pan on them. Do that and they should give good service.

[@roberto_88]

Volkswagen, at least in Europe, has one big advantage over japanese cars. It doesn't rust. German automakers considered the fact that car may be used outside. So the choice is obvious after the years.

[@TassieLorenzo]

It's a pro AND a con though. By spending more on the body (which is great, I do admit), they spend less money on mechanical parts and electrical parts (doesn't help further that VW tended to prefer overcomplicated designs like the 1.4 Twin-charger, so you have a complicated engine made cheaply). Japanese cars are the other way around -- cheap paint and body quality, but usually better quality metallurgy, rubbers and plastics in mechanical and electrical parts (at least in Toyota/Honda/Suzuki/Mazda) and more simple designs. It depends what your preferences are. 🙂

[@kary44448]

Can you make a review about Tiguan 2025

[@V10PDTDI]

I love you the car care nut but you said a few time 2010’s design but here in North America this second generation Tiguan came out in 2018 so for 7 years this is a normal cycle for VW the first generation lasted 9 years I work on VW as a Independent shop and I’m pretty sure that the transmission is from ASIN so now on your criticisms first I have been working on Volkswagen for more than 30 years and I have never replaced a plastic oil pans on any of these engines 1.8 and 2.0 models and the drain plug is supposed to be replaced every oil change specified by the manufacturer the only thing I see is the rubber gasket seems to leak oil after a while and the comment about the metal oil pan VW never had any plastic transmission oil pans and yes they don’t have any transmission dip stick actually since 1996 I have replaced a lot of metal and aluminum and steel oil pans due to rust or in the case of the aluminum breaking on older km4 Golf and Jetta.

[@damienmb88]

Appreciate your knowledge of the mechanics. However, a 2015 design is a 2015 design, no matter how long it took to arrive in the US market. Like the uploader, other Americans can look up and compare (on paper) the new Tiguan already being sold elsewhere, further dating the 2nd Gen in their minds. As much as the 3rd gen is a step backwards in some design aspects.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@damienmb88 well big difference as the MK1 Tiguan rode on the PQ35 platform and the MK2 is on the far superior MQB platform. The current MK3 Tiguan rides on the MQB ‘EVO’ platform.

[@Youtubeduude]

The 8-speed has an internal vw code but it’s an aisin awf8f

[@MonkeyEmpires]

If your engine has a stumble or unexplained misfire on or around cylinder 3, replace the plastic PCV hose he pointed out.

[@jdub976]

The guy I work with has one of these. Little over 20k says he's burning a bunch of oil already. Nice looking car but this one would be a pass for me. Thank you for the review. These reviews are the best.

[@stevo5976]

@jdub976 it's the same engine as a GTI I believe. Mine never burned oil but I changed at 5k not that ridiculous 10k so yeah it's probably thinning out and burning.

[@faymetcall7286]

Note: the 12-volt DC plug adapter is highly useful to the Amateur Radio operators that use the plug for powering a mobile radio transceiver. Without these old technology adapter plugs, they need to drill through the firewall to the engine compartment and run a fused 14-guage electrical wire lead to source power from the vehicle's 12-volt battery. USB-C power sources will not provide enough ampere load capability to operate a typical 15-amp/65-watt or greater, VHF ham radio transceiver. Likewise for the Family Radio Service (FRS) mobile transceiver operators & their families members whom find an alternative backup to cellular telephone service a good tool for their disaster plan kit. And while I'm on the radio usefulness stump: AM broadcast radio stations are superior for range & distance coverage than FM broadcast stations; especially at the Inter-mountain regions of the Western U.S.. So EV automobiles lacking AM broadcast reception (most of them) are a liability for receiving severe weather or disaster information. Yes, cellular internet service has that information too, plus video, until it is hacked, or if you enter a no cell service area during your travels.

[@TheRebuilt1]

choose good oil on these turbo VW/Audi engines. Low Naoac Volatility (9% or lower)is key along with good viscosity and flash point. I like Amsoil and Valvoline as top tier quality synthetics. Water pumps on the older (2018

[@mehrajmohan173]

Ur right it's an Aisin seiki transmission made by Toyota 😊

[@samastra1066]

I love this channel! Please make a review of the VW Taos

[@Mirror1973]

I love my Tiguan ❤

[@MarcBookPro]

My girlfriend recently bought a 2024 Jetta Sport with manual transmission. I did a break-in oil change at 800 miles and her oil pan and drain bolt were metal. The Jetta's 1.5T engine is newer than the EA888, so hopefully they are transitioning back to metal.

[@sonofrobert]

Weird my '15 Sportwagon was broken in at factory. Just told not to use cruise and vary the rpms all over until the valves seated properly. I forget how many miles that was for. Was it 3 or 5k.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Tiguan uses the older EA888 gen 3 engine. MK8 GTI/Golf R, 2022-23 Arteon and 2024+ Atlas all use the latest EA888 gen 4 engine. Go look at it and let us know.

[@Lwatcher-t9o]

Fun fact, many times I wondered "how much I wish AMD was around doing reviews in 2016 and reviewed a VW Jetta just to learn his thoughts about it " 😂😂😂, it happens that I have a 2016 Jetta that is almost the same overall than this Tiguan engine and outside wise so they've not changed much in 10 years, also always wondered about that cosmetic finishing looking like sloppy repairs 😂😅, still a decent daily car as long a you do maintenance 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@ajett5081]

Just ask where it is assembled. That will answer the question of the finish in the body.

[@thinkinginpictures4071]

I've never driven a VW before. In the market for a car, so I test drove a Taos this weekend. I really liked it. Excellent space on the inside and the overall design is attractive. Went home and read up on the car. Looks like the 1.5T has had a lot of head gasket issues and the rear brakes are notorious for wearing out before 20k. Constant coolant leaks. Such a shame. Now watching this video...nope. VW is off my list.

[@stevo5976]

@thinkinginpictures4071 yes 1.5T is new. Get a 2.0T vehicle much more reliable they are in the 3rd and 4th generation

[@bonnpoland]

Great review! I actually prefer the "dated" infotainment system, as it is smaller. The EU version with that huge screen would be an immediate turn-off for me. I really hope car manufacturers get back to smaller screens and manual controls. Not only is it safer, but it just looks and feels better. It's insane how in the U.S. we had a HUGE push to outlaw texting/handheld phone use while driving... to the point where a lot of laws were passed, signage on the highways, etc.... only for car manufacturers to put these huge screens in cars. And some of which you have no choice but to use to adjust air, volume, wipers... whatever. I'll be happy to buy a new car when the trend has reversed and we get back to more sensible designs. I digress.

[@Gary7even]

My theory on why VW (and others) have started hiding the exhaust outlets: DI engine produce so much visible soot that the bumpers and exhaust finishers stay dirty looking. Hiding the exhaust outlets does away with that issue.

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

I definitely think that’s it too

[@wildfyre116]

It’s also cheaper to just shorten the tail pipes and aim them down. Less material, and no machining for cut outs in the bumper. “Win-win” but it does feel weird.

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

Saw a Subaru ascent earlier on the driveway some black smoke came out of it having a 2.4 turbo direct injected for sure the cause

[@coolmike41]

i agree with you. i have a tiguan and it burns oil (within manufacturer spec). can only imagine how dirty it would look if it wasnt pointed down like we have

[@rudolphna54]

Interestingly enough that doesn't seem to be the case with the new 1.5TSI. I have 33k on my 2022 Taos with that EA211 1.5 and the exhaust is as clean as a whistle, not even a tiny bit of soot. I'm not sure exactly how they've managed that but I haven't seen a tailpipe this clean since my last port injection engine car

[@rocketman3158]

Love VW and FIAT! Great engineering and styling. Also reliable if you do proper maintenance.

[@aarc2010]

european driver here. about exhaust pipe - the logic is simple - if you don’t see the pipe, then it does not exists, isn’t it? :-) no exhaust pipe - no exhaust gases, no smoke, no pollution. and moreover, let’s remove engine type letters from the back of the car - no letters - no engine, right? 🤦‍♂️

[@CJ-ui4tg]

Modern problems....modern solutions 😂

[@BruceLeedar]

I think also that DI engines can put soot on the tail pipe which is considered unsightly and they want to hide that.

[@ezustnyil8414]

I think its an EU rule for diesel cars to point their exhaust toward the ground so the harmful gases dont hurt the pedestrians in the city. (in summer the super hot road surface will just send them right back..) Not sure why this is on gasoline cars too.

[@ADa89mixus]

If there isn't an exhaust you can fool others it's a much more expensive EV

[@Sanitytrain]

Oh come on! It's still obviously non EV as it's not on fire.

[@reynaldocordero4247]

The unknown named tranmission from Asia you referenced. It's from the Toyota Lexus brand. I read somewhere it's the Lexus RX tranmission.

[@thesj2233]

The brand is Aisin, shocking that AMD didn't know something that will known when doing a mechanical breakdown.

[@reynaldocordero4247]

@@thesj2233 Right

[@reqhart]

Love these review videos! Keep it up.

[@arevee9429]

The interior may be showing its age, but it still looks OK. And it has a real shifter, not some silly knob or buttons.

[@saraaronzon4562]

Exactly!

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@arevee9429 I would argue the MK7 and 7.5 interiors are peak VW

[@72MQuinn]

The engine is the EA888.2b Its a Budack cycle (modified Miller Cycle) The transmission is an Aisin 8 speed, just like the Tiguan make 1 was the 6 speed Aisin version. As a VW technician I would highly recommend oil changes at 5k miles with spec oil. The problem with this vehicle simply is the engine. It was simply geared for efficiency, unlike other VW engines, At 184hp it actually at the max of operating performance. They do have problems due to 10k oil changes with valve stems, valve guides causing burning oil. Another becoming common problem is the PCV valve that is on the valve cover. unlike the old ones that fail an create a vacuum leak, this one fails by putting boost into the valve cover, blowing that upper timing cover seal, to blowing off the oil pan under boost. I also Hate the steering wheel haptic buttons.

[@connorwutzke]

Would the Apr tune on this essentially get rid of the budack cycle making it a more traditional EA888 ? Thanks

[@72MQuinn]

@connorwutzke no, it's mechanically always a B cycle be design. The APR and Unitronic tunes just time it for some more boost. They only offer a stage one due to the limitations of the b cycle engine.

[@connorwutzke]

@@72MQuinn Thanks for the info.

[@connorwutzke]

@@72MQuinn Is this engine similar in reliability to the Standard EA888 gen 3 ? Or does the b cycle open up a can of worms per say ? I think it’s just different cam timing on the inlet valves right. Other than that it’s essentially same block same turbo and everything

[@72MQuinn]

@@connorwutzke It's designed to be fuel efficient at its core, this over performance. It has smaller main bearings, less friction piston rings, different pistons, smaller timing chain thickness, and a host of other fuel efficiency saving changes. Is it reliable? Not exactly, one of the fuel saving things was smaller valve stems, which are causing less surface area which is causing the valves to wear out the guides causing oil consumption issues. The heads for these engines are on backorder due to this problem. Also the AIR injection system on these causing a P0491 causing an insufficient secondary air flow code. It is due to carbon building up causing the blockage. The only real way to fix it is to pull the head and have the AIR chambers cleaned. Another problem, huge problem is when the PCV valve fails on these it induces boost pressure going into the crankcase causing oil leaks, and even blowing out the plastic oil pan due to the excessive pressure. So in reality this engine shares very little parts to the EA888.3 that is in the MK7 GTI engine.

[@TheTubaMan2]

I have had two VWs. Both were rock solid and reliable... BUT heed this man's warning and change the oil at 5k, not the 10k they (at least did) say. If you don't, it will not be a good car in the long term. These EA888 engines have a plethora of parts that NEED good oil to function, and they tend to get fuel dilution in the oil BEFORE the oil change interval unless you do them twice as often. Plastic oil pans on both of mine were great. Drain plugs didn't strip because they take very little force to tighten (rubber gasket on plug). Could do an oil change with nothing more than a flathead screwdriver and a big socket in under 10 minutes in my garage.

[@ItsAlive111]

So… a cheap used one would be a good buy for a handy DIYer? I’m talking about oil changes, starter replacement, PCV replacement, transmission fluid drain/refills, brake pads/rotors replacement, brake fluid flushing, radiator replacement level of DIYer… I guess walnut blasting would a skill needed for this DIYer owner

[@chrisb9478]

Also, it has a plastic oil pan & plastic drain plug. Use caution changing oil, change it about every 6k miles & buy a new drain plug about every other oil change. VW even sells a little tool to turn it so you don’t turn it with a big flathead screwdriver.

[@georgeburns7251]

Does seem like this is a car for anyone to own. Lease then dispose of of.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@chrisb9478 You can get a steel oil pan if you prefer! It's a good car for DIY, but will (likely) need more of this DIY than a comparable Honda CR-V.

[@bck0001]

Yeah it’s easy diy vs many other options. My MK 7 gti was the easiest car I’ve owned for oil changes. Replace the drain plug every change, super easy and cheap, don’t have to mess with washers like a normal one. And oil filter access easy.

[@youareinflames]

Please review more vw please, like more selling jetta Gli, Gti and even Taos. You’re review really shines lot of light

[@andrewchaviano3477]

Please review the Ford Escape PHEV! Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@LionRunner]

Can't wait for a similar Merc GLC300 review.

[@YourFriendCole]

Please do a Golf R soon 🙏🏻

[@garyduensing3495]

Nice video!! I like the cast iron block! But I agree about the oil pan😢

[@jeffc651]

I’m currently leasing a 2024 R Line and overall like the car. We have issues with the throttle response and Bluetooth dropping all the time.

[@jamesmcfadyen7547]

I have just joined your channel.Excellent stuff.

[@mannyb8056]

I see an exhaust fumes recall in the future for this car.