Volkswagen Touareg (2003 - 2009) 5.0 V10 TDI 5d Auto (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I enjoy life in the fast lane. That I am sensible enough to buy a luxury 4x4 that doesn't break down like it's UK rivals do.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone who has been in it can't believe it's a diesel. The power and torque are breathtaking. Neighbours love it. Nobody has mentioned green issues. It's as green as it can be for it's size and it's less polluting than a truck or bus and there's far more of those about that there are Touaregs!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. Why? Simply because it's one up on all of the other major 4x4's. Easily as comfortable, easily as well (if not better) built and more economical. I'd go for an Altitude model next though with a sunroof. I really miss the sunroof!

What are you likely to buy next?

Either the same car or if I had to change... absolutely HAD to.... I'd buy a Jaguar XJR and a cheaper 4x for the caravan. That's highly unlikely though. The Touareg is a hard act to follow.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£17,000

When did you buy the car?

December 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was purchased through a well known UK dealership who also had a luxury used car franchise. I don't believe I got a great deal as I paid top price for a car which although is in great condition for its year, it does have a few niggles and some wear that the dealer is not prepared to put right even though it is one of their 'approved' vehicles.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

To pull a caravan. Having seen 5th gear tow a 155 tonne jumbo jet with it, it seemed likely that it would have little issue with a 1.5 tonne caravan. Also didn't want to risk the reliability issuses with a Range Rover.

What was the dealer like?

Great at first, then after two weeks of buying the car they decided to close the franchise down that I purchased through. The warranty is still honoured by the main group, but the people who I dealt with were brilliant and now they have no jobs.

What's it like to drive?

Amazing! Power to pull a house down. Relentless pulling even from motorway speeds. If you floor the accelerator it sends your stomach rearwards. Very quiet on the road and very comfortable. Engine is smooth as a V8. Steering is electric and very light so you get no feedback from the road but in all honesty, that's a minor issue to me. Everything else more than makes up for it.

What's it like to park?

Easy as pie. Front and rear parking sensors, nearside mirror auto dips. Good visibility and I also have a reversing camera (only to ease hitching the caravan.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Oh yes. Nothing really major though. Air bag fault, keyless entry system not working. Car sometimes unlocks itself a few seconds after it has been locked. Badly misaligned xenon headlight which actually went through an MOT!!

What's most practical about your car?

Comfort, quietness, not bad on fuel for its weight and size. Plenty of cabin room and rear headroom and a good sized boot. Lift up rear windows is great too. Air suspension is very compfortable regardless of what Clarkson says about it.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Air suspension, cabin at night is like a 747 flight deck! Red lights everywhere. It's gorgeous. Factory fit sat nav is extremely outdated and poor. Have replaced mine already.