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JFScheck · 01-31-2014, 06:39 PM

Here is the link --> http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...els-61931.html <-- minus the pictures as I deleted them off of my web site, will look to see if I have them still if you need them...

Erik Olson · 02-01-2014, 10:52 AM

Thanks again!

GettinAway · 02-09-2014, 06:16 AM

This thread caught my attention, because I'm not a big believer in having to own and maintain a big truck to pull our 23FB. We use a Toyota Landcruiser now, and it does ok. It handles the load fine, but it's mileage is poor, and that translates to the range being pretty limited. I was thinking the Touareg might be the answer, but I'm not sure. I went to a few Touareg forums, and now I'm a bit concerned. I'm used to a Toyota, just keep up with routine maintenance and drive it forever. There seems to be a bit more involved with keeping the diesel Touareg on the road. Suspect diesel, additives, etc..
How long have you all run your Touaregs without major expenses? 200,000+ miles? It sure seems like a ideal solution to me.
Jeff

GettinAway · 02-12-2014, 06:01 AM

I hate it when I kill threads.. I'm going to look at a 2010 TDI today. Meet with the service manager, I've got a three page check list from the Club Touareg Forum. Hopefully all recalls have been completed etc..
My biggest concern is still the long term reliability of a VW. I would need to run it up to at least 250,000 miles. (It has 40,000 on it now)
Really, any input on reliability would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff

TinLoaf · 02-12-2014, 07:09 AM

The modern 3.0 liter V6 diesel Touareg has only been around for about 6 years and statistically, there aren't that many on the road. Even fewer towing. I'm sure a few people have broken 100,000 but I'm not sure about 200,000.

I have a 2010 TDI with 55,000 miles, 25,000 miles of those towing. Reliability has been spotless.

I had the transmission fluid changed at 40,000 miles and voiced my concern about my hard towing miles stressing the transmission. The mechanic saved me a jar of the fluid to show me it was in beautiful condition with no scorching. That eased my mind for sure.

Maintenance is not cheap. Just the oil alone for the 10,000 mile oil changes is $91.

The TDI has 19 inch wheels with fairly soft, sporty rubber. There are only about eight choices. My first set of Goodyear Eagles lasted 31,000 miles. The second set of Continental Extreme Contact DWS have a higher treadwear rating, but they're still going to need to be replaced before next winter, and they were $1,300!!!

I bought a set of 18 inch Touareg rims on eBay and will be using those next time. The 18 inch size opens up a huge variety of tires with higher mileage ratings and at a more reasonable prices.

My next big expense will probably be brakes. It's expensive, but at the same time, the Touareg is the first vehicle I've ever owned that didn't have trouble with warping rotors. Well worth it.

If you're looking for a reliable vehicle that's cheap to maintain, go with your Toyota. In my case, owning one Touareg is far cheaper than when I owned both a car for commuting AND a truck for towing.

A word of warning... don't test drive that Touareg if you're not willing to buy it. Once you drive it you'll be in love.

GettinAway · 02-13-2014, 04:26 AM

I drove a 2009 yesterday. Very nice ride. Couldnt come to terms with the dealer. Im not in a huge hurry, ive actually got four or five years before retirement, and a lot more time traveling. The touareg does seem like the perfect tow vehicle though.

ALANSD · 02-13-2014, 06:39 AM

read up on the 2010 and later they have some issues which Andrew T mentions, not makng them so great.

Ozark10 · 02-13-2014, 09:38 AM

Jeff,
We're Toyota fans and have nearly identical rig to yours except that our TV is a 2008 Land Cruiser (200 series). We bought ours used a couple years ago and it's our second LC. As you're probably aware the 200 series comes with the 5.7L V8 and plenty of torque. GVWR of 7275 lbs, GCWR of 15,775 lbs, 8500 lb tow capacity. Like you say, towing mileage not too great at 9.5 to 11mpg typically. We use a Hensley Cub hitch. I wish Toyota imported their diesel version LC.
Patrick

GettinAway · 02-14-2014, 04:38 AM

Patrick,
Ours is a 08 also. I also think I get the same mileage. We've pulled the 23FB around Lake Superior and out to Estes Park and back, no issues.
It's just with a 22 or 24 gal fuel capacity, pulling the trailer, I start looking for my next fuel stop when I leave the station.
I'd like to go to Alaska with it when I retire. I'm not sure 200 mile range would cut it up there. Plus fuel costs would be huge. We do love our LCs though. The 08 is actually our 4th.

GettinAway · 02-14-2014, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

read up on the 2010 and later they have some issues which Andrew T mentions, not makng them so great.

The 09 I drove was in perfect shape, it only had 47K miles. It did have the 19" wheels and they had taken some serious curb shots. I was amazed at the power and quiet of the TDI.

JFScheck · 02-14-2014, 09:33 AM

My 2009 Touareg TDI, other than a radiator replacement at 20K miles, was flawless and the engine had plenty of Oompf to tow my 25FB Classic up and over all sorts of mountains and valleys.

The Audi has the same engine (as does now the Cayenne) - have heard no issues!

mojo · 02-14-2014, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

read up on the 2010 and later they have some issues which Andrew T mentions, not makng them so great.

Can you be more specific? links?

Erik Olson · 02-16-2014, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojo

Can you be more specific? links?

^ Yes please!

slowmover · 02-17-2014, 08:52 AM

Enjoyed seeing a T'Reg hauling a mid-20's A/S southbound on IH-35 as I was northbound of Temple, TX on Saturday afternoon.

Caryl · 03-08-2014, 07:31 AM

Can we talk mirrors here for a bit? Any problems with McKesh mirrors? Any recommendations?

TinLoaf · 03-08-2014, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caryl

Can we talk mirrors here for a bit? Any problems with McKesh mirrors? Any recommendations?

I didn't want straps on my paint. Half the time my Touareg is filthy and I needed a simpler solution.

I ordered the Milenco Aero mirrors years ago before they were sold in the U.S. Now you can get them here and I think the U.S. version has longer arms. They're probably not as stable as the McKesh, but I'm very pleased with them.

**blmitch5** · 03-08-2014, 12:15 PM

I have the same ones and mount them on the bottom as well. They work great!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinLoaf

I didn't want straps on my paint. Half the time my Touareg is filthy and I needed a simpler solution.

I ordered the Milenco Aero mirrors years ago before they were sold in the U.S. Now you can get them here and I think the U.S. version has longer arms. They're probably not as stable as the McKesh, but I'm very pleased with them.

Jim Flower · 03-08-2014, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caryl

Can we talk mirrors here for a bit? Any problems with McKesh mirrors? Any recommendations?

Check out the recent entry from JamuJoe. He has Milenco mirrors and they are the rectangular version and look great on his Jeep. I posted a photo of my Teardrop shaped Milencos and they also look great and perform well, no vibration. Also check out their presentation on utube. I used McKesh for several years and they are great as well. The Milencos are just a bit easier to use and present no issues with paint. Jim

Caryl · 03-08-2014, 04:26 PM

Thanks for the answers to my mirror question. You guys are the best!

Caryl

mstephens · 03-09-2014, 02:50 PM

The Toureg is just coming on my radar. We're in the market for a used TV. We have a FC25 and I think that would be well under the 7700# rating if properly hitched etc. etc.

I see lots of discussion about the "factory hitch." On late models like 2011, 2012, will the hitch mean that it has all the tow package goodies, or are there other option codes I need to know?

Of course V8 vs. V6 is a question. We are hill climbers in the West, so we need to get over all those tall passes.

On the surface, this looks like a GREAT size for us. Any advice about the 2010 through 2012s? That's about as new as I could afford.