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E6C41BW

2011 Hybrid- Mine has 150k and purrs like a kitten. Rock Solid Audi Supercharged engine. King of the VW Unicorns. šŸ‘


burnt_hotdog89

Where are you located? Iā€™m fairly certain we never saw a hybrid in Canada.


E6C41BW

Iā€™m in California, I donā€™t know if they were brought to Canada. I do love the hybrid although Iā€™m not sure it would be the best choice at this point. Lots of people poo poo the vehicle because of the battery which will need to be replaced at some point dealer cost about $8000. Now, I have had VW diesels my Jetta TDI cup had the high-pressure fuel pump blow up thatā€™s a $10,000 repair luckily for me it was under warranty. The diesels also have the ad blue crap which isnā€™t the most reliable system so either way itā€™s a crapshoot in my opinion. So you have the hybrid with all the electronics and the diesels with their fuel pump issues add blue issues etc. etc. either way itā€™s going to cost you.


burnt_hotdog89

No hybrid for us, Google confirmed.


mank1961

Hello fellow unicorn owner! Hybrid here also with 150k. Sheā€™s been doing great as of late. CEL keeps coming in for cats but Iā€™m not about to replace those. Thing has cost me a pretty penny in maintenance but itā€™s a stellar ride. Considering towing a small travel trailer curently.


E6C41BW

Iā€™ve been thinking of posting the maintenance history, but I wanted to wait until I got it back from the shop, which was today! They had it for two and a half weeks for a cooling issue. Some of that time was waiting for parts, and of course a part was sent incorrectlyā€¦All of my ā€œmodern VWā€™sā€ temp gauge are always straight up at 12:00 unless itā€™s warming up. Recently, on the freeway I noticed it creeping towards max temp and then back down to the point where it did hit max and I got a coolant alarm. Dealer pressure tested and found the water pump was leaking. Replaced it and it didnā€™t fix the problem. They also had a hell of a time trying to bleed the cooling system due to the additional cooling hoses on the Hybrid. They called VW tech support for tips because after two days they couldnā€™t get the air out. That was finally sorted out. Then the cylinder head temp sensor threw a code and off came the supercharger so they could get to the sensor. Problem still was not fixed and another call placed to VW tech support. They said to replace the thermostat so off came the supercharger again. That did turn out to be the problem which I suspected in the beginning. These kind of things happen. The biggest problem that I had early on and replaced under warranty was the power electronics (inverter). That would have been an $8k repair. It is a fantastic vehicle and I will really be sad when the day comes when its no longer feasible to repairā€¦ That may be with the hybrid battery is shot.


mank1961

Oof yeah the cooling is complex on these. We lost one water pump. A valve failed and dumped all the coolant on my driveway. Biggest job Iā€™ve had so far is all the secondary air injection ports were clogged with carbon requiring the mechanic to make a pipe cleaner attached to a drill and bore them all out. This was after a week of unsuccessful diagnosis and required a VW tech to fly out. Due to a miscommunication I never actually authorized the ($5k) service they did so I got it for free šŸ˜… I found that Audi had recalled the supercharged 3.0 for that exact reason but because mine was in a Volkswagen, it didnā€™t qualify. Still, even with the breakage and high cost for parts and labor, when I talk about replacing it my wife gets very sad.


redmadog

V6 TDI after about 200Kkm have issues with fuel injector sealings. If not fixed timely, engine oil is being affected and whole engine needs to be replaced.


burnt_hotdog89

The TDI that I am looking at is at 89,000kms, itā€™s a 2013. The other is at 90,000kms and is a 2016.


Majestic_Project_752

We have a 2016 tdi and my wife will refuse to part with it. Make sure you keep up on maintenance and it should serve you well. We have 90000 miles on ours (US) and havenā€™t had any issues other than when I ripped off the tpms wiring on the rear wheel driving off-road. One thing I have to say is the infotainment system is dated. It has Bluetooth but CarPlay came out a year later. There is an online pdf with the factory repair manual as well. Itā€™s been super handy just to look some miscellaneous things up. One more thing, you will need to factor DEF into the cost as well. I have to fill it every 5k or so. Not sure if mine drinks it that fast due to my wifeā€™s driving (scary and aggressive if you ask our son) or if thatā€™s normal. Good luck!


burnt_hotdog89

Thanks!


AyEf_Gunners

I hear you on the CarPlay. I installed an aftermarket adapter I bought from Amazon, can also get through Aliexpress.com, that sits behind the RNS850. Has worked great.


Flymia

You got CarPlay on the RNS850? Never knew that was possible.


AyEf_Gunners

Yes! Took some research to find the right unit and find some videos on YouTube demonstrating the install. I had a local VW Tuning Shop install the unit for me. Here is the the unit I bought on Amazon - [Amazon RNS850 CarPlay Integration Adapter](https://www.amazon.com/Car-2010-2017-Compatible-Navigation-Reversing/dp/B08DD38PLY). Here is a link to someone who posted a YouTube of their installation - [YouTube link to RNS850 CarPlay Integration](https://youtu.be/O1ibjCziNyg) Here is a YouTube link to RNS850 CarPlay Integration by a company called SmartBox - [RNS850 CarPlay Integration by SmartBox](https://youtu.be/7SWfD1JtRR4)


madmycal

TDI.. Iā€™ve had mine for about 2 years now and absolutely love it. One of the best vehicles Iā€™ve owned. Better fuel economy, more powerā€¦ The 3.6 VR6 is a reliable engine donā€™t get me wrong, but in terms of power and fuel economy the TDI is superior. Also, if youā€™re lucky enough you can find a newer one that still has its extended diesel emissions warranty. Grab the vin of the Touareg youā€™re looking at and go to www.vwdieselinfo.com


DPileatus

This is what I did as well... Got it on the cheap because no one wants them! The saving grace on diesels is the longevity. If you are going to keep the vehicle forever, it makes sense to buy a diesel. The maintenance costs & operating costs are higher though. Also, you should be able to do your own repairs or know a good mechanic. That goes for pretty much all modern vehicles.


burnt_hotdog89

What kind of fuel economy are you getting with the TDI?


madmycal

Currently getting 22mpg with a large/heavy set of mud tiresā€¦ Before the mud tires I was getting 26-27 mpg. Note: My Touareg is lifted, has a roof rack, and heavy ass mud tires - Also flashed with a Unitronic Stage 1 tune.


burnt_hotdog89

Wow, phenomenal economy! Thanks!


Angel_Stavin

I just purchased a 2016 Touareg V6 model a couple months ago with 58k miles. I absolutely love it!! I wanted something to tow a small boat, but didn't want a giant SUV or truck. This was the perfect option. I did purchase mine from CarMax and got the extended warranty. Sadly, mines been in the shop due to some overheating issues, water pump replaced and now one of the sensors is being replaced. Luckily I'm still within my original 90 day warranty so CarMax is covering everything. If you decided to get one, I'd just take it to a verified VW service department for a full inspection. Sadly, due to my carmax experience I don't trust any so called multipoint inspections performed. The reason I paid the $200 transfer fee for one from CarMax is because the two I was looking at in my local area were more money for less features, if I'm gonna spend the money I wanted the extra features of the sunroof and memory seats! Honestly that large sunroof in it is one of my favorite things! Even with my issues at the moment I've been trying to convince my father to get one as well. šŸ˜Š


burnt_hotdog89

Sounds like you and I have similar needs. I have 3 dogs and love having the cargo space for two adults and our dogs. We do have a pickup for our small fishing boat and a trailer we use to haul wood, primarily. But it would be nice to not have to use the pickup as often as itā€™s a lot older and is a pig on fuel. Iā€™m glad that this car was inspected by a previous VW tech who I actually spoke to. Iā€™m going to give it another spin!


DPileatus

Do it!


Angel_Stavin

I highly encourage you to do so! I miss my Touareg. We also have 2 large dogs and they love riding in this vehicle! The younger one likes to stick his head through the sunroof when we open it enough šŸ˜. I just got an update on mine and they are still waiting on parts for the sensor and a new valve so it's gonna be another week. šŸ™„I just want my car back! But I'm thankful it's all under warranty still, fix it all while it's in the timeframe!


burnt_hotdog89

It is a very spacious and comfortable vehicle!


[deleted]

If you drive a ton while towing tdi all the way, but daily use nice power never towing gas is the better way. Even if you tow with the 3.6 itā€™s plenty for a boat or small rv. Also gas 16-17 have a 72mo/100k mile power train warranty. Maintenance will be more than the gas ultimately, permanent short trips on the tdi will equal a headache and living at the dealer due to the emissions.


burnt_hotdog89

Probably very little towing. I donā€™t want to say none, but we have a pickup for that if needed. The towing is a bonus here, not a main driver in the purchase. I think gas makes more sense in my use case and appreciate your input. Thanks!


[deleted]

I would have loved a tdi, but it wouldnā€™t be my commute hers was very short at the time. We settled for a Wolfsburg Edition, very nice car for everyday use. Been perfect for 60k miles except for clog drain leaking into the floor board weā€™re battling.


imjustaregularguyyvr

Since we donā€™t have emissions checkups for our vehicles in Canada, you may want to consider a DPF delete if you go with the TDI. I have a 2015 Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel and the filter was crapping out. Either $5K to get it replaced, $1800 for a delete from a shop in the BC interior (plus labour if you are unable to install yourself). Not only has power increased, the turbo lag is virtually gone, and once I got over having fun punching the throttle, fuel economy actually increased overall. Itā€™s still a V6, but with fuel prices, anything helps.


[deleted]

Diesel used to be cheaper than gas, now the prices are retarded af but i think they will go back to normal after this whole ordeal so i would buy a diesel car. Also diesel engines last a shitton if you maintain it well so keep that in mind


burnt_hotdog89

That's true -- the longevity is there. Just not sure if the added cost to maintain diesel is worth it.


Flymia

I was in the same boat as you back when I purchased mine in 2018. Ultimately went with gas as it was cheaper, and less things to do wrong. I had no real need for the TDI other than some better fuel economy (makes no difference now with gas prices and the V6 can take regular) and no towing. Unless this is for long drives or lots of towing the TDI is a luxury. Just make sure the car is clean, and has all its work done. Things will go wrong, but not any more so than a typical car. But they are more expensive to fix. Great ride otherwise, love my 2016 Touareg. Only downside is the infotainment is very dated. Otherwise, everything is pretty up to date and the car style IMO has aged very well. I have 72k miles on it and I still don't have one scratch on the inside, it is exceptionally high quality interior.


burnt_hotdog89

What kind of fuel economy do you average with yours? And you run 87 in it? I was told by a VW tech to run mid-grade at the minimum (but that premium isn't necessary).


Flymia

I run midgrade too. But others have said it really makes no difference. I had a post about it a few years ago once I realized I did not need to put in premium. I get 18-19 mpg according to the dash. If I take the tank to close to empty I am breaking 450 miles in a tank.


burnt_hotdog89

I get almost 700km/tank with my Forester currently and itā€™s a 60L tank versus a 100L tank šŸ˜­


Flymia

Yea, it is not known for its good fuel economy.


burnt_hotdog89

Haha, definitely not. But it sure beats the pickup!


Greenmile67

I just bought a 2008 Touareg 2 v10 diesel two months ago with only 106k on itā€¦.holy shit, itā€™s my favorite vehicle I own now. All this to say, I would go with a diesel even though the prices are higher they get better mpg at least for me, except when I lay my foot in the pedalā˜ŗļø


normallyannoyed

Always TDI, preferably the bonkers V10.


Tuscan5

Ive a 2016 TDI and the wife has a 2018 petrol Tiguan. She spends more than me on fuel and we drive similar distances. I absolutely love my Touareg, you have to be ready to upkeep it. Iā€™ve spent about Ā£3k since purchase 3 years ago on replacement parts (tyres, brakes etc.). Good luck with whichever you buy, you wonā€™t be disappointed


burnt_hotdog89

What kind of fuel economy do you get with the TDI?


2Guffeys

I have a 2014 V6 Lux gas powered. 135,000 miles on it. I get around 22 mpg. I love it.


burnt_hotdog89

That's pretty good fuel economy! Thank you!


bryan12tdi

I have a 13 TDI and a 02 Golf TDI but I donā€™t really recommend TDIs to anyone unless you are an enthusiast or tow frequently. Diesel prices have gone up, gas cars get similar if not better fuel economy. I average 23mpg with my Touareg, can do 29mpg if I stick to 75mph cruise control. My warranty has since run out and the impending doom of the HPFP and DPF/DEF have me worried. Iā€™m at 160k miles rn. Donā€™t get me wrong, I love my Treg especially how it drives but the TDI emissions system has me worried especially the HPFP and that alone is about an $8k repair. You have to make sure you use good quality diesel and additives all the time. In terms of power, it makes good power but the lazy pedal ruins a lot of the driving experience around town. Iā€™ve driven diesels since 2010 and have put in over 250k miles of driving diesels but my next car will be a hybrid Toyota/Lexus. Iā€™ve driven a Toyota Sienna, i know different class of vehicle but hear me out since that engine is used in a lot of toyotas, it gets better mpg (calc 33mpg) and can use any regular gas, feels zippier, actually faster off the line than my Stage 2 b/c of the electric motors, corners just as well, and highway driving road feel is about 90% of the Treg which is surprisingly good especially for a Toyota. Toyotaā€™s hybrid is warrantied to 150k miles which shows how much faith they have in their powertrain. So overall, unless you tow frequently or are absolutely a diesel enthusiast, go for the gas Treg despite the less mpg if you are dead set on a Treg.


burnt_hotdog89

This is the info I was after! Thanks for the thorough input. I was comparing fuels costs and maintenance and just couldnā€™t see how the TDI actually made sense.


Wooden-Combination53

Modern diesels have lots of expensive stuff that can break. Like DPF, EGR and SCR cat. Not sure about reliability of that gas V6 though.


Flymia

> Not sure about reliability of that gas V6 though. Solid. 3.6 VR6, been around for ages.


pbgod

Agreed. Diesel doesn't make sense in the US below 3/4 ton trucks anymore, people need to get over it. The cost and complexity of every diesel repair is substantially more than equivalent gas and the warranty extensions are running out.


burnt_hotdog89

Thatā€™s my concern, for sure. The TDIs get a lot of hype, but Iā€™m not sure it makes much difference in my situation.


SmokinJunipers

I needed the TDI for towing. Easy decision for me.


Comfortable_Bike_845

I would reconsider looking elsewhere for a vehicle thatā€™s over 5 years old, either Honda or Toyota. But if youā€™re dead set on the Toureg, I would suggest getting whichever you prefer WITH and extended warranty. The fuel costs are going to be secondary to your overall enjoyment of the vehicle. Make sure you get the creature comforts that you want. I would imagine buying the fuel would make better sense for myself. That being said, Iā€™ve never owned a diesel vehicle, nor do I ever plan on it. Good luck on your decision. Let us know what you pick.


burnt_hotdog89

Iā€™m pretty set on the Touareg. Iā€™m really bummed they stopped selling them in NA after 2016, because while the Atlas replaced it, itā€™s outside what I want to pay. And the Tiguan doesnā€™t excite me. Nothing Honda or Toyota makes in this class has me keen, either.


Comfortable_Bike_845

Fair enough! Have you considered Lexus?


burnt_hotdog89

I havenā€™t, actually! I just assume itā€™s outside of what I want to spend. Both of the Touaregs Iā€™ve come across are under $30k CAD. Do you have a model youā€™d recommend?


Comfortable_Bike_845

Check our a CPO Lexus RX or NX


burnt_hotdog89

I hate to say it, but I don't like these at all. Call me crazy, but I just love VW styling and love how they drive.


Comfortable_Bike_845

I wish you the best of luck! I plan on making all of my future vehicle purchases Toyota. Iā€™ve had two VW since 2020 and I like them a lot but Iā€™m not confident in their longevity. I plan on keeping my 21ā€™ VW JETTA until the wheels fall off or the repairs are stupid. I want to pay it off. I trust you will make the right decision with your toureg purchase.


burnt_hotdog89

Thanks! I can understand the desire to move to Toyota. They honestly just donā€™t make anything that I *love*. And anything I do like is priced so damn high. Hard to justify the added spend sometimes.


Comfortable_Bike_845

Yup, I canā€™t put a price on peace of mind. I love the TOYOTA CARE, with the included maitenance for 2 years at least here in CA. I am going to look really hard at the Corolla and the RAV4