Volkswagen Touareg (2003 – 2010) Review

Volkswagen Touareg (2003 – 2010) At A Glance

3/5

+Luxurious, safe, accomplished 4x4. Comfortable on road, very capable off it. V10 TDI is astonishing, 2.5 TDI and 3.0 TDI the sensible choices.

-Reports of electrical and front diff problems. Failure of propshaft centre bearing common.

On average it achieves 94% of the official MPG figure

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Volkswagen Touareg review

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a Volkswagen Touareg (2003 – 2010)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Real MPG average for a Volkswagen Touareg (2003 – 2010)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

94%

Real MPG

19–34 mpg

MPGs submitted

130

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Ask Honest John

What's the best all-weather tyres for Volkswagen Touareg?

"What are the best all weather tyres for a 2007 Volkswagen Touareg with tyre size 255/55R18 109V? Also, potholes are by the thousand around here on the secondary roads and my council refuses to meet any claims. Could you suggest a website to report potholes to in the first instance plus any other ideas that might shift the council into action? "
All weather tyres are often not available in SUV sizes. The recommended Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons are not. Consult http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk For pothole complains, visit: http://www.fixmystreet.co.uk
Answered by Honest John

What could be causing a transmission fault on my 2005 Volkswagen Touareg?

"I have a 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2.5TDI with 30,000 miles, which has developed a transmission fault. Moving slowly up a gradient, the transmission seems to wind up with a loud clicking from near-side rear. Volskwagen diagnostic checks reveal nothing and Volkswagen says it has had no reports of this fault. Possible centre diff problem? I would appreciate your advice."
The most likely reason is a difference in circumference between the front and rear tyres that the automatic AWD system interprets as slippage.
Answered by Honest John

Buying a used car for £8k - what should I get?

"I have £8000 to spend on a used car and have been toying with a 2005 Volkswagen Touareg, with 92,000 miles on the clock. However, my friends say this will be a bad idea as the running and repair costs will be huge. I also like the Porsche Cayenne, but again my friends say I’d be better off buying something cheaper and newer. What do you think? "
A car you buy for £10,000 that originally cost £50,000 comes with repair bills based on a £50,000 car, not a £10,000 car. And there will be bills. Your friends are simply being sensible.
Answered by Honest John

Should I sell or keep my 2004 Volkswagen Touareg?

"I have owned a 2004 Volkswagen Touareg 2.5 TDi for the last three years and it has done 88,000 miles. I had the prop shaft replaced one year ago, and it now has some electrical faults affecting non-essential things like parking sensors, air con and speakers. I haven’t had these matters fixed, but am worried that costs will continue to mount. Would I be better to keep it and keep my fingers crossed or sell it and buy something else? As I have no more money to put into a car, much of what I would be able to afford would be of a similar age and mileage, so would I actually be better off? Also, what should I replace it with? I’m open-minded and don’t really need a 4x4, but the car must be able to carry three children. "
You're correct. Trade value is about £5000, but not with the list of faults you mention. Not many cars you could buy for £4000 - £5000 will easily take three child seats across the back. Peugeot 307SW (but many have been unreliable), Citroen Xsara Picasso (make sure it doesn't come with a DPF), Citroen Berlingo Multispace.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Volkswagen Touareg (2003 – 2010) cost?