About to purchase a Tiguan. Buyer beware?

[MissTiggy?]

I am about to purchase a new car i am pretty set on getting a Tiguan either the 2015 my16 132rline or 155rline. I love the car love the ride but everyone who i mention to that im going to buy a VW tell me i am making a massive mistake and that they have so many problems even breakdowns in the first year! I have 2 bubbies (toddler and an infant) so safety is a massive thing for us when choosing a car. Has anyone had or does own a Tiguan and never had an issues? Also is one model more reliable then the other when choosing between the 132 and 155?

[tigger73]

Let's just start by saying that whatever car brand you go with, you can always find someone that has had a problem.

I'm onto my second Tiguan and both cars have been good mechanically. The first one (125TSI) had a water pump replaced under warranty due to a coolant leak. I had this one for just under 100,000km and also replaced the battery at 3.5years. Other than that it was regular maintenance/servicing.

Second Tiguan is a 155TSI which we have had for less than 12 months and no issues to report.

Both the engines/transmissions in the 132TSI and 155TSI (which you're looking at) are mechanically identical - the only difference is software to give the higher engine output in the 155TSI. And yes you can upgrade the software in the 132TSI with aftermarket software to bump the power up (though it does void your factory warranty).

The 7 speed DSG in the Tiguan is the high torque/bulletproof unit that is shared with the commercial vehicles. This is not the same unit that has been the centre of the DSG recalls.

Anyway if there's any recommendation that I would make is to steer clear of the FWD 118TSI as this motor has had the odd failure in the Tiguan (lots more problems in the Golf). But given you're looking at the 2.0 litre models which share the same engine as Golf GTI these have proven to be reliable in the real world.

Nobody can say that you're not going to have a problem, however the number of people coming on here with issues with these cars is very small. I'd say that 99.9% of Tiguan owners are really happy with their cars and don't feel the need to come onto forums to try to resolve issues with their vehicles or vent their frustrations.

I bet if you searched for problems with the cars that your well-meaning friends drive that you'd find some horror stories about their cars/models too

[MissTiggy?]

Thanks so much for your quick and informative reply.

[MissTiggy?]

Sorry hit reply to quick 😉 you are very right ive looked at all the cars they have recommended me to purchase and they seem to have a long list of problems such as thr mazda cx5 disel. My dad is the worst he has only ever had fords and they have all been pos. Transmissions all blown had to start the car by figgli g with wires. Tells me i am an idiot if a buy a vw says i have to buy the mazda cx5. My mind is pretty much made up with the tig it is perfect for our needs and hearing what you have said makes me much more confident in my purchase. ☺

[murcod]

Have you checked out the VW servicing costs? I'm also contemplating buying an AWD VW and costs seem a bit on the high side in comparison to some other manufacturers. This link should take you straight to the capped price for a Tiguan 155TSI : Tiguan Capped Price Servicing | Volkswagen Australia

PS: Ford are releasing an updated Kuga in December with an updated interior with larger display screen. I don't know if you've looked at them at all?

[tigger73]

I can recommend a couple of good VW specialist/independent workshops for servicing in Adelaide - AVW (Torrensville), German Auto (Melrose Park) and MRL Automotive (mobile + forum sponsor) are all reputable and usually quite a bit cheaper than the dealers. Though you won't get the coffee / carwash.

Sorry I can't recommend anyone in WA, however discussion of servicing options does come up reasonably regularly. Maybe check these couple of threads:

• http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...th-106391.html
• http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...rth-52470.html

[MissTiggy?]

Have you checked out the VW servicing costs? I'm also contemplating buying an AWD VW and costs seem a bit on the high side in comparison to some other manufacturers. This link should take you straight to the capped price for a Tiguan 155TSI : Tiguan Capped Price Servicing | Volkswagen Australia

PS: Ford are releasing an updated Kuga in December with an updated interior with larger display screen. I don't know if you've looked at them at all?

The main toss up is between the cx5 and the tig. However the cx5 doesnt have rear air vents which is a must for us being in Perth as it is scorching hot. Haven't looked at the ford but not too keen tbh just with the bad track records ive had with ford. The vw servicing doesnt look as bad i expected our hilux is a $500-600 service every 6 months. Thanks for the link ☺

[MissTiggy?]

Does the car need to be serviced by vw dealerships so warranty isn't voided? Also the dealerships ive spoken to were not keen on budging on price for the car. Realistically speaking how much do you think i could talk them down on driveaway cost?

[tigger73]

The thing to keep in mind is that the VW is 12 month/15,000km service intervals - best to check what the others are so you're comparing apples with apples. My wife's Mazda3 used to be 6 month/10,000km intervals which started to add up especially as it didn't get driven much.

[h100vw]

Don't take it to VW for servicing, problem solvered. Lots of options there.

[murcod]

The main toss up is between the cx5 and the tig. However the cx5 doesnt have rear air vents which is a must for us being in Perth as it is scorching hot. Haven't looked at the ford but not too keen tbh just with the bad track records ive had with ford. The vw servicing doesnt look as bad i expected our hilux is a $500-600 service every 6 months. Thanks for the link ☺

I'm hearing you on the air vents - the Kuga does have rear vents (except of the bottom range "pov pack" version- Ambiente?) Australian Fords don't do anything for me, but the Euro sourced models are usually pretty good. Servicing wise the Kuga is 12mth interval as well Ford Australia - Ford Service Price Promise Calculator - the big 4yr service is half the price of VW.

PS:The Golf Alltrack might also interest you- particularly if cargo space concerns you? 2016 Golf Alltrack | SUV Cars | Volkswagen Australia

[murcod]

Does the car need to be serviced by vw dealerships so warranty isn't voided? Also the dealerships ive spoken to were not keen on budging on price for the car. Realistically speaking how much do you think i could talk them down on driveaway cost?

I think it's actually against the law for them to stipulate a vehicle must be serviced by them during the factory 3yr warranty. Of course they will make life harder for you if something serious happens and it hasn't been serviced at a VW dealer. When you get into extended warranties they often have conditions like it must be dealer serviced. (I've seen that mentioned on here by others.) Actually, here are the Consumer laws for WA New car warranties and services | Department of Commerce

They'll all try and bluff you on price. If you're not trading a vehicle you're in a better position. Push them and be prepared to walk away- leave them your phone number.

[nat225]

salespeople are not lawyers. they can say anything to get your sale or your servicing needs. often they are the type of people who can talk well with confidence without correct facts.