Golf Alltrack

[murcod]

Comtemplating buying a Golf Alltrack, but owning a DSG scares me.

I'm looking around for a new/ near new vehicle with some cargo space. I want something nice to drive, well fitted out and it will have to be an auto (as much as I hate autos.)

The Golf Alltrack ticks a lot of the requirements, but long term I'm not so sure about it being a wise purchase? I see quite a few DSG type issues mentioned on here- even though a lot of people say that's no longer an issue with them. I'd be looking at keeping it long term-> possibly 5-10 years, so don't want something that is going to be an expensive head ache.

I notice the servicing costs are also at the higher end of the scale (eg. every 4 years one service over $1000.) There also seem to be a lot of posts regarding electrical issues on here?

[agentthumb]

The Alltrack comes in 6 speed DSG with wet clutch. They have been reliable. The issues you read about are with the 7speed.


The reason service is so expensive comes down to 2 things.

DSG oil is expensive and the 4motion system uses a heladex system, which takes fairly expensive oil too.


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[shauno]

Buy the extended warranty & you'll be fine for 5 years

[h100vw]

DSG oil and filter for the 6 speed is $150 to buy. Haldex oil and filter similar money. If things are going to break, most likely they'll do it early on.
Independent servicing needn't cost the earth. So i'd take that out of the equation.

[SIRIoz]

I got the Alltrack with the sports and lux packs. Had an outback for 10 years previous so can relate to your concerns.
The kit in them is just superb, the ride is amazing and i lug the whole family and Labrador in that supersized wagon space.

I know its early days for this new model but so far so good.

So happy with my purchase and sure you would be too.


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Golf Alltrack

[murcod]

I got the Alltrack with the sports and lux packs. Had an outback for 10 years previous so can relate to your concerns.
The kit in them is just superb, the ride is amazing and i lug the whole family and Labrador in that supersized wagon space.

I know its early days for this new model but so far so good.

So happy with my purchase and sure you would be too.


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Golf Alltrack

Hi SIRIoz- how long have you had it for? I'm in a similar position with a big dog (greyhound) but I don't want a monstrous everyday vehicle to transport it probably once a month. Our current vehicle fits the job perfectly, but is getting a bit old. I'd be going for the Sport Luxury pack for sure, not so sure on the Driver Assistance pack. (A quick scan through the forum has made me even more dubious of it's worth.)

Buy the extended warranty & you'll be fine for 5 years

Yes, that would be a definite inclusion. Does that lock you into servicing at a VW dealer (from what I've read?)

DSG oil and filter for the 6 speed is $150 to buy. Haldex oil and filter similar money. If things are going to break, most likely they'll do it early on.
Independent servicing needn't cost the earth. So i'd take that out of the equation.

That's good to know for once it's out of warranty. I'd even consider doing it myself- even if I need to acquire some equipment.

The Alltrack comes in 6 speed DSG with wet clutch. They have been reliable. The issues you read about are with the 7speed.


The reason service is so expensive comes down to 2 things.

DSG oil is expensive and the 4motion system uses a heladex system, which takes fairly expensive oil too.


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Yes, I've heard it's mainly the 7 speed, but I've found enough on 6 speed issues for it to concern me. If I was looking to sell after the warranty period that wouldn't be such a concern, but I planning on owning this vehicle long term.

The other vehicle I'm interested in is the Ford Kuga Titanium (2.0l turbo with conventional 6spd auto.)

[Transporter]

Any vehicle with the auto transmission is a bit of worry to keep a long term, Ford Kuga is no exemption. The 6 speed DSG are generally fine. Also 8sp ZF autos (Amarok) have a good reliability record.

[SIRIoz]

Hi SIRIoz- how long have you had it for? I'm in a similar position with a big dog (greyhound) but I don't want a monstrous everyday vehicle to transport it probably once a month. Our current vehicle fits the job perfectly, but is getting a bit old. I'd be going for the Sport Luxury pack for sure, not so sure on the Driver Assistance pack. (A quick scan through the forum has made me even more dubious of it's worth.)


Yes, that would be a definite inclusion. Does that lock you into servicing at a VW dealer (from what I've read?)


That's good to know for once it's out of warranty. I'd even consider doing it myself- even if I need to acquire some equipment.


Yes, I've heard it's mainly the 7 speed, but I've found enough on 6 speed issues for it to concern me. If I was looking to sell after the warranty period that wouldn't be such a concern, but I planning on owning this vehicle long term.

The other vehicle I'm interested in is the Ford Kuga Titanium (2.0l turbo with conventional 6spd auto.)

Only about 2 months. It is almost identical to our old subaru outback. We looked at the new outback but it was too big outside and came with a smaller boot. Inside Adaptive cruise is insanely great and apple carplay was the clincher.


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Golf Alltrack

[murcod]

Thanks for the info. I'm not seeing a DSG as good proposition for a long term owner. It would make me so mad if it started playing up and I had to fight VW to get it fixed. It's a pity because they sound like a really good trans - when operating correctly.

[brad]

Thanks for the info. I'm not seeing a DSG as good proposition for a long term owner. It would make me so mad if it started playing up and I had to fight VW to get it fixed. It's a pity because they sound like a really good trans - when operating correctly.

Don't choose a CVT then - We've had 3 CVT vehicles & they are shockers. Best you stick with a torque converter slushbox & pay the extra for fuel

[murcod]

Don't choose a CVT then - We've had 3 CVT vehicles & they are shockers. Best you stick with a torque converter slushbox & pay the extra for fuel

Yes, any vehicle with a CVT would be treated with caution (although Subaru and Toyota seem have at least got them working well.) I've got a Kizashi at the moment (6 speed manual) and there are a lot of owners I'm aware of who have the CVT and had them replaced or the overheat and go into a "limp home" mode. Mostly overseas owners though. They use a JATCO CVT (which a lot of Nissan models also use.)

I've always had manuals, but this time it will be an auto. I'll still have a look at a Golf Alltrack sometime- I won't be buying for at least a couple of months.

[Golf Alltrack]

I was offered a half day test drive which would be a good option if you want to test it on your greyhound. To be honest, the floor is higher than I expected but I expect a girl would fit in the rear without problem and a boy probably would too but it might be a line ball - I have 2 whippets and they fit a little bit uncomfortably (for them) in the very back with rear blind and rear seats both up.

[murcod]

Ours is a girl but she is big (around 33kg). Going by the measurements (from the spec sheet) it shouldn't be too bad.

[SIRIoz]

The rear floor can also be dropped about 100mm.


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Golf Alltrack

[murcod]

Interesting. Is that the whole of the rear cargo area floor that can be lowered?

The official specs say 936mm "luggage load height- to roof lining."