I want a Tiguan!

[Jude Starr]

OK, so I am looking to add a Tiguan to the car family. I am looking for around a 2008/09 one, preferrably diesel (this fits in my proposed budget). Took one for a test drive at the weekend, and husband and I both liked it, so we are set.

What I want to know is, what things, if any, should I be on the lookout for? I mean, apart from the usual Euro car stuff like good service history etc. Are there any known issues that I should be aware of when buying?

[team_v]

The 08's will have a red Multi Function Display (screen in the dash that shows info on the car - i believe it is still a full heigh MFD though so no real difference)
The 08's had a metallic gold and baby blue colour, the blue was discontinued after 09 i believe.
DSG was not available so the older style automatic is used.


Make sure it has had all of the recalls on it:
57D5 ..........a recall for the covers over the key holes due to them falling off
97V2-Earth replacement ......longer earth strap from gearbox to body.

[Bambazonke]

Make sure the car has a full VW service record and expect an expensive bill around 100 000km when the timing belt is due to be changed on the diesel model

May be a good idea to find someone with a VCDS cable to check our the car beforehand if you decide to buy privately

[tigger73]

Depending what you're using it for (and if you're OK driving a manual), I'd also seriously consider a new/demo 118TSI for the $.

If you buy an 08/09 vehicle then it'll be out of warranty (or will be very soon). So you'd be best to get the vehicle checked over by a VW specialist so you know what you'll be up for. Also have a look at http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...eet-29669.html as there's some useful info there regards to servicing costs - it's a reasonable guide.

Then add up the cost of new tyres (most people don't sell their car with new rubber), brake pads, 12 months rego, any other repairs and upcoming services and add this to the purchase price of the used vehicle. Then you're getting close to comparing apples with apples.

Having said that you may be able to pick up a used vehicle with a number of extras for not much more.

[Jude Starr]

Good points. I think though, a demo 118TSI would still be outside my budget by a fair margin. The particular one I am looking at has a few options (Comfort pack, leather, electric & heated seats) which I like...it is auto, probably might have prefered a manual but when it ticks all the other boxes it's not too much of a worry. It has full service history and brand new tyres (nipples still on!) and reg for 6 months, and it is pretty much within my budget (well, it will be when I negotiate them down a fraction). As a bonus, it is a colour I particularly like!

[team_v]

Good points. I think though, a demo 118TSI would still be outside my budget by a fair margin. The particular one I am looking at has a few options (Comfort pack, leather, electric & heated seats) which I like...it is auto, probably might have prefered a manual but when it ticks all the other boxes it's not too much of a worry. It has full service history and brand new tyres (nipples still on!) and reg for 6 months, and it is pretty much within my budget (well, it will be when I negotiate them down a fraction). As a bonus, it is a colour I particularly like!

I will eche the sentiments that you get it checked with VAGCom and make sure it has had it's regular service schedule (1 year/15,000km) as it will be out of warranty now unless they purchased the extended warranty (which i don't now if it is transferable to the new owner)

[hippyhippy]

Make sure the car has a full VW service record and expect an expensive bill around 100 000km when the timing belt is due to be changed on the diesel model

May be a good idea to find someone with a VCDS cable to check our the car beforehand if you decide to buy privately

Timing belt?

[Bambazonke]

Hey Jude is it the one with beige leather interior? Nice car again ask if the timing belt has been changed otherwise your next service will be rather expensive. Word of warning beige interior does not go down well with young kids as I have a BMW with beige leather and I am forever cleaning the back seats.

Hippyhippy modern engines use a rubber toothed belt instead of chain it reduces engine noise and is more energy efficient. They are normally replaced around 100 000kms

[Jude Starr]

No, there is no way I could live with a beige interior...I had a loan car with beige interior for 3 months and that was enough to put me off for life...and I don;t even have kids! LOL!

The one I ended up buying is a red car with black leather interior (my favourite combination...my BMW has the same combo)...77,000 kms with full service history and a few options (comfort package, heated seats etc). Really looking forward to picking it up this week !

[team_v]

Congratulatiosn on teh purchase.
Hopefully we see you out and about (we have many events going on in the Events section for SE QLD)

So what specs is the new Tig?

[Jude Starr]

Thanx! Hoping to pick it up this week so can get some pictures up, then, yes, will be getting out and about so would like to make some of the local events!

It is a TDI 103 in Maroon, with comfort package, black leather interior, electric & heated seats (perfect for a warm butt while driving to work on cold mornings! ). Really lookng forward to picking it up...my first venture into VW territory!

[hippyhippy]

Hey Jude is it the one with beige leather interior? Nice car again ask if the timing belt has been changed otherwise your next service will be rather expensive. Word of warning beige interior does not go down well with young kids as I have a BMW with beige leather and I am forever cleaning the back seats.

Hippyhippy modern engines use a rubber toothed belt instead of chain it reduces engine noise and is more energy efficient. They are normally replaced around 100 000kms

i thought tiguans had a chain that never had to be changed or bothered with? can someone confirm this?

[Jude Starr]

Picking up my Tig this aftgernoon! Excited!!!!!

[team_v]

Congratulations!
Looking forward to seeing some pictures and getting you out to our events!

[Jude Starr]

Woo hoo! He's home! The light was going, so not the best shots, but you get the idea. Hope to get some better pictures on the weekend!