Choices, Choices...

[burtybear]

Hi Folks!
Been a while since I've been on VWW, but I always know it's where I'll get good honest info...
We're looking to trade our Honda Odyssey, once it hits 100K kms, for maybe an SUV. However, I'd like some views from people who have been through the evaluation process, and compared the Touareg to other SUVs. I'd like some views on why the Touareg was or wasn't their choice.
Who knows, I might end up with a Tiguan, instead!
Thanks in anticipation!

[Flipper Dog]

Before we get to involved you need to know that a new model is a few months away (as is a facelift Tiguan) which is very different than the Touaregs currently in Australia. So are you looking at new or 2nd hand? If it is a direct replacement for an Odyssey than you are looking in the wrong direction, as the Touareg is only a 5 seater with somewhat limited cargo space.

Anyway what ever model you are looking at go for the diesels and be aware that operating costs can be costly in brakes and tyres over your Honda.

So what are your needs? Then we can let you know.

[burtybear]

I will probably be looking at buying once the new Touaregs and Tiguans are out. Time is not the issue, for a change.
Space is not the issue anymore. 7 seats were used occasionally at best.
Operating costs aren't really an issue, given that Honda bleed me dry just for routine servicing, even compared to my GTI.
A diesel for me is the only choice, as I'd like to make my fuel dollar go just a little further.
Essentially, I'm after the comparisons folks made before they settled on a particular car.

[jb747]

We looked at the Tiguan a bit over a year ago. We liked a lot about it, but didn't like the fact that the gearbox choice at the time did not include a DSG. Didn't want an auto, and didn't want a manual, so that was a bit of problem. In the end though, we decided that it wasn't different enough to our R32 (in terms of space anyway), so we looked elsewhere, and eventually ordered an Audi Q5. Glorious 3 lt diesel, 7 speed DSG and a body package that fitted our needs perfectly.

Now I'm looking at replacing the R32, and I want a 'real' SUV. It has to be able to go offroad, not just down the wineries dirt driveways, and it must be able to tow. The new Touareg was pretty close to the top of my list when it was announced. I've had a good look at them overseas too. But, the incredibly long delay in actually getting us any details has me looking elsewhere again.

I like a lot about the new Touareg, and there's some things I'm not too keen on. The one I looked at it London, did not have rear seats that folded flat, nor was there any real provision for a spare tyre. What do you do with the one you've just removed, even if you use the horrid little spare?

It has the same lovely V6 diesel that my Audi has (and which has averaged about 7.5 lt/100 km since delivery). And, with a bit of luck, VAG might even give us the 4.2 V8 diesel...a towing engine made in heaven. On the other hand, one of the few specs that I have been able to glean is that the tow ball weight is limited to about 150 kgs, which means that it really can't tow much of anything.

[Transporter]

Congratulations!
Good choice. I was looking at the Q5 when we were buying Tiguan but since it was a car mainly for my wife going to the work and to the shops, I had to accept her decision.

I hope that you post the pictures.