Good Morning, Everyone,

I got a chance to drive all 3 Touareg engines last night (10/9/2003) at an SAE Seminar in Washington DC. The V10 TDI is incredible with it's 553 gallons of torque. Wrap a chain around the undercarriage and go pull out some stumps. And the V10 is impressive in other ways. You can't tell that it is a Diesel, even when standing right next to it when running; no odor and no clatter.

We were told that the USA/Canada market introduction of the V10 is scheduled for late first quarter, early second quarter 2004. Also, no manual transmission for any engine in any market worldwide; only auto boxes.

The V6 and V8 are equally as smooth and all vehicles were trimmed out to very high level. I'd say that if this type of vehicle is your cup of tea, as they say, be sure to check it out.

By the way, the 4.2L V8 had the sweetest sounding exhaust note by far.

Arthur LeBrun
Bentley Publishers

I've heard that the V-10 TDI is going to be pricey ~ to the tune of 55k. Not sure if that is accurate info.

Second, the dealer told me that an oil change is a 160.00 affair (USD) on the V6-V8 versions. If I wanted to do it myself it is rated as a 1/2-day job. Though VW is starting the use of synthetics and extending the oil change intervals past 10k miles.

I really want one of these things so some verification of the technical info about the basics would be very welcome.

I just bought a V6 Touareg and I don't think the oil change will be expensive. The dealer said it would be $34 and the fourth oil change is free. It holds 6.6 quarts of oil. I haven't found the oil filter yet but will check a local Napa or Carquest outlet and see about availability and price. I plan on doing my own oil changes and at 1500 miles not 3,000.
I'll probably go to a synthetic again after the break in period. Then I'll go back to a higher mileage oil change.
The other comment about the V6 not being too powerful is true, compared to the 225 horse Mustang I traded in for it, it is not a neck snapper but the mpg is good so far and the power is adequate to say the least. It will cruise 70 mph at 2500 with no strain. Absolutely smooth shifting , can't even tell when it shifts those 6 speeds and you almost can't hear the engine running. I left the radio on and started it, and swear it was not running but was.
Leo

Hello Leo, $34 dollars for an oil change is not what I would consider expensive for an oil change. Consider an average "10 minute oil change" costs around $28 at you local Pennzoil or Jiffy Lube establishments. My local dealer has several reasonably equipped Touregs with stickers for less than $36k. Like I said, they are not powerful machines but made for very capable family haulers. If you consider the fact that 90% of these off-road capable machines never leave the road you've put yourself in an incredibly beautiful machine quite suited for daily life on the road. The only thing I noticed that I didn't like about it is the curve of the windshield glass seems to obscure your vision just a bit when looking through the turns.

Larry...

Good Morning, Jon

How many miles have you put on it so far? The point being to ask if it might be considered "broken-in"

Art LeBrun

anyone hear when they're going to be putting a manual in it? A V-10 diesel with an automatic is like someone putting water in your beer. It just takes the fun right out of it.

Any idea if this is just in North America? The last time I was in the UK, when I talked about automatic transmissions, people looked at me like I was talking about some faddy thing that only weird people did. Is VW trying to switch the Europeans to automatic only vehicles, or is this only a north american drive? I hope they never fully phase out their manuals, or I might have to start driving toyotas (perish the thought!)

Good Morning,

I understand that the V10 TDI Touaregs are in VW Dealer Showrooms right now.

Arthur LeBrun
Bentley Publishers

Tom,

I spoke to a parts guy at a dealer (Norwood, MA VW Gallery) and he was telling me that the V6 Touareg models are not moving very fast, at least through them. Apparently everyone wants the bigger V8 to keep up with the Joneses. You might be able to work them down a bit on price...

I thought the V6 seemed like a good bargain in the SUV market. Of course I'm nowhere near being in that market myself, so what do I know.

I've also heard (from another dealer parts guy) that they have had a fair amount of electrical "teething" issues.

-Stan

Oil changes:
V6, $34 at dealer
Do it at home:
Filter: $12
Oil: 6.6 quarts times $2.00 = $14.00
Time: 1 hour
Total at home : $28.00
Technique: Remove rear skid plate, 6/ 10 mm bolts
Remove drain plug, drain,replace plug then remove nylon oil filtercover and replace paper element. (You may want to remove drain plug on oil filter cover first to drain the half quart in the filter.

For 6 bucks the dealer is going to do it next time, but I wanted my oil changed at 2500 miles.

Leo from Montana
Colorado Red V6 Touareg 2004
Use standard filter wrench, large one.
Replace skid plate, install 6.6 quarts, it will show overfill on
dipstick until oil filter can fills up later.
Fire it up for 5 mins, check for leaks....your done.
I used the air suspension to raise the vehicle and locked it in. No need for ramps or jacks then.