Faults:

1. Engine faults at 100.000 km out of warranty. Cost 2500 euro.

2. Three times until now, had a problem with the battery (out of order). Cost about 1000 euro.

3. Before a month ago, had a problem with the electrical seat switch. Cost 250 euro.

4. Last year, the transmission started to make a noise when changing gears. We will see the cost when the time comes.

5. Always have some alarm on the screen through electronics failure.

General Comments:

Except for the above mentioned problems, which are unacceptable in such a car category, the Touareg is very good at road handling and driving. It's a kilometer eater as I say, with very good climate control, sound system, air suspension, and it's very comfortable.

It is also very safe in all road conditions (off and on road), and of course very comfortable, even when towing my 1600 kg caravan.

Faults:

Park brake would not fully release, resulting in a very loud alarm. To remedy, one had to put a foot beneath the foot pedal and lift it. This was adjusted at the first service, but lasted but a few days.

The brake discs are soft compound, and needed replacing; a huge expense within 50,000 Kilometres.

Rear window gas lifts failed, and I was met with reluctance to fix this under warranty.

At just over 3 years and at 99,000 odd kilometres, the gearbox failed. I was informed by the dealership that it was now out of warranty, and could cost up to $35,000 to replace. It cost me $6200.00 to have it reconditioned.

General Comments:

I find it to be a very comfortable car to drive, with all creature comforts such as split air conditioning, heated and electronically adjustable seats, well thought out ergonomics, and a great sound system.

However:

The GPS system is very cumbersome to use compared with any other I have experienced.

The side bars on either end of the windscreen are very big and quite dangerous at pedestrian crossings, where on several occasions I have almost hit a pedestrian because they were totally obscured.

The car is heavy on fuel.

The tiptronic gearbox is way too slow to engage.

The brake discs are soft compound, supposedly to aid braking, where in reality they wear out as fast as the pads, and need replacing with pads at astonishing expense.

Without ever having done any serious off road work, the gearbox blew on a standard city street at under 100,000 Kilometres, and the warranty was up.

Faults:

Oil sensor fault - warranty repair.

General Comments:

The engine is the highlight of this car. Fantastic performer.

Not as big and bulky as an Audi Q7, however $25,000 cheaper than its sister Porsche Cayenne.

Good for the environment. After 40.000km and the inside of the exhaust is still squeaky clean. And it's a diesel.

Faults:

Poor cold starting.

Cracked door wood inserts in cold weather.

Defective glass hatch release motor at 47000 miles.

Oil level light on every 3000 miles.

Uneven tyre wear (alignment issues)

Overzealous brake pad wear indicators (half worn, but warning light on)

Black plastic coating peeling form switchgear.

Handbrake on light & bongs, even though you've already released the brake.

Leaking boot struts (causing tailgate to collapse onto my head) - £800 repair suggested.

Broken bonnet cable at 65000 miles - £300 to fix!!! (the final straw)

General Comments:

The most comfortable car I've ever driven, with okay handling too, which is surprising given its weight.

Manual gearbox is to be avoided at all costs - I've driven lorries with smoother changes - very clunky.

Avoid a cloth interior too - this is real poverty spec and impossible to shift on secondhand.

A broken bonnet cable & leaking tailgate struts are the things than ultimately put me off this car, costing over £1100 to put right.

Dealer workshop labour rates are extortionate for VW "prestige" products, costing me £110/hour plus VAT!

Faults:

We bought the V10 Tuareg last summer (2004) and we haven't had any kind of problems with it yet. I heard some people are having some problems with the electric system of the V5 but I gotta say the V10 works perfectly.

General Comments:

The 313 hp the V10 are enough to enjoy every ride you had on it. We've driven the car through many forrerent trails and it always responds with security. The driver never feels unsafe.

We've also driven long distances with it and compared to the Mercedes CL 600, my other car, I would actually prefer the Tuareg. You can't drive as fast as the CL, but the car is much more comfortable and easy to drive.

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

I hope it will be reliable as it is a very impressive vehicle. So far there doesn't seem to be any problems.