Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
V6 Cayenne, V8 Cayenne, V6 Touareg, V8 Touareg.
Price no object:
V6 Cayenne OK, V8 Cayenne, O-Wow, V6 Touareg OK-, V8 Touareg O-Wow.
Price an object, order of price/preference:
V6 Cayenne (the bargain of the bunch on price alone)
V8 Touareg (the bargain of the bunch on price+performance/content)
V8 Cayenne (great ride, but where is the additional $14,800?)
V6 Touareg (overpriced, underpowered, unwanted, unwise and should be discontinued, in any town where there is also a Porsche dealership).
And, the winner by $14,800 plus a nicer interior = Touareg V8 cranked to about $50,000 MSRP.
And, the loser, by virtue of lackluster performance and similar price point when compared to the slightly more powerful and higher contented Cayenne V6 = Touareg V6 cranked to about $42,000 MSRP.
====
Now, hold on there before you castigate me:
These are opinions, and these are ONLY my opinions -- your opinion is no less valuable.
The downside of the Cayenne: no telematics at any price.
The upside of the Cayenne: maintenance is included in the price.
The downside of the V6 Touareg, besides the above?: First 50,000 minimum maintenance requirements ~ $2,200 (slightly higher for the V8).
Why anyone who doesn't care about On*Star would even consider a Touareg V6 when the Cayenne is ~ the same price and has no nickle and diming future (the maintenance) and has mo' power -- beats me.
Why anyone would consider the $64,800 Cayenne (which does not include sat nav) when compared to the $50,000 Touareg (which does include sat nav and some other nice stuff that the Cayenne lacks at that price point [$64,800]) -- beats me.
Now, if you could only get the V8 Touareg with the maintenance costs built into the sticker (and perhaps discounted since they would be prepaid).
Color me impressed with VW.
P.S. also test drove an R32 - wheeeeeeeeeee!
also, where did you get the info that service and maintenance was included in the Cayenne ? I have one, but I thought we had to pay...
thanks..... :-)
The world market for vehicle telematics solutions for professional and consumer markets is estimated today at $5 billion, with annual growth rates forecasted at 50% . Every day, around the world, more than 20,000 vehicles are fitted with a telematics system.
The official def:
Telematics -
Refers to the broad industry related to using computers in concert with telecommunications systems. This includes dial-up service to the Internet as well as all types of networks that rely on a telecommunications system to transport data.
The term has evolved to refer to systems used in automobiles that combine wireless communication with GPS tracking. The term is further evolving to include a wide range of telecommunication functions that originate or end inside automobiles.
I own a company that provides wireless services to field sales force people, so it is an occupational hazard to just refer to On*star by its generic name -- however, on the ceiling of my Audi allroad there is a panel that says "Audi Telematics" and has a blue On*star button.
I use my Audi telematics to access stock reports, audio email (my email is read to me by the system (text only), and traffic and weather. My system also allows me to simply say the word "dial 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 dial" to make outbound calls hands and eyes free -- all of this is part of the integrated phone, Internet, Services and GPS sat nav system that came with the car (for a price).
=====
On the other matter, the dealer told me that maint would be included with my new Cayenne. . .if I am wrong, I apologize and stand corrected.
Frankly, after the VW dealer told me that my scheduled maintenance for a V8 Touareg for the first 40,000 was about $2,200, and that it only included incidentals for the first year ($80 wiper blades and wheel alignments are "free" for this period only, unlike the Audi and BMW which offer unlimited free maintenance of such items more or less at the owner's request -- within reason. That is, Audi will not give you a new set of wiper blades 52 times per year for 4 years or 50,000 miles -- but they always replace mine, if I ask when I get my oil changed at 7,500 miles -- which is 2,500 miles "early") I got scared away thinking of the great nickel and dime death that awaited me.
Does anyone know when the 2005 will reach the dealers, I think I would like a second model year. I am hoping there will be less problems, my wife loves the car and wants me to buy the car now.
Cayenne V6 options that are standard on a Touareg V6:
Moonroof $1,100
Electric Comfort Package $890
Tire Pressure Monitoring System $590
Automatic Climate Control $550
Metallic Paint $495
Heated Front Seats $480
Roof Carrying System $450
17" Collapsible Spare Tire $170
I don't think those few hp and the Porsche name are worth that much, and neither do you because that was your opinion comparing the two V8 models.
I wish we could have one in the cay... :-(
have fun motoring...
Now, I did not thinkg the V6 Cayenne was "bad" -- I just, well, you know -- I couldn't see the "value proposition." On the other hand, the inventory of Cayennes was HUGE (more than 15 of them). Dealin'? Oh yea!
Yes, I do have the V6. The one with the hamsters running on a treadmill for an engine. I just don't understand these anti-V6 posts. Mine is as quick and as fast as I ever need. It is great. And I have proof, unfortunately. #91281. That is my citation number from the California Highway Patrol I got for going 75 in a 55 zone while passing two SUVs on a straight away at 7,000 ft in the Sierras loaded with 4 people and gear. Good thing that V6 is such a dog or I would have a really big fine.
VWOA continues to say they are "researching" the problem but no solution yet despite repeated e-mail messages and phone calls. This is a problem and it must be a big one because no one seems to be able to fix it.
By the way, the air suspension rides great, very adjustable, but will weird you out when it starts adjusting by itself at stoplights. I keep looking around to see if I'm on a flimsy bridge. Happens rarely, and I have no idea why.
In summary, I do not agree the car is overpriced, underpowered, unwanted, unwise and should be discontinued. I shopped hard for almost a year before I bought the Touareg and I have not regretted. Serious contenders were: 4Runner, X3, X5. Came this close to a BMW, but I decided not to give up hard-core off-road capability. The v8 4Runner sport is a bargain if you can stand the seats.
just my $0.02,
Dave
The differences in the VW and Porsche were supposed to be -- so said the car mags -- quite noticable. I would characterize the $65K Porshce Cayenne vs a $50K VW Touareg as fraternal twins, with the main difference being the empblem on the steering wheel.
Indeed, for my money, if I were to pull the trigger today and my choices were these two, the VW would be the hands down winner.
But, this is not to say the Porsche wasn't a fine vehicle. And, if I was in the $40's, then and only then would I opt for the Porsche.
I am glad you are pleased with your V6 Touareg -- these messages are, as we all know, highly subjective.
Enjoy.
1. Remote Control: the range is about 10 feet. What's the deal w/ that?
2. After 1 week, the airbag light came on. A part has been on order for over a week.
3. Where is the air compressor(s)?
4. There are 2 small buttons (1 on each side of the steering wheel) behind the steering wheel controls. What are they for?
5. Why can't you input the exact house # on the navigation system? It only shows you a range of #'s
6. Can you use the steering wheel controls to select the next radio station on your memory?
1. Remote Control: the range is about 10 feet. What's the deal w/ that?
This might be within the range of "normal" -- as I recall when I test drove one this was not the case, when my Audi has this issue, it generally means the battery in the fob is almost kaput.
2. After 1 week, the airbag light came on. A part has been on order for over a week.
Part one, small surprise, part two much bigger surprise, it must mean this part hardly ever fails or that it fails so often they can't keep it in stock.
3. Where is the air compressor(s)?
I think there are two (at least) one for "load leveling" and one for the air suspension levels. I "think" the load leveling one is in the rear, I have no idea where the other one is.
4. There are 2 small buttons (1 on each side of the steering wheel) behind the steering wheel controls. What are they for?
Tiptronic control.
5. Why can't you input the exact house # on the navigation system? It only shows you a range of #'s.
With only a little sarcasm: the reason is the government won't allow a non military system to have this much precision. Seriously, the GPS system has certain technical limitations, but ones that are used in vehicles (non military) are only permitted to be accurate within "X feet or meters." The systems are tehcnically capable of precision that is greater. But the range of my Audi GPS is limited to proably 100 feet or so. Again, I read this explanation a few years back, that claimed the technology that is used is the same as the government uses for greater precision, but that that level of accuracy has been dialed down (so you can't do something military with the system). I don't know and don't care if this is an urban myth. My system usually gets me soooo close to my destination that I am delighted. If I know the house number and/or intersection I can get to the even numbered or odd numbered range that is the proverbial stone's throw from where I am going. Enjoy it the way that it is, for now, that is just the way it is.
6. Can you use the steering wheel controls to select the next radio station on your memory?
On my 2001 Audi the answer is yes, on my 2003 the wheel controls seem to be the same as pressing the seek button once.
Hope this helps, VWGUILD, I am certain knows the whole story and what he doesn't know, he can probably go over to one of the vehicles at his dealership and figure out for you.
Perhaps this is a limitation of the older CD based data as opposed to the other mentioned above who use DVD.
It could also be the individual provider of the Data that is on the CD/DVD. The Nissan/Infifniti data comes from a company called Zenrin.
I'm not sure about the source of the Toyota/Lexus data.
The range, odd or even, has never been an issue for me and my two current 2003 Audis make the 3rd and 4th cars I have had with this Bosch system -- the accuracy is very high.
Other than military precision I cannot imagine needing any greater accuracy.
I've also heard about an extended t-reg with 3rd row coming? I see one of these with a V10 TDI in my future. Should be the perfect replacement for our Tahoe. Should pull 5,000# like it's not back there and get good mpg to boot. Should be fun when not towing too!
After 5 days, the airbag light came on. I took it to the dealer who gave me a VW Golf loaner in which 1 of the service guys seemed to use as his ashtray. They said they had to order a passenger side airbag + asked if I wanted to keep the loaner until it came in - no thanks!
I called last week to check on the part + was told they'll check + call me right back. After not hearing anything for 4 days, I called back + was told they needed to check + would get back to me. An hour later they called + said it will take 7-10 business days to come in but if I wanted, I could pay $30 to have the delivery expedited. Again, no thanks!
I emailed customer service @ vw.com. A very nice lady called me the next day + said she'd look into the situation + talk to the dealer + try to get me a toureg loaner. She said she's call me back by the next day. That was 3 days ago.
Finally, when I talked to the service manager at my dealer today about my airbag, I mentioned that my remote control had a range of 5-10 feet. His response was that it's something to do w/ our area of Richmond, VA and VW in general. He went on to explain that VW must use a radio frequency that doesn't work well in our area since reduced range is a problem w/ all VW's in our area of Richmond but that the range works well outside the city. Based on everything I've read, this is a bunch of BS!
My 1st reaction when my wife suggested spending ~$45,000 for a VW was "no thanks." I'd rather buy an RX330 or MDX . . or even an Aviator (I also have a Navigator). I should have gone w/ my initial reaction. Never again will I buy another VW. VW will probably learn the hard way that you can't treat Toureg or Phaeton owners like Golf or Beetle owners (no dig intended).
Did he REALLY say that?? WOW!
Please inform him that the laws of physics are the same everywhere - at least according to Albert Einstein! :-)
tidester, host
Are VW dealers REALLY this awful?
I'd like to take a moment of silence and reflect upon my good fortune to have had my current wonderful Audi dealer (owned by a VW Audi goup) since 1977.
Ommmmmm Ommmmmmmm Ommmmmmmmmmmmm.
Somebody must have the cookbook somewhere that establishes dealer standards -- yes? So VW dealers really just ignore the corporate mantra?
Ommmmmm Ommmmmmmm Enlightenment!
My Audi dealer is great. The VW dealer on the other side of town is a MB, Jag, Porshe, VW combo and they're terrible regardless of what brand they're servicing. Next closest VW dealer, I couldn't get through a telephone call without getting mad. 3rd closest VW dealer is responsible for pillaging a fellow TDI owner I recently met. 4th closest I'm going to find out soon as I just got a recall notice on my Jetta. Stay tuned, if they have a Touareg TDI I'll drive that while they perform the inspection that I could do myself.
I have a Touareg and an Audi. Took both in for service recently at their respective dealerships. Similar exceptional treatment at both.
I've developed a contact in my Touareg service department. She makes an appointment on my schedule, the work is complete and quick and the car was returned washed. The waiting area has ESPN, an internet hot spot and fresh coffee. When I went to sign for my car, they handed me a rose as a thank you for my visit. That evening my wife got a rose, just cause I was thinking about her. I don't know what more I could ask for out of a dealership.
I have to drive an extra half hour because my local VW dealer's service area seemed, shall we say, less good. Shop the service center.
By the way, the dealer suddenly got in an airbag this afternoon. We'll see how it goes w/ svc tomorrow - i'll mention the remote range again
Which one is right? Who's lying?
I'm seriously considering one of these.
Also... Will the 2005 be worth waiting for? Any anticipated improvements? Hybrid?
Thanks in advance
Mike
Won't be any hybrids from VW. They've already stated they have no intention of developing this, and I wouldn't hold my breath for any european manufacturer to do it. Their diesel models are the bread and butter in the rest of the world.
By the way, they suddenly got the airbag in; installed it + everything seems ok...of course, they forgot to call me + tell me the veh was ready..typical
Anyone else notice this? Thoughts?
My question to all of you is... is this safe? Have any of you encountered this? Is this a VW thing?
Thanks!
I'm surprised it's gone that long without discoloration. How many miles did you say you have on it?
tidester, host
tidester, host
I haven't looked recently, but sounds similar to what I noticed. I will check tonight. I am not sure if the touareg has stainless steel exhaust, but it may given the fact it is designed to run in high water?
tidester, host
I would guess the discoloration is due to the type of steel. I remember the spotting was on the muffler and on the pipes as well.
This is from the production process. No big deal. It can be removed with some oil and steel wool or a product called Barkeeper's Friend. I cleaned mine about 12,000 miles ago and the discolor hasn't returned.
Mileage discrepancey:
Error on VW's website now corrected. STUFF happens.
Remote range:
There is a TSB to correct this. VW57-04-04. I now have about a 40 foot range from the rear where it was only 5 feet before. Warranty service.
Airbag light:
I haven't had this problem but I know of many other owners who have. VW usually replaces wiring harness under the driver's seat because of possible fraying. An issue that VW is fixing. (This is a new model afterall).
Air compressor:
The steel spring model has a portable one next to the spare tire. The air suspension model has a built in compressor under the car I believe under the passenger seat area. There are two air tanks in the car and their is a fitting under the passenger seat to use the portable air hose that is located under the rear driver's side passenger seat.
Small buttons on rear of steering wheel:
One is to turn the steering wheels lighting on/off. The other is for the heated steering wheel option. Both buttons appear on all steering wheels regardless of whether you have a heated steering wheel or not.
Exact house number in navigation:
This is not really an issue. I can tell you from experience with a Garmin iQue 3600 my wife uses, entering the exact house number will only get you to within the basic area. So Bosch/Blaupunkt is facing up to the fact that they can't tell EXACTLY when to stop.
VW Service:
I use Crowley in Plainville, CT and have had excellent service. Not every dealer gives excellent service. Not every service person knows exactly what they are talking about. That is unfortunate but unavoidable with VW currently.
Communication is the key. Communication from the owner to the writer, the writer to the tech, and from VWoA to the dealers.
P.S. I grew up in Southington