Thinking about a Touareg - Good or bad idea?

"victor" (victor)
07/20/2017 at 15:10 • Filed to: None

We need a larger car for the baby and potentially 2nd child. Big, but not too big. Fully loaded 2017 V6 Touareg Execline for approx. 11K off (from 61K down to 50K ) right now. Is this a bad Idea, with it getting discontinued an all that. If it is a horrible idea, what midsize heavy car with relatively compact dimensions should I be getting?

BTW, this is for my wife and replacing her 2011 GTI. I’m torn on this because we like a city car here in seattle, but we can barely fit in the car with the baby. She only drives 3-5k miles a year at most, so in car infotainment isn’t a big deal.

DISCUSSION (17)

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > victor
07/20/2017 at 15:15

You’d probably find better pricing and similar space in the new Tiguan that launches this year. The Touareg is a beautiful car, but it’s not particularly large inside.

victor > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
07/20/2017 at 15:17

Not looking for size. Looking for premium-ness and safety at 50k.

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > victor
07/20/2017 at 15:18

This is a good idea.

It gets a 17/10 from me.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > victor
07/20/2017 at 15:23

Gently used XC90 or a Cayenne. The depreciation of a new Toureg, even at $11k off, is gonna be steep.

Ash78, voting early and often > victor
07/20/2017 at 15:23

I’m a longtime VW guy, but would never have touched the Touareg. If you’re looking for 2-row luxury and a good drive, the Grand Cherokee is a good choice. Or if you want to keep it in the VAG (giggity) family, the Audi Q7 seems to be winning just about every comparison test in its class. Comparable pricing, as well. And I’ll also echo the new Tiguan idea — substantially cheaper, but should be similar in drive to the Toe-Rag, albeit a little more downmarket. But fully loaded, I bet you’d like it. I’m still waiting to drive one... also Volvo XC90 or Mazda CX-9, both of which are really impressive when equipped in the $50k range.

A VW orphan is not something I’d be a fan of, especially if you plan to keep it more than a few years. Parts can get expensive and sparse quickly.

Tripper > victor
07/20/2017 at 15:24

I love the Touareg. The price keeps me out of the market because I have to be in a fast compact car when the price is 40k or more. Still impressed with everyone I’ve driven/been in. I wouldn’t worry about it being discontinued.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > victor
07/20/2017 at 15:26

“She only drives 3-5k miles a year at most, so in car infotainment isn’t a big deal.”

50k on a new car seems like a lot to spend on 5k miles per year. Would the certified pre-owned market be more appropriate? But hey, i won’t stop you if you want the new Touareg, I think they look fantastic! I’ve often pondered getting a used one. In fact it’s still on my list.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > victor
07/20/2017 at 15:40

New MQB is Premium and comes with full safety suite. You can get an SEL Premium with every safety feature and a hugely upgraded interior over old models.

victor > Ash78, voting early and often
07/20/2017 at 15:45

I would love the Q7. Can you get me some comparable pricing on it? (hookup) I can’t seem to get one under 65K right now.

Ssfancyfresh > victor
07/20/2017 at 15:47

Jeep Grand Cherokee should be on your list. The V6 with the ZF 8-speed auto is punchy and fun to drive. Decent fuel economy. The limited with Luxury Package II comes with all the fancy stuff you could want at a retail price around $45k before discounts.

We leased one for 3 years. Loved it. I would have a fleet of them if I could.

Ash78, voting early and often > victor
07/20/2017 at 15:47

The dealers seem to be stocking them with a lot of equipment (no big surprise)...but if you look hard enough, you should be able to find low $50s with basic equipment. They have to keep something in the gap just above Q5. Or maybe look at 1-2 year old CPO...

Textured Soy Protein > victor
07/20/2017 at 15:48

One thing about the Touareg if you’re looking for something that’s a manageable size is it’s wide. Some other ideas for small to medium premium-ish CUVs:

Acura RDX
Audi Q5
BMW X1
BMW X3
Buick Envision
GMC Terrain
Jaguar F-Pace
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Lexus NX
Lincoln MKC
Mercedes GLC
Mini Countryman
Porsche Macan
Volvo XC60

These might be too dinky inside but maaaayyyybe?

Audi Q3
Infiniti QX30
Mercedes GLA