My 2008 Passat B6 VR6 4mo wagon is toast, at least for me. I have posted bits of the saga on other forums and have considered at least 20 different cars as a replacement. I'll spare you where I have been, and ask only your thoughts on where I am. (The conclusion I reached after probably 25+ hours of research and a couple of test drives - yes I am a bit obsessive - if I could I have whatever I wanted, it would be an Audi Q5.)
For background, I purchased my wagon with 40K miles on it. I was going to get the 2.0T, but everything I read pointed to the VR6 engine have fewer issues. So I took the plunge. The car was wonderful. Loved, loved, loved it. First time I was passionate about my ride for the whole time I had it. The car has a $4K issue and with 124K miles, I have decided to let her go. I am not happy that the car didn't last longer. I traded my 2008 Toyota Sienna minivan for it, the rationalization being that the van cost less when both were new in 2008, and when I did the swap in 2010, they each had 40K miles, and now the wagon cost less. Now, I think I would have a van with 124K miles - barely midlife for a Toyota - and instead I have squat (the car is worth barely 4K). My Passat will make someone very happy after they put in the labor. I am reminded of when I had a Saab 9000 and it needed something major at 120K miles, I ditched it and bought a Honda. Problem is, now I can't drive those eastern imports anymore. Just ain't the same. I have tasted of German engineering and I can't go back.
So.... the point for this forum, is I am considering a Touareg 2011 V6 AWD with 25K miles. Part of me is concerned that I am just going down the same path as before: buying a possibly problematic car with 25K miles already on it. Touareg's have so many black eyes, it is amazing they can see. Will the driving be like my Passat on stilts? When I first got my Passat it was on CPO - until 72K miles! That was a deal! VW got wise to that, and only adds 24K miles now.
The only other option currently on the table is a new (or possibly lightly used) Golf. If I have pick-up and handling, in a nicely executed interior, I'll be happy; and when I really need the AWD, I will either sell it or pass it on to my son. And hope like heck I can find an affordable Q5.
For background, I purchased my wagon with 40K miles on it. I was going to get the 2.0T, but everything I read pointed to the VR6 engine have fewer issues. So I took the plunge. The car was wonderful. Loved, loved, loved it. First time I was passionate about my ride for the whole time I had it. The car has a $4K issue and with 124K miles, I have decided to let her go. I am not happy that the car didn't last longer. I traded my 2008 Toyota Sienna minivan for it, the rationalization being that the van cost less when both were new in 2008, and when I did the swap in 2010, they each had 40K miles, and now the wagon cost less. Now, I think I would have a van with 124K miles - barely midlife for a Toyota - and instead I have squat (the car is worth barely 4K). My Passat will make someone very happy after they put in the labor. I am reminded of when I had a Saab 9000 and it needed something major at 120K miles, I ditched it and bought a Honda. Problem is, now I can't drive those eastern imports anymore. Just ain't the same. I have tasted of German engineering and I can't go back.
So.... the point for this forum, is I am considering a Touareg 2011 V6 AWD with 25K miles. Part of me is concerned that I am just going down the same path as before: buying a possibly problematic car with 25K miles already on it. Touareg's have so many black eyes, it is amazing they can see. Will the driving be like my Passat on stilts? When I first got my Passat it was on CPO - until 72K miles! That was a deal! VW got wise to that, and only adds 24K miles now.
The only other option currently on the table is a new (or possibly lightly used) Golf. If I have pick-up and handling, in a nicely executed interior, I'll be happy; and when I really need the AWD, I will either sell it or pass it on to my son. And hope like heck I can find an affordable Q5.