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Volkswagen Tiguan 5N 103TDI (2008-2012)
MrSkinnerGold Coast
- 7 reviews
- Verified purchase
German engineering at its best!!
We use the Tigaun as a family car, it's very spacious and comfortable! Plenty of room for 5 people and our puppy, serviced every 10,000 kilometers. Mechanic said this is a very reliable and fuel efficiency is excellent! We love the turbo diesel and will definitely be purchasing a future model
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Angus SSydney, NSW
- 6 reviews
- 5 likes
Great Car
Recently purchased a used 2008 TDi model for my son. Came with a near new tow bar and the full sun roof. A one owner well maintained car.
I am really impressed with this car. Good solid well build German engineering. Runs on the smell of an oily rag. Happy to recommend this as a great family car.
1 comment
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NiL CAU
- 7 reviews
- 1 like
Nice car
Can carry many goods when I need. has been driven the car over 6 years and never had a big problem. it is now 180km and as good as new., always do the job. i think the upgrade one is now even better and will consider to get a new one soon.
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Might run good for a while but when there is a problem, you're stuck!
Stick to Japanese eg. Toyota, mitsubishi, honda etc or Korean eg. Hyundai, Kia. If you buy a VW, when a problem occurs (and inevitably it will), parts and servicing are EXTREMELY expensive. It's a European car!! My Tiguan just died one day. Wouldn't start at all. Got stranded in the middle of the night. Nrma couldn't even tow it because it has an electronic handbrake so this had to be disengaged first. What a nightmare! An intermittent electrical fault is the issue. Way to hard a job for your local mechanic without the specialised diagnostic equipment. Off to the VW dealer. Several weeks and a few thousand dollars later and still no fix. VW Tiguans really are the motorists worst nightmare! Don't risk it. Stay away from VW like the plague.
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Disgruntled VW OwnerAdelaide, South Australia
VW rubbish
First the diesel emissions debacle, then the air con packed it in, now have a coolant n oil leak on a car with less than 64k km on the clock.
My suggestion, stay away.
The old VY Commodore I had was a better more reliable drive n infinitely cheaper n easier to fix.
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AdzFremantle
- 7 reviews
- 5 likes
TDI is excellent.
We bought the 2011 a couple of months back and so far we are loving it. Drove many other cars, but just couldn't go past the solid, well put together feel of the Tiguan. I love every drive, the commute is now enjoyable with easy bluetooth operation, heated seats, great climate control and the panoramic roof just makes it feel open and spacious. Very quite, the stop start is genius and can be easily controlled by the brake and the auto hold function or just switched off. Fuel economy is unreal, I think it's a 65 litre diesel tank, so $70-80 ...Read more
to fill and we get 850kms out of it in stop start city traffic! Bloody amazing. It's not the fastest car on earth, but has a nice, useable torque that feels fun and is addictive. The sports mode works well too. Have not taken it off road, but with the AT tyres I had fitted I'm sure it will do fine for what it is. So nice to be able to hop curbs etc without worry. Handles really well, ample room for 5 adults, good roof height, very versatile with front passenger seat able to fold flat, great for those trips to bunnings or IKEA. We are happy with the Tiguan.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
GazzaGippsland, VIC
- 7 reviews
Great car.
It's hard to believe I've had this car for 7 years. I'm about to click over 170,000.
Whilst there has been some expensive fixes ( main belt, and faulty aircon), I have been quite happy with this diesel car.
My tow bar is handy, and the all wheel drive puts you totally at ease and in control . I'd buy another one,
Cheers.
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vwtiguanbrisbane
Unreliable $40K car
I bought this VW Tiguan 2011, 103 TDI model. We were weighing between Subaru forester and VW Tiguan and I chose the obvious wrong one.
Pros: Stable car with no blind spots.
Cons: 1. interior rear cup holder broke in first year.
Air con malfunctioning in the 2nd year.
Was part of 2 recalls.
DSG broke down in 5 years time.
now faulty steering rack.
Lucky nothing ontowards happened to my family but I would not buy a Unreliable car for $40k next time. I hope you do not make the same mistake I did.
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NatnLuke
- 2 reviews
Really love the car, but the engine design is seriously problematic!
We bought a 2nd hand VW Tiguan TDI which surprised us with the drive quality, the build quality, even after 130,000km. Then, comes the dreaded call from a family member out driving the car. "It's stopped on Parramatta Rd and won't start again. There's all sorts of lights on the dash...what do we do?" A call to NRMA, a tow to an excellent mechanic in the East of Sydney ([name removed], you and your guys are fantastic!) and we find out that both engine belts have gone, a textile belt that operates the alternator to keep up battery power (maybe ai...Read more
r-conditioning, I'm not certain about that) and the big baddie of modern cars, the timing chain that turns the camshaft that operates the valves. It is usually changed at 120,000Km, so it needing replacing wasn't a shock. What was a shock, is that VW, in all its wisdom, feels that automotive engineering theory of camshaft design doesn't apply to them. I'll expand, if I may. The camshaft (two apparently - it's a double over head camshaft) lets fuel in and exhaust out. Normally, each is a single piece of carved steel. It's been this way as long as engines have had over head valves in their design. Volkswagen seemingly feels that solidity is not an essential requirement in such a vital engine component and they make theirs in several pieces for some reason. Therefore, when the timing chain broke, the sideways pressure broke the splines between the sections of the camshaft and meant that they all had to be replaced. So, what should have been maybe a $2500 repair, now ends up costing nearer to $6000 and means that we had a car off the road for more than 2 weeks. VW, your cars are great, we can really feel the synergy that comes from being part of one of the most innovative Automotive groups in the world. However, if something should be redesigned, please don't come up with something that seems to be redesign for no reason. This flies in the face of reason, to say the least!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
JJ41Southwest, VIC
- 40 reviews
OK but another brand next time
I have owned a VW before so bought a Tiguan last time round but will not be buying another VW for our next car. The car has been OK but nothing great. The ride is relatively rough and boot very small compared to equivalent SUVs like the Nissan Xtrail. The ride is quite rough and there is not a proper spare with one of those silly small wheels that has a low speed rating. Service is expensive at VW running between $600 to over $1k per service even though I have not done much mileage so I choose Ultra Tune for services and forget about the s...Read more
tandard log book service. Everything was an "optional" extra when I purchased the car. For example the Xenon lights were something like $4k extra so I did an upgrade from an after market supplier although would not recommend that approach. Not sure what the car is worth now given that it is one of the diesels with emission issues so not sure what I will get to trade up to another SUV so will not buy another VW. Interesting that VW is not forthcoming with any compensation. In comparison, my last Nissan had an issue after the three year warranty expired and they did a full engine rebuild with new pistons at no charge including a loan car for the period of repair.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Michael P
- 2 reviews
- 6 likes
Top Tig 1
I bought my 103TDI new in Feb 2010 and at 103000, have just had the cam belts and water pump replaced as per service guidelines. The only other repair issue was the A/C compressor at the 5 year mark which was run continuously all year round. Performance wise, the car has fantastic torque and goes hard in every gear and is a comfortable long distance tourer. Plenty of space inside and I find the luggage area adequate for my needs. Best economy on a trip was 5.5 l/100 kms and usually gets 7.2 around town. My wife loves it for the confidence...Read more
it imparts especially when some urgency (ie. torque) is required when merging at speed. I have upgraded to a Touareg but love getting back into the Tig as it feels like a go-kart after driving big brother.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
2011 Tiguan 103 TDI
I just bought my 2011 103 TDI Tiguan 7speed DSG. I just love it. I went to a Dealer to buy a Mitsubishi ASX diesel. Saw the VW and test drove both. All I could say was what a difference. The VW is awesome. Better build quality and much better handling to start with. Boot space is a little small though I only carry groceries anyway. Perforemance is very good for a little diesel. I read about the issues with the DSG and still decided to buy it given that there was a mixed response from owners. They can't be that bad with everyone giving trouble...Read more
. Mine has 53000 on the clock and is a credit to the previous owner. Like new. The leather is good quality. Fuel economy is unbeleivable on the highway. 4.9 with cruise on. Around 7.8 to 8 LPH around town which is ok. Better than my HSV. The Mitsy ASX is a good car and probably would have been happy with it but this I just love. Handling is great and ride is firm but predictable. Great car.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Pleasure to Drive but a worry
2011 Upgrade model Purchased as Demo model in 2012,
Diesel with DSG + Comfort Pack + Mats + aftermarket Tiinted Windows.
Economical between 7.6 - 7.8l/100kms mixed driving.
No problems, was a bit concerned after reading about DSG problems, we have a steep driveway and the DSG would clunk a bit as it started up the hill, just switch it to manual and it has no problem.
Just remember it's not a Ferrari or a Land Cruiser.
The Turbo gives it plenty of Power when needed but you have to remember there is a lag especially when cold.
Before the V...Read more
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PeejayCaloundra
2009 Tiguan 103tdi
Since purchasing the Tiguan, have had minor problems touch wood. Have had odour from aircon vents, have used Glen 20, detol, smell has gone. Have changed Cabin filter.
Aircon not getting cool quickly, have moved controls from Lo to Hi, seemed to work okay again.
Car has done 132000klms. Waiting on recall re emissions.
Have been googling Tiguan and getting info from youtube re oil changes, filter location. You can retrieve oil from sump via the dipstick pipe, so no need to remove sump plug, easy, no ramps or getting under car, takes about 20 ...Read more
3 comments
05/02/2016 Peejay, for those interested.
Timing belt/chain. Have been googling info on when to do this service, info received is telling me 225000klms, UK source. I have not yet decided to do the ser... Read more
20/03/2016 PeeJay For those interested.
Changing exterior light bulbs.
Had a warning icon come up on the led display, light bulb, then a message saying rear brake light not working.... Read more
05/12/2016 PeeJay. For those interested.
Tiguan now has 148000klms on the clock, touch wood, engine still running well. Still original disc pads, tho need changing now, original wiper blades, due for ... Read more
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OK except for electrical gremlins.
Bought a brand new top range Tiguan TDI for $53,000 in 2009 to replace a 2005 TDI Golf ( that the turbo blew up 2 months after warranty finished. It only had 30,000kms on it and cost me $7000 to replace.)
The Tiguan has travelled only 24,000kms in 6 years and has been regularly serviced by VW Village in Sydney. Since new I have replaced the front door locking mechanism, the exhaust sensor, the under seat air bag sensor, the power window front sensor, brake sensor, 11 rear right brake globes, front brake pads and rotors, battery, diesel parti...Read more
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aj2251Central Coast
- 30 reviews
- 23 likes
When I drive, I often still think of how much I love this car!
I went to buy a Forrester, I walked away with the more expensive Tiguan. The fuel economy really got me, just couldn't buy a car that was less fuel efficient then my old one, even though I was upgrading size. My tiguan is currently running at 6.2L/100 diesel manual and that is not freeway, but traffic poking around driving.
I upgraded because I needed space for 2 dogs, a rottie and a bulldog. Both fit happily in the back. The forward sliding back seat is handy, giving them more room, but when someone wants to sit in the back I just move the se...Read more
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ozmuthSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 8 reviews
- 18 likes
The car runs well, as long as there is no repair service required.
Our Tiguan has done about 60.000 km with some recalls and one break down. On our recent trip to Sydney the power outlets inside the car malfunctioned. Most likely a fuse was blown. As we used the outlet to power our GPS we stopped at the Coffs Harbour VW Service to have it checked. Unfortunately they had NO time to even check if the fuse was blown. We made it back home and we put the car in for the required annual service at the authorized VW Service Station. We got the car back in the afternoon and first thing we noticed was that the service r...Read more
equest indication was still blinking. The mechanic told us that this always happens. Next stop was the tire retailer because one tire was apparently below legal limit. He told us that the tire was still good for at least 10.000 km. When we checked the power outlet we found it still malfunctioned. Called the Service Center the next morning and was abused because I was using VW none approved appliances resulting in a fault of the power outlet. Navman is the GPS unit we use. A diagnostic analysis was proposed at a cost of $ 160. We went to the local mechanic. He replaced the fuse at no cost and since that time there is no more problem. VW need to get their act together. We will not buy an other VW.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MikeNewcastle
- 3 reviews
- 6 likes
ECU Issues
Apart from a problem with the ECU which put the car into limp mode and it was off the road for two days, we have really liked the vehicle. Handles well, fuel usage is excellent, good pulling power (I tow a camper). Found selling dealer had less than good customer handling practices so gave them the flick.
Transmission can be tricky. Try driving up a steep driveway to connect to a trailer, tap the brake and then go back to the accelerator and it just rolls forward like its in neutral! Very tricky and dangerous!
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VW-Never AgainLake Macquarie
- 2 reviews
- 11 likes
I've sworn off VW for life after my Tiguan experience
I purchased a manual TDi Tiguan soon after they were released in 2008. The vehicle was only used for long trips on the highway, (as I have access to a town car) and was serviced more frequently the recommended 15000Km intervals. It was "babied" as I intended to pass it on to my kids when I replaced it, as I have done for years with various Subarus - which are still going strong.
The VW was good to drive, solid feeling and nimble. It had great torque, and was very light on diesel - typically using 5 to 5.5litres per 100Km. What was not to li...Read more
ke then you ask? Soon after I purchased the car, it had an issue that caused an engine warning light to come on. I was on the north coast of NSW at the time in Byron Bay - an 8 hour drive from home - so I dutifully called VW Assist who took note of the warning symbols and told me it was OK to drive it back the 700Km or so to the dealers that I purchased it from. They didn't tell me that the loud warning chime would emanate from the dash every couple of minutes for the entire trip – which made for an unpleasant drive. But there was worse to come. It turned out that there was diesel fuel in small amounts spurting out of a defective part at the top of the engine. The part in my engine failed before the recall for this defect was issued. It was fixed at no charge, but I was inconvenienced and not offered a loan vehicle. Next issue, not long after the first, was when I was again 700Km from home in Byron Bay. The engine warning light came on and the car went into "limp" mode and after calling VW assist it was put on a tow truck and taken to the VW dealer in Lismore. I rented a vehicle to get home which was covered by VW assist. It turned out that the problem was that a sensor in the exhaust had indicated that there was a build-up of particulates in the exhaust, and the limp mode was designed into the system to protect the catalytic converter - which is extremely expensive to replace. I couldn't understand how there would be any carbon build-up, as the vehicle was only a few months old and hardly ever ran short trips, in fact had just done a 700Km highway trip. The Lismore dealer claimed that the problem could not be fixed under warranty as I had not had the car serviced by a VW dealer and my mechanic had not used the specified oil – which they claimed caused the problem. I then faxed the mechanic’s receipts for the services – from an excellent mechanic who I have used for years – which proved that the oil used was to the VW specification for the vehicle. The problem was simply a faulty sensor – a $300 Bosch part that gave a false reading of the particulates. In spite of this, and of my proving that the correct oil had been used, the Lismore VW dealer still refused to release my vehicle unless I paid for the work which should have been fully covered by the warranty. I had to fly to Coolangatta at my expense, and hire a taxi to Lismore – and then threaten to arrive with Police in tow to make them hand over my property. It was only then that I got the car back. This prompted the first of my many emails of complaint to VW Australia – which drew a completely unsatisfactory response and no apology or reimbursement of travel costs supposed to be covered by VW assist. The vehicle was relatively trouble free for a period until it was just out of its 3 year warranty (at around 90,000Km), when another Bosch sensor failed – this time an air conditioning pressure sensor – which allowed all the refrigerant to escape into the atmosphere. My cost to repair.4 comments
I should have mentioned also, that when the car went into "limp" mode because of the torn internal Turbo diaphragm, not only could the dealer (Tweed Heads VW) not find any problem, the vehicle's compu... Read more
ter did not record it going into "limp" mode multiple times over a full week and over quite a few Km. - So much for the reliability of the vehicle information systems.transmisson &torbo oil leaks 2013 tiguan been @service depart over the part 14 months for 24 days
The fact that this car was assembled in Germany evidently made no difference to the quality problems - particularly the sensors. But my biggest beef was the appalling VW "service". They treat the cust... Read more
omer with at best disinterest, at worst, thinly veiled contempt. I have never had such poor consumer service for any product - but considering it's a high value item, it was staggering.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Great handling, no-fuss driving
We purchased our auto, 103TDI Tiguan in 2009. Overall it's been a very good car for us. I particularly like the handling: the steering is direct and nicely weighted, the cornering is smooth and predictable at any reasonable speed and while the ride is firm, I don't find it uncomfortably rough when the roads deteriorate. It handles better and more predictably than most conventional (non-SUV) small cars I've driven. We splurged on the leather seat package ($$$$) which provide great support and seem to be wearing very well. The diesel is very econ...Read more
omical, although the car computer is consistently optimistic about consumption (actual consumption is about 0.5l/100km above). We get 7.5-8l/100km around town and 6-6.5l/100km on the highway. I wanted a DSG (wasn't available until the model after ours), but I'm actually pretty happy with the auto: it's smooth, shifts well and with the diesel engine torque you don't get the rev-happy, jerky changes that seem common in small-car autos. Servicing has been somewhat expensive and we are now using a third-party (non-dealer) workshop. That said, the service from our dealer was OK and we've had very few issues with the vehicle. We had a problem with the diesel particulate filter sensor not activating when the filter got clogged up and the dealer agreed to fix both the sensor and the resulting problem (clogged filter) it under warranty. I've owned quite a few cars and I like this car best of all of them. The driving experience is really hard to beat. Handling, build quality, economy Servicing costs, pricey options, dinky spare tyre, small-ish bootSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
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Angus S
in fact so good that we just got our daughter a 2012 TSI Pacific model with only 36,000kms and full leather interior.
A really nice car indeed.