Early model (2012-ish) Volkwagen Tiguan - good or no good | GTAMotorcycle.com

Early model (2012-ish) Volkwagen Tiguan - good or no good

JZ67

JZ67

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Hey GTAMC!

My youngest will be entering the market for a new used vehicle. She like a compact SUV and despite my advice is making choices based on what looks good to her. Let's face it, if a car is dead ugly to you then you won't enjoy it. Not a real problem I know. Anyway.

She like the look of the Tiguan and the google search suggests the vehicle has its share of problems. Anyone with first hand experience?

PLEASE KEEP THIS FACT BASED. I AM NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR PERSONAL VIEW OR HATRED FOR VW.
 
Tiggy was basically a lifted golf. Why does she want suv? Style, awd? Golf would be cheaper and very similar interior room but no awd. If she wants to own a 10 yo vw, buy a scanner. Vcds is probably the best but expensive, obd11 pro should be good enough.
 
Tiggies are standard issue company cars for tge German company I work for. They have been fine, but we only keep them 4 years.
VW customer care isn't the best, if you have extended warranty or warranty emission or corrosion claims after the basic warranty expires, you might wait years for them to resolve the claim.

I've had plenty I've Audi/VWs over the years, the get expensive after 4 or 5 years.

If it were my daughter, I'd suggest a Rav4, CX5, or CRV. No used Soobaroos, VW or Escapes, or Nissans for my daughter.
 
GreyGhost said:
Tiggy was basically a lifted golf. Why does she want suv? Style, awd? Golf would be cheaper and very similar interior room but no awd. If she wants to own a 10 yo vw, buy a scanner. Vcds is probably the best but expensive, obd11 pro should be good enough.
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Picked the wrong post to reply to. Nothing to see here...can't figure out how to back out of the action. :)
 
Mad Mike said:
If it were my daughter, I'd suggest a Rav4, CX5, or CRV. No used Soobaroos, VW or Escapes, or Nissans for my daughter.
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Damn, it's like you were here when we were talking. Already suggested all the above. These are the best options in the class. Although I don't want to push too hard and influence her decision, I think I am going to have to.
 
JZ67 said:
Damn, it's like you were here when we were talking. Already suggested all the above. These are the best options in the class. Although I don't want to push too hard and influence her decision, I think I am going to have to.
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That's why she calls you "Dad".
 
Mad Mike said:
That's why she calls you "Dad".
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I get that...I am also the dad that will give you enough rope to hang yourself if there is a lesson to be learned by it. I am not an "I told you so" dad either. I feel strongly that our kids need to learn how to be critical, make decisions and mistakes to learn by. My three kids are awesome young adults fully capable of thinking things through and will ask for help when needed. Their mom is pretty awesome too.

This could be a very expensive lesson though. Gonna have to steer this one.
 
JZ67 said:
I get that...I am also the dad that will give you enough rope to hang yourself if there is a lesson to be learned by it. I am not an "I told you so" dad either. I feel strongly that our kids need to learn how to be critical, make decisions and mistakes to learn by. My three kids are awesome young adults fully capable of thinking things through and will ask for help when needed. Their mom is pretty awesome too.

This could be a very expensive lesson though. Gonna have to steer this one.
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I like and use the same approach - but I do have a hopping off point. On a seriously consequential decision, I'm going the full distance with advice and maybe crossing over to persuasion.

My daughter thought a 10 year old X5 would be the best first car ever, and the used car salesman was 100% in agreement. It was hard, but I did convince her to scale back and she ended up with a 5 year old Jetta with 1/3rd the miles at 1/2 the price. She loves the car, it even has a pet name. Her friend bought the X5, unhappy story.
 
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JZ67 said:
This could be a very expensive lesson though. Gonna have to steer this one.
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Exactly, when you buy them a piece of junk with No previous car owning history, they will think check engine lights and needing regular repairs is "normal"

I've never had to buy a "scanner" for any of my cars lol
 
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JZ67 said:
So last night we sat down and formulated a plan that does not include a Tiguan but rather those compact SUV's with a better reputation.

She has some homework to do financially and we will take it from there.

Thanks everyone!
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I don't know if she can drive a standard shift -- when my daughter and I went Jetta shopping, a 5-year-old Auto was about $8K, the same in manual $5500. That was 2018, but from what the kids tell me it's still the same.

I forgot to add 1 small SUV that would be on my list - Jeep Patriot. I have one, it's a basic 5sp manual, and has been tough. It tows up to 2000lbs nicely, is excellent in the snow, handled a few years in the far north running on rough roads and snowpack. In 160000KM it's been as trouble-free as a hammer. I've replaced 1 wheel bearing -- no other repairs -- just maintenance and wear items (tires, brakes, fluid changes). Downside - uglier than a 1st gen Multistrada.
 
JZ67 said:
So last night we sat down and formulated a plan that does not include a Tiguan but rather those compact SUV's with a better reputation.

She has some homework to do financially and we will take it from there.

Thanks everyone!
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Good call and approach. You don't want to force them into a decision because then it'll be all your fault.

My kids are very very young still so the decision is 'do you want a banana or a candy?' type of decision. As in today he lost his backpack and lunch box.
'Where is it?'
'I dunno'
'when did you see it last?'
'I dunno'
'How are you going to take your lunch?'
'I won't be hungry'

Anyway, GTAM has a few stories of bad times with VW and their warranties for rust and leaks from sunroofs...I'd stay clear. They're great I'm sure, but VW corporate does not have the best reputation for dealing with issues...and especially on cars FAR out of warranty.

My pics:
- CRV
- RAV4
- Rogue / Qashqai (I've heard bad things...have had Nissans in our family since 88 and almost all trouble free)

Good luck.
 
SunnY S said:
Not sure about the RAV, but many of the older CR-Vs were japan built.

its well known that the older japanese built vehicles are virtually bullet proof.....
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Neighbours have a crv of that vintage with >400k on it. Still running with minimal issues. Another friend has a crv ~2006 owned since new with 200k on it and running fine. Like everything honda, boring appliances but they last.
 
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