Reader Review of the Week: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
MoleTwins from Chicago went looking for a small SUV with reliability and day-to-day functionality as the primary concerns. A run through the usual checklist ensued, but this reviewer became particularly enamored after test-driving the all-new VW Tiguan. Having met the initial, functional threshold, the Tiguan then surpassed expectations with its ride, styling and interior features. Find out how the Tiguan won this reader's heart after such a short flirtation, then go post a review of your own car here.
"I'm usually very pragmatic about my car purchases. I tend to buy a car that is first and foremost reliable and functional and keep the car for a long time (I just traded in my '97 CR-V, purchased new). So when I was looking for a new small SUV I checked out the usual suspects: Subaru Forrester, RAV4, etc.
“When I first saw the Tiguan, the pragmatic side of me said ‘enough room for the kids’ and ‘small and practical for the city.’ Then I took it for a test-drive and fell in love. I got in the front seat and was impressed by the fit and finish — more like a Mercedes than a plasticky SUV. Then I looked up and saw the huge sunroof (it spans the whole car and has a built-in powered sun-shade) and I thought, ‘Wow, it's like having a convertible SUV!’
“The real ‘wow’ came when I took one for a test drive. The ride is smooth and quiet, but when you put the pedal down there is plenty of get-up-and-go. And the driving manners are more sports-sedan than SUV. It has no real body-lean on turns and is very maneuverable.
“The car's transmission has a Sport mode when maximum performance is desired, as well as standard drive. And you can shift it manually with the Tiptronic transmission.
“The only thing I wish it has that it does not (in the U.S.) is a DSG transmission. The VW Eos, Rabbit and other models offer a combined automatic/manual transmission that shifts very quickly (by having two clutches). For some reason the U.S. version of the Tiguan has a Tiptronic, which goes through a torque converter and is governed, so you can't shift quite as quickly and it won't let you redline.
“Still, it's a wonderful vehicle and we pick ours up at the dealer today. I can't wait.
“One final comment: Some reviews mention that the car 'requires premium fuel.' It doesn't require it, and the owner's manual says 87 octane is fine. Premium fuel may give slightly better performance and mileage. That is why VW 'recommends' it."
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My wife loves her Tiguan too however we just went back and purchased the extended warranty as it's reliability has left us a little uncertain. There's been a buzz resonating from the dash that two dealers are unable to fix but we do have a third appointment with a Regional Engineer this Friday so maybe we'll have more luck. Outside of the buzz and two minor electrical issues the car has been fine and the dealer service very good. The car is exceptionally quiet and we have found the engine to idle smoother when running on premium gas than on regular. This is our first VW and I think it's safe to say my wife would buy it again.
A co-worker has a black VW Tiguan and it's really sharp looking. The interior quality is remarkable however he's concerned because VW had to replace an axle due to a whine. I think as long as the manufacturer honors the warranty it's a non-issue as it's not like the Tiguan is a Honda.
It's too late now, but for others, here's some useful advice for VWs. They are engineered very well, and so they drive very nicely. Very nice fit and finish. And not very expensive (relatively speaking). But..., the reliability is going to be below other Asian and US brands. Sorry, that's the way it is. Buzzes in the dash will ALWAYS start happening with a VW. You will also have more repairs than other brands, but not to the point of being what I would consider really bad. We have a Passat, and it handles very well. It's got the small turbo 4 cylinder which gives is very nice acceleration (especially at altitude where we live) and it gets great mileage. We have almost 100K on it and we have a had some things break, and lots of buzzes and rattles if you go on a dirt road (or bumpy paved one). All being said and done, if you really care about reliability, and it sounds like this reviewer did, you should probably NOT buy a VW. Plain and simple, that's a fact. I am a VW owner and I know several others, and that's just the way it is. But, if the performance and driveability are more important, VWs are great. They surpass that of the Asian and Americans.
I can't believe how cheap the A/C controls look...just like the Jetta! & the cruise in the turn signal stalk? How 80's GM of them!
Unfortunately we don't get these models down here in Australia. Don't understand it as I'm sure they would sell well. I think we get the Golf and thats about it..