Passat 130TDi Tiptronic

[martin_5066206]

I am considering buying a VW Passat estate 130 TDi and would like the Tiptronic version. Has anybody had experiance of towing with the Tiptronic ? Would I be better off sticking with the 6 speed manual version ? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Martin

 

[rob_jax]

Tiptronic or Manual?

A good question. We tow an Eriba Triton (MPTLM 1200kg) and previously I had a Golf TDI 130 with the 6-ratio manual box - no problems - aside from extra care with hill starts - and relatively good fuel consumption towing (35mpg to 40mpg).

We now have a MB C270 CDI with the 5-speed automatic gearbox, and it is so much easier - perhaps relaxing is the best description - to drive. Fuel consumption towing is around 30mpg to 33mpg.

Towing our Eriba on a motorway, both cars would run happily at 55mph to 60mph in top gear - engine revs around 1800 rpm - so the engine is developing maximum torque.

If you drive a bit slower, then the autobox may change down one ratio (to stay close to max. torque) and you can find yourself going slower and using a bit more fuel.

Suggestions:

Test drive the automatic and if you find not having to change gears relaxing, then go for it.

If you have a choice, a very useful option on the Passat Estate is the self levelling suspension - this is a big help when towing with front wheel drive.

So a Passat TDI 130 / tiptronic / self levelling suspension would be my "ideal"

Robert

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Martin I have a Passat with Tiptronic and to be honest with you I wouldn't go back to manual. I've towed from John O Groats to Lands End with it with no problems. Hill starts are easier for example.

See these threads under towcars where its been discussed before.

VW Passat 1.9 TDI Highline

Ian

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 12:26 PM 6

John I. Stephen Automatic gear-Box as a tow-car?

9 Oct 2005 06:57 AM

Hope this helps.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

P.S. Rob summed it up just in one word "relaxing". I also forgot to add I have the estate which is better for carrying the Aqua Roll, Waste Master etc. I was never really keen on driving but I actually enjoy driving now especially towing the van.

 

[Icemaker]

Martin, as far as i can see the tiptronic box is not available with the 130 bhp tdi engine as it is apparently not strong enough for the torque produced. when buying my alhambra i test drove the tiptronic and found it to be whofully under powered, when i asked why it was so slow towards the manual the salesman adviced that it was supplied only with the 115 bhp tdi engine but the manual has 130 bhp and loads more torque. its a lovely smooth box but apparently not very strong. if its not strong enough for 130 bhp i would not trust it with a van on the back.

At the moment i can not discuss the problems with my alhambra 130 tdi which is still in the garage after 5 weeks of work on it and its only 4 month old but before you buy do a search on the vw / audi / seat group with the tdi engine using key words such as ; missfire; flywheel; clutch; you may just be put off buying the car as it does not make pleasant reading.