Volkswagen Touran

[Ian341]

Hi all

I am going to see a Touran tomorrow and I am extremely interested in it.

Does anyone have one and what are they like for towing ?

Also are there any problems with them ?

Responses will be greatly appreciated

Many Thanks

Ian

 

[antrimboy]

Hi Ian, I got a new Touran 140 TDI DSG in June '05, and tow a 1500 Kg. 'van with it. Even though 1500 kg. is the car's limit, I've never had any problems with it, nor does the car ever feel that it's struggling at all - far from it in fact.I find it a great tow-car, and have had the outfit to Italy on two consequtive years. Solo mpg is around 42, and 28 when towing - but I don't "hang around".

Just check the service history. Variable service on long-life oil is anything from around 13000 - 18000 mls,depending on how much towing it's done, or two years, whichever comes first, and ordinary oil servicing is around 10000 mls. or 12 mths, whichever comes first.

Cam-belt replacement is expensive at around

 

[Ian341]

Hi Eddie,

Thanks for the response !

The car is second hand - 2003.

It doesn't have a towbar which in a way is good because it hasn't been worked hard.

It has done 40,000 miles which means the cam-belt will need replacing in another 40,000.

Many Thanks

Ian

 

[antrimboy]

Cam-belt. Watch this one carefully. If it was changed last year, or recently,you'll be fine up to 80000 mls., or another four years. If it hasn't been changed yet, VW have a recommendation that they should be changed after 4 yrs, regardless of the mileage, in which case, it should be changed ASAP.

 

[Ian341]

Hi Eddie,

I asked the dealer if it had been changed and he said no, so i expect that it will need changing soon. Is there any website or such that you know of where I could print out information saying it needs changing on its 4th year because maybe then it could be changed before we pick up the car.

Many Thanks

Ian

 

[antrimboy]

Have a look here;

http://www.clubtouran.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2874&highlight=cambelt change
There's loads on this Touran forum which may be of interest to you.

 

[Ian341]

Hi Eddie

Thank you for the help it is greatly appreciated !

Thanks again

Ian

 

[antrimboy]

One other point I forgot to mention Ian - the 7 seaters don't come with a spare wheel,just a bottle of gunge and an air compressor.

On mine, I removed seats 6 & 7 , bought a full sized spare, and bolted it down in the recess where the seats were.

 

[Ian341]

Hi Eddie, they did say this but the model I am going to see tomorrow is the 5 seater. I did look at the 7 seater but as I was towing I thought a spare wheel was essential.

Ian

 

[everton1]

Hi Ian,

I've just returned my 140bh,2.ltr diesel touran back to the lease company on Thursday.Just 3 years old 90k miles,its been a very good car both solo and towing,mpg around 50 plus solo,30 towing.I've managed over 60mpg on the cars computer in slow traffic.My caravan is 1400 mtplm and it tows it well.when on damp grass and reversing the front wheels do spin a lot but front wheel drives will.Only major problem it will be needing a new gear box,hence the reason it was taken with a days notice.A friend with a 1.9 18 months old model also had a new gear box under warranty.Best of luck with your choice.

FrankE.

 

[Ian341]

Thanks Frank,

Unlike VW to have gearbox trouble. My wife has a 1996 polo and it has done 130,000 miles without one problem touch wood !

My current zafira spins dreadfuly when on grass I think it is because the caravan causes the front to be lifted slightly causing less grip on the front wheels.

Many Thanks

Ian

 

[everton1]

Hi Ian,

The problems with gearbox has not put me off VW's it's just one of those things that happen. I am waiting delivery of a Golf Plus, my wife has a polo which my son uses when he's home. Am a big VW fan, have had a few in the past. Have now got an X-trail for towing.

Regards

FrankE

 

[ellis_374311645]

hi ian just returned from spain france 7000 mls towing 1400kg 7mt van 140 bhp manual 2 lt tdi great tug 30mpg towing 54 solo our 7 seater purchased a spare wheel in case really pleased with it its now done 15000 from new good luck

ellis

 

[Alistair_5088461]

Ian

Have towed with a Touran 140 TDi sport for the last 3 years. Best towcar I've had in my 17 years of caravanning! Pulling about 1500 kg, it's very relaxed on motorway, set cruise control and sit back!

Economical - about 28 towing. Great torque when you need it.

No problems with mine - a couple of things sorted by VW under recall - clutch flywheel and cold start heater.

Loads of space but it's small for when going around town.

Only downsides are the towing bracket can affect the parking sensors, and no spare wheel, so I carry a steel spare when towing or on a long journey solo.

Hope this helps.

Am currently thinking of changing it for a new Touran, and am considering the 170. Does anyone have any experience of towing with a 170 manual, please?

Thanks

Al