What's so awful about VW Tiguans?

[slackerinabox]

I know I recently posted about hatchbacks but my wife jumped ship again, citing she'd like something as safe as possible for our kids. I'm looking at mid-sized SUVs and santa fes, crvs, and the likes are in our budget - but the VW Tiguans keeps popping up as under budget for a plush looking ride.

What's the big issue with it that there are so many being sold for so cheaply? We take care of our cars (our 2008 minivan still runs like new) and don't put a lot of miles on our car (10 a weekday, if that), would a low mile 2012-2013 tiguan be so awful?

 

[NutBucket]

It's a VW, enough said! And basically most German cars have crappy resale.

 

[cbrsurfr]

It's a GTI minus the DSG trans. Maintenance will be higher as its German. Direct injection carbon buildup problems to be expected when the miles get higher.

 

[phreaqe]

The name?

 

[PricklyPete]

Nothing horrible, but better choices abound. CX5, Forester, Rogue, CRV are all better at being a CUV.

 

[evident]

I had a lot of trouble trying to sell one. Mint condition w/ no issues. Very little interest. Eventually it was just traded in. Not too bad of a car but i didn't think it was too special either, but is anything really special in this category?

 

[Denly]

Nothing horrible, but better choices abound. CX5, Forester, Rogue, CRV are all better at being a CUV.

Depends on where OP locate I still don't trust Mazda's body penal or the boxer engine.

I do agree on the CRV, also Rav4.

 

[soulcougher73]

All of it?

 

[slackerinabox]

Nothing horrible, but better choices abound. CX5, Forester, Rogue, CRV are all better at being a CUV.

I mean, I've seen low-mileage models for thousands below our budget, and I find rogues and subaru's a little flavorless (and the mrs. loves german cars, and we were ok keeping an old volvo running perfectly until trade in 280k miles later).

SO, it should last 2 to 3 years until we trade it in right? My logic is that it's already so low on it's depreciation curve that I could use it for a few years and get probably 75% back if I sell it private party when I'm ready for an upgrade. Like we picked up our minivan years ago for cheap, put a little elbow grease into keeping it clean and well cared for and now am getting offers $500 lower than what we paid. Of course that plan falls apart if the car literally falls apart by then.

 

[exar333]

New, they were really over-priced when optioned at all. They were also pretty much dead-last in tech offerings, which is one of the few differentiators in that CUV price range. Was just boring all the way around and no character. Nothing bad though....

 

[slackerinabox]

New, they were really over-priced when optioned at all. They were also pretty much dead-last in tech offerings, which is one of the few differentiators in that CUV price range. Was just boring all the way around and no character. Nothing bad though....

Cool, my other options like the santa fe and the crv aren't exactly soul stirring either, blandness is to be expected. Guess it's on my list, but I bet a test drive will cross it off - seems like a lot of heft for a stock 4 cylinder engine.

 

[Subyman]

I think everyone is adverse to VW right now.

 

[VtPC83]

I would advocate for the CX-5. Looks great imo, drives very well, is fun to drive, has decent tech, reliable, low cost maintenance (except oil changes)

Overall great CSUV

 

[desy]

http://longtermqualityindex.com/vehicles/Volkswagen_Tiguan.html
This chart tells me they are below industry average as they age

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Volkswagen/Tiguan/
This chart tells me people have been complaining less about them as time has gone on

Factor in the Euro premium repair price cost vs the right now on sale VW disgraced price I might take a chance on one. . . .

 

[slackerinabox]

http://longtermqualityindex.com/vehicles/Volkswagen_Tiguan.html
This chart tells me they are below industry average as they age

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Volkswagen/Tiguan/
This chart tells me people have been complaining less about them as time has gone on

Factor in the Euro premium repair price cost vs the right now on sale VW disgraced price I might take a chance on one. . . .

To balance my enthusiasm I've heard of $4000 transmission repair bills on the tiquans, so I'm edging toward Korean myself right now. Update if you get one, we really only need to make a move in July

 

[nOOky]

Check out the new Hyundai Tuscon or Santa Fe Sport. The Tuscon doesn't get a lot of love, but I would expect good reliability along with the above average warranty. It's not ugly either but that is a matter of opinion of course.

 

[gorcorps]

Depends on where OP locate I still don't trust Mazda's body penal or the boxer engine.

I do agree on the CRV, also Rav4.

Assuming you meant body panels... Why don't you trust them?

 

[slackerinabox]

Check out the new Hyundai Tuscon or Santa Fe Sport. The Tuscon doesn't get a lot of love, but I would expect good reliability along with the above average warranty. It's not ugly either but that is a matter of opinion of course.

Yep, I"ve also seen good deals on the ford edge. Drive a lowly kia sedona that has given us zippo problems other than standard wear and tear, compared to the monthly visits to the shop with the prior volvo.

Dumb dumb side question - bmw suv's are dirt cheap. Assuming the carfax maintenance record checks out, it's still an expensive gamble right? What if my dad's buddies with an autoshop owner and I pick up parts on ebay?

 

[Charlie98]

What's so awful about VW Tiguans?

The elitist drivers...

 

[slag]

Elitist? Vw? I thought those were reserved for audi and porsche..

 

[slackerinabox]

The elitist drivers...

Really? I haven't seen that since the 90s. To be honest, resales been so low for years that it's the new nissan around here (cheap, magnets for people with mediocre credit). Heck, it's cheaper than a hyundais around here.

 

[ibex333]

A Tiguan is a glorified Golf. Slightly larger and sits higher. Way overpriced for what it is.

I'd rather Spend on a Golf GTi.

 

[Jumpem]

If she wants safe get a Subaru with EyeSight. Also review the list of IIHS TSP+ vehicles: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/TSP-List

 

[HitAnyKey]

I would advocate for the CX-5. Looks great imo, drives very well, is fun to drive, has decent tech, reliable, low cost maintenance (except oil changes)

Overall great CSUV

oil changes expensive on the CX-5?

I wouldn't touch a VW right now. Resale in the future will likely be pretty worse than average unless some miracle happens

 

[senseamp]

They look weird to me with the short cargo area.