Diving Deep into the Used VW Tiguan: A Breeze Through Potential Pitfalls
Enhanced Version of the Second-Gen VW Tiguan Showcases Improvements
Ah, the Tiguan! One of Volkswagen's stellar offerings and a favorite among SUV enthusiasts. But, tread carefully if you're diving into the used car market, particularly for the 2016-2023 second generation models. Here's what you should keep an eye on to ensure you're getting a ride that's as dependable as it is delightful.
Cruising Through the Engine and Oil- Too Much Oil, Too Often: Some Tiguan drivers have reported engines that guzzle oil like a hummingbird with a sugar habit. Keep an eye out for frequent top-offs or engine repairs in maintenance records.- Timing Chain Troubles: Early models, especially those from before 2019, have been known to suffer from timing chain or tensioner issues. A neglected issue can lead to a nasty engine-splosion scenario, so steer clear of these troublemakers.
Glitchy Electrical and Infotainment Systems- Touchscreens: Freeze! Repeat!: There have been reports of screens freezing up, Bluetooth behaving erratically, and systems spontaneously rebooting.- Electrical Accessories Gone Wild: Issues with features such as the power liftgate, keyless entry, and adaptive cruise control may surface sporadically.
Transmission: The Heart of the Beast- Gear Shifting Gone Awry: Some Tiguan models have shown signs of rough shifting, hesitation, and even transmission fluid leaks,especially if maintenance has been slacking.
Suspension and Steering: The Smooth Ride- Suspension Sounds: Clunks and Rattles: Take note of any clunking, rattling noises coming from the suspension, especially at high mileage.- Steering Issues: Shakes and Alignments: Some owners have reported steering wheel vibrations and alignment issues.
The Inside Story: Build Quality and Materials- Wear and Tear: The interior may show signs of wear, especially on high-touch surfaces like seats, door panels, and the steering wheel.- Sunroof Leaks: While not as common as on other brands, don't be caught off guard by water leaks, particularly if the sunroof drains are clogged.
Recalls and Class Action Lawsuits: Legal Eagles- Active Lawsuits: Be in the know about ongoing class action lawsuits regarding certain engine defects or other manufacturer defects.- Recall Checks: Always make sure the vehicle’s recall status is up to date and that any outstanding recalls have been addressed by a Volkswagen dealer.
Pre-Purchase Checklist: A Health Check for Your Tiguan- Oil Consumption Check: Review maintenance records for oil consumption red flags.- Transmission Service History: Confirm that transmission fluid and filters have been changed at recommended intervals.- Suspension and Brake Inspection: Look for signs of wear or noise.- Infotainment and Electrical Functionality: Test all features before you make the purchase, including the touchscreen, Bluetooth, power accessories, and safety systems.- Recall and Service History: Obtain a full history report and verify that all recalls have been completed.- Mechanical Inspection: Have a trusted mechanic perform a thorough inspection before you drive off the lot.
At a Glance: A Summary Table
| Issue Type | Description/Examples | Key Considerations ||------------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------|| Oil Consumption | Excessive oil use between changes | Check maintenance records || Electrical/Infotainment | Glitches, connectivity issues | Test all features || Transmission | Rough shifting, leaks | Service history, mechanic check|| Suspension/Steering | Clunking noise, vibration | Inspection for wear || Interior Build Quality | Material wear, sunroof leaks | Visual inspection, test sunroof || Recalls/Lawsuits | Engine defects, oil consumption, etc.| Recall status, legal history |
Keep these common issues in mind when shopping for a used second-generation VW Tiguan, and you'll be well on your way to a ride that's as reliable as it is enjoyable. Happy hunting!
- For those preferring non-motorized vehicles, the lifestyle around home-and-garden activities may be more appealing than car-maintenance tasks for a used VW Tiguan.
- As electric vehicles gain popularity, the car market now offers alternative choices for buyers looking beyond the traditional SUV segment, such as the VW Tiguan.
- Instead of focusing solely on cars, some individuals might choose to reconsider the advantages of other vehicles, not motorized, in light of a more eco-friendly and low-maintenance lifestyle.
