Looking at buying a 04/05 Touran

[Peter_HMR]

Hi I currently own a VW passat and looking at replacing my wifes Golf. I'm not exactly a VW head but I like the comfort and specs of VW and they are good value second hand. Can anyone give me a brief outline of the Tourans what are they like, what age does stuff start going on them, are there any major problems. I'm searching around but if anyone's aware of a buyers guide that would be great.

I'm looking at getting one around 80-110k miles I'm aware of DMF failure and using proper spec oil in the PD engines and regular oil changes. Is there anything else critical to look out for in these.

Also I'm only really considering the 1.9TDI I pressume this is the same PD engine in most other VWs of that age. I've seen a few 1.6's petrols are these any good?

[johncanelloni]

The DW is now on her second Touran having recently traded in the old '04. I think they drive well, more like a car than a van. There's more space inside than a Zafira so you can comfortably get three child seats or two child seats plus an adult in the middle row. With the back two seats up there's practically no boot. But you do have the option to put any of the back 5 seats up or down individually (all the Zafira's I've seen have a bench middle seat) and you can rake and move the middle row seats forwards individually which is useful to lean-back a child in a larger car seat while keeping baby's seat upright. Bear in mind that you don't get a spare wheel, just a puncture repair kit. Visibility out of the front sides is restricted for me due to the big pillars, but I'm 6'2" so I sit quite a long way back.

We used to have an oil change every 6000 miles otherwise it would be hard to start when warm. Not sure about the new one, but it's the same engine so I guess the same service regime.

Not sure what else to look for other than DMF and possibly brake callipers seizing (that one's easily fixed though). Try the parkers car reviews website for a buying guide.

For the engine I'd only consider the 2.0TDI PD. It's got similar fuel economy to the 1.9 but a lot more power (140 vs 105). With the 2l you still get plenty of performance when it's loaded to the gunwales! I can't imagine the petrol having enough torque for the job, but I've never tried one so maybe someone else knows better?

[turpal]

Had it loved it,nice,comfy,lots of storage etc.Try to get 1.9tdi,more reliable.

[Buzzoff]

The Wife has got a 1.9tdi it is a very good car (fantastic work horse when the middle seats are removed it is like a van), we were thinking of buying a VW T5 but to be fair the Touran is capable enough for what we need. Go for it!!!!!

[ProDave]

Steer clear of the Touran.

I'm growing to hate ours. (but my wife still loves it)

It's currently broken. *the alternator failed, and in the process of flattening the battery it appears to have killed the computer that drives the wipers. *Yes that's right. There's a dedicated computer just to control the wipers.

ther things I don't like, ridiculously low ground clearance, very prone to scraping the bottom on speed humps etc. *It's the engine sump that hangs down lowest, I wonder how many of them have been smashed? *And of course if you buy the 7 seater, don't expect to find a spare wheel in the car (that one shocked and dissapointed me)

Personally I would stick to the Passat or Golf. *Both very good reliable cars. *The Touran is NOT living up to expectations and I am sure will not last anything like as long as those.

[chrisfraser05]

growing to love ours more each day.

Massively practical, good looking, comfy, pretty quick (170sport DSG) and above all it is the most versatile car I've ever had.

I use it almost as a van regularly taking the back seats out however the rear most 2 folding into the floor mean if I forget to put the seats in I can still pop the kids... plus they are so far back I don't need to hear them.

Only complaint I have is the ground clearance as above, never had an issue in town or carparks etc, only on grass tracks. Where our Skoda estate would sail across I hear a little rubbing underneath that makes your bum tighten lol

I am totally a Touran fan though, best car I've ever owned, better than any of my Pre-children sporty cars if I'm honest!