thanks for all the input - i am investigating some Tourans. The boat ramp is very close to where we live, but we occasionally travel between one and four hours with the boat. We regularly need 4-5 seats and occassionally need tyhe 7. The discussion has come about because we want to upgrade our old bighorn, which is a capable tower with 7 seats to a car that's more family friendly and doesn't drive like a tractor. it also needs to be able to tow as described. we launch about 30 times a year so it needs to be a safe tow-er aswell.
smac,
Aug 29, 12:42am
Are you saying this thing is only used 30 times a year, or that it's used regularly for the 5-7 people, but only tows 30 times! How many k's a year does the bighorn do!
battleaxe,
Aug 29, 12:44am
would this have the trailer control and be suitable!
we tow 30 times a year. use it every day as a runner. i go to and from work in big horn. we do about 12000kms a year in it
craig04,
Aug 29, 12:55am
Except there aren't any dealers at the moment with Tourans fitted with towbars. Only a couple of private sales. I guess most people aren't aware they are sitting on the most phenomenal tow vehicles ever made.
thejazzpianoma,
Aug 29, 1:00am
That is the right sort of thing but I can't guarantee is has trailer stability control. My understanding is it came in about half way through 2005 and it is standard equipment after that. A VW dealer or somewhere like Qualitat (third party service and parts) should be able to tell you from the vin or even reg numbers though.
I like that sort of prospect where you are spending about 15K on one with low km's. The transmission should be serviced every 60K so that's great being able to get one before the first service is due so you know its been done properly when you do it.
Service wise you generally do a big service every 5 years which costs a fair bit and then you only need real basic fluid and filter changes in between. So on a per year basis servicing is really reasonable.
So. with that in mind given you are buying around a 2006ish model my advice is to put aside $2000 - $2500 to take it in and have everything brought right up to date. That is transmission, cambelt, tensioners, waterump, coolant, oil, all filters (oil,cabin,engine,transmission- ) etc
Then you should wind up with a car that is set up ready to go and still be around 3K under budget.
With the wiring, for the trailer somewhere like qualitat can look at it and tell you if it is done right first. From memory on those if it is wired right you should see a trailer light on the dash when the trailer is plugged in. but I am scratching my head to remember for sure as our current one is pre trailer stability.
The wiring is not end of the world to change if you need to but will cost a wee bit at the dealer. You can order a loom yourself for a few hundred though and get it fitted by any capable auto sparky or even yourself if you are handy and can follow instructions.
Thats about it really, just take your time, get a good low km one like that, get it checked out well before you part with the cash and most of all put your boat on behind it first and make sure you are happy (although I am sure you will be).
Happy shopping, hit me up anytime with questions, I know a fair bit about these as we have had 4 and I have done the trailer wiring, camebelts, transmission servicing etc all myself.
trdbzr,
Aug 29, 1:04am
Funny how when people rave about them, then their opinions should be heard. But the numerous times that websites with negative opinions have been shown to you, you label those posting in those forums as trolls.
thejazzpianoma,
Aug 29, 1:05am
BTW, while the transmission holds up better to towing than a regular auto it would still be wise to increase the service interval just as you should with a regular auto. Wouldn't hurt to do the same with the engine.
They will usually do up to 38'000km between engine oil changes (if set to variable intervals the computer decides when its due based on how its used) but I would suggest doing it annually given your km's. Personally I would do the transmission every second year but 3 yearly is probably still more than fine.
If you do your own oil changes you can also do the transmission service as it is just a drain and refill with a filter. Super easy and I am happy to tell you how. With a regular auto you can't do this of course as you would require a special machine to do it properly.
Lastly, always use the proper VW fluid and VW coolant. Engine oil is a bit more flexible but it must be the correct synthetic meeting VW standard.
Oh, and ignore the troll above. If you want evidence that he really is just here to troll have a search of any of his posts.
trdbzr,
Aug 29, 1:11am
And once again Jazz, rather than posting back a proper response, you resort to insults. And no, people with different opinions to yours aren't trolls. You should really learn to use a dictionary.
thejazzpianoma,
Aug 29, 1:14am
BTW here is a video about trailer stability control. This one is Landrovers but should still give you the idea. Just remember unlike landrovers system VW's needs the correct wiring loom so it knows a trailer is connected. (This also allows the car to change how it shifts the transmission, turn off parking sensors etc).
Fair point, If there isn't any privately with a towbar that will let you try this you could always try it behind an A3 or a Golf of 2006 or later. If it feels good behind the A3 or Golf its going to be really good behind the Touran as the Touran with its longer Chassis and extra weight actually tows quite a bit better. (People have been known to change from a Golf to a Touran for better towing).
The A3/Golf with the same engine/transmission will give you a really accurate idea of power delivery etc too.
craig04,
Aug 29, 1:32am
Really! I thought that was due to never wanting sex again. Ever.
craig04,
Aug 29, 1:33am
Am I a troll yet! I feel the need to be labelled.
unclejake,
Aug 29, 1:35am
They aren't that awesome on the road, but they are amazingly reliable: Nissan Patrol
trdbzr,
Aug 29, 1:35am
that was sarcasm you know, are you really this thick!
unclejake,
Aug 29, 1:36am
Oh. You won't want a Patrol then!
thejazzpianoma,
Aug 29, 1:38am
Its a tricky one that. You rarely add any direct value to the OP's request but your posts are always funny. which adds its own kind of value. What were the names of the two grumpy old hecklers in the muppet's!
Perhaps that's a label that might suit!
thejazzpianoma,
Aug 29, 1:40am
I am seeing a new market developing. Catholic Clergy and Nun's. There's an idea I can use!
battleaxe,
Aug 29, 2:00am
does anyone know anything about Hyundai Terracans!
mugenb20b,
Aug 29, 2:02am
It's pretty much a Mitsi Pajero in a different skin.
splinter67,
Aug 29, 2:04am
Oh god now youve done itthis should be real interesting
battleaxe,
Aug 29, 2:08am
Don't really want a Mitsi - still have concerns about their gear boxes. Unless anyone can correct me. Also want low kms.
thejazzpianoma,
Aug 29, 2:34am
Not really any more grunt for towing than the Touran.
Even though they are rated for 1500KG's personally I don't like the idea of towing on a regular basis with a CVT from any manufacturer. (And I say that as a big fan of well designed CVT's in small cars)
No trailer stability program as far as I am aware.
mrfxit,
Aug 29, 2:37am
It 'may' weigh less (hard to say for sure) but the weight momentum& wind resistance of that caravan would probably easily be on a par with the boat. In real life towing.
Good video. Note the caravan sliding a little on the turns but the car sits rock solid.
Since the public registrations are closed, you must have an invite from a current member to be able to register and post in this thread.
Have an account? Login here.