Models · Volkswagen
Volkswagen Touareg CR buying guide
The third-generation Touareg, launched in the UK in June 2018 with 3.0 V6 diesel and petrol engines, an eight-speed automatic and 4Motion four-wheel drive on every car.
The versions
- 3.0 V6 TDI diesel, 228bhp or 282bhp
- 3.0 V6 TSI petrol, 335bhp, added in 2019 (few were sold)
- Eight-speed automatic and 4Motion four-wheel drive as standard; four-wheel steering was an option
- Trims from SE to Black Edition; the Touareg R plug-in hybrid isn't covered here
What to check on a Touareg
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Hesitation pulling away
What to look for: On the drive, pull out of a junction and away from a standstill several times. Note any lag or hesitation before the car moves off. Ask whether the gearbox software has been updated.
Why it matters: Slow pull-away is the most common owner complaint, and road testers have also found the gearbox a little hesitant at low speeds. Volkswagen has released software updates, though they don't seem to cure it fully, so judge for yourself whether you can live with how the car responds.
Gearbox oil leaks
What to look for: Look under the car around the gearbox for oil drips or wet patches, and on a car built in late 2019 ask a dealer to confirm the gearbox oil line recall has been done.
Why it matters: Cars built from 1 September to 31 December 2019 were recalled because oil could escape from a faulty join in the gearbox oil line, which needs replacing. A dry gearbox and the recall on record are what you want.
Matching tyres and wheel damage
What to look for: Check all four tyres are the same brand, type and size.
Why it matters: Tyres that don't match in brand and type can damage the 4Motion four-wheel-drive system. Large alloys are standard on every version, so look at them for kerb damage too, as a hard knock can upset the suspension alignment and cause uneven tyre wear.
Also in the full guide
- Steering, damper and seatbelt recalls
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Touareg
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Volkswagen.