• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Not too bothered. Perhaps that I have the sense to buy a more reliable vehicle than a certain well known UK/Indian manufacturer.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Generally very impressed. Not really had any negative comments, apart from questions about tyre scrub which I believe affected the older model.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, best car I have owned. A potent combination of performance, practicality and German build quality.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    VW Touareg.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £42,000

    When did you buy the car?

    September 2011

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I got 2k off the list price because the car was available with a pre-existing specification. Also felt that the trade-in price for my Sorento was very fair.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Was looking to replace my Kia sorento with similar sized vehicle. Very impressed with test drive and reviews of the Touareg. More powerful and refined, plus greater fuel economy. Great package overall.

    What was the dealer like?

    Friendly salesman. Didn't feel pressurised or patronized. Modern showroom - offered refreshments etc.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    I think it is a suberb car to drive. The car handles very well on sweeping A roads with accurate steering. Deals with potholes and rough roads much better than my Kia did. The V6 engine and 8 speed gearbox are great, with very rapid acceleration if desired. Very quiet when cruising, and never really sounds like a diesel. Unsurprisingly, I haven't pushed the off-road abilities of the car, but it deals with muddy tracks easily enough and found the hill descent control to work flawlessly.

    What's it like to park?

    The Touareg is a large vehicle, so I pick my parking spots carefully. The optical parking sensors work very well though.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Electric tailgate stopped working after about 18 months. Fixed in a few hours at dealer, who found a loose wire. Dealer also had problem performing one software update.

    What's most practical about your car?

    It's a 4x4 - so practicality is built-in. Large loadspace is great. Fold down centre section in rear seat backrest is very handy for fishing rods.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Hands free telephone works great.