Buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan (2012-2020)

VW was late making a run at the popular small-medium SUV market, but the Volkswagen Tiguan was able to make an immediate and significant difference when it turned up in the mid-to-late-noughties.

Previewed in 2006, the Tiguan entered production in 2007 and launched in Australia during 2008. It drew from the Mk5 Volkswagen Golf platform but in effect shared more components with the B6 Passat.

Petrol and diesel engines were available, with European markets able to access 1.4 or 1.8-litre petrol engines in addition to the 2.0-litre turbo and non-turbo units available to Australia. We also saw 103kW versions of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine.

Change came late in 2011 when at the Geneva motor show a modernised mid-life version of the Tiguan was displayed, with updated front and rear styling plus improved trim including a new steering wheel design.

In Australia, where the heavily upgraded Tiguan (5N Series) was launched in 2012, a 118kW 1.4-litre front-wheel drive version joined the range and allowed owners who could tolerate the manual-only transmission to acquire a new one for less than $29,000 (plus on-road costs).

Late 2015 brought the announcement of a second generation featuring a wider and lighter design, built on a wheelbase 77mm longer than the first version.

Almost a year later came further revisions to VW’s popular SUV, with three trim levels and five engines now available. These ranged from the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol with 110kW to a 162kW turbo-petrol R motor and 140kW turbo-diesel.

Updated yet again during 2018, the Tiguan range was divided into five segments with three petrol engines and two diesels. An improved six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission became available in 110TSI versions and the manual disappeared.

The longer seven-seat Tiguan Allspace also arrived during 2018, with the full Tiguan range soldiering on until a major overhaul was introduced in early 2021, pushing the SUV further upmarket as the smaller new T-Cross and T-Roc slotted in underneath.

• Volkswagen’s dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission is a source of worry for many owners. If a car feels more than mildly sluggish when accelerating, or shudders or jerks when downshifting, don’t buy it.
• Test the air-conditioning for ice-cold (not just cool) air and that all vents produce strong output. Air-conditioning compressor failure can be common.
• Look under the front grille and airdam and at the exhausts for damage caused by previous owners taking their Tiguan places it isn’t meant to go.
• Timing chain and transmission issues (megatronic failure and transmission slippage) are common.
• Electrical issues – wiring can be become brittle and loose causing warning lights to activate and engine to lose power or misfire.
• Coolant can leak into wiring harnesses which can cause engine management issues.
• Radiator cracking with wear (plastic or side housings).
• Emissions and engine performance issues caused by failure of the catalytic converter or ERG valve for those with diesel engines.

The mid-life update for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan brought a variety of styling, mechanical and marketing changes, all intended to lift local sales performance.

The revamped 5NC-series Tiguan was restyled front and rear with new headlights and tail-lights and a redesigned grille and front bumper. The interior was modernised, with the steering wheel incorporating a wider range of control functions.

Lowest rung on the updated Tiguan ladder had a petrol engine, manual transmission and front-wheel drive – and expected to win its way into lots of Australian garages by virtue of price. Even at $28,490 plus on-road costs, the 118TSI offered plenty of features while managing to undercut the five-speed Mitsubishi Outlander FWD and exactly match the price of a manual Nissan X-TRAIL.

118TSI equipment included dual-zone air-conditioning, an eight-speaker sound system with dash display, heated exterior mirrors and height-adjustable headlights. The steering wheel was leather-trimmed but the seats were covered in utilitarian cloth.

118TSI versions aside, the path to Tiguan ownership was otherwise exclusively all-wheel drive and with a choice of petrol and diesel engines.

First in line, and very popular among the Tiguans found for sale recently on carsales listings, was the 132TSI Pacific. It came with seven-speed DSG automatic transmission and at launch was priced at $35,990 plus ORCs. Even with a decade and 150,000km under the wheels, demand for good used examples sees them sold at 40-45 per cent of original cost.

The 2.0-litre engine developed its 132kW at a lazy 4300rpm, while 280Nm of torque arrived at a diesel-like 1700rpm.

Leading the range into 2014 was the more powerful and performance-oriented 155TSI with DSG and 155kW while running on 95 RON premium fuel.

2015 brought a 155TSI R-Line with partial leather trim, climate control and a more advanced infotainment system with voice recognition technology. Chrome body accents and new 18-inch alloy wheels helped the R-Line stand out in a yard filled with lower-spec Tiguans.

With the arrival of the second generation in 2016, the Tiguan range expanded with new 110TSI petrol and TDI diesel models in two trim levels: 130TDI and 140TDI 4x4 diesels in standard and Highline specification. At the top of the range was a new 162TSI.

Gen 2 Tiguan SUVs sat on a wheelbase that was 77mm longer, delivering more space for people and a larger boot area. With all seats occupied it would still swallow a massive 615 litres in the area behind.

By late 2018 the range had expanded to encompass Trendline, Comfortline, Adventure, Sportline and Highline model grades, with petrol engines developing 110-162kW while two levels of turbo-diesel were available.

Adventure versions rolled out as 132kW turbo-petrols costing $43,990 plus ORCs, or the 110kW turbo-diesel at $1500 more. Most expensive of the standard-wheelbase Tiguans was the 140kW Highline turbo-diesel at a tenner less than $50K.

For those needing to stow a couple of smallish people in the section behind the main seats, the Tiguan Allspace began at $45,490 plus ORCs for the 2.0 petrol.

Supple, responsive and solid. Three words that summarise the way a Volkswagen Tiguan typically presents when thrown at a typical set of Australian road conditions.

In suburbia, where most Tiguans will have spent their lives and continue to do so, any version will go about its task with a minimum of fuss while delivering decent fuel economy.

The more powerful turbo-petrols can get a bit feisty when given their head on a deserted lump of rural tarmac, but no Tiguan should be mistaken for a Golf R with more space for golf clubs.

Assessed against comparable SUV designs, Tiguan models set the class standard for handling, ride quality and brakes. If punchy performance is important then you will need to spend bigger on a 155TSI or the more recent 162TSI.

Given the Tiguan’s 1611kg of unladen weight and unremarkable aerodynamics, 8.9L/100km average fuel consumption from the 132kW petrol engine is a decent achievement. Diesels will do better, of course, with the 110TDI claimed to average 5.9L/100km. In the real world, somewhere around 7L/100km is more realistic.

Finding owners who routinely take their Tiguan off-road isn’t easy and looking underneath random cars for signs of damage suggests that not too many have spent their weekends far from the beaten path.

Tracking down video of overseas tests did confirm that a diesel Tiguan driven sensibly, with pressures lowered and its tyres in contact with the ground most of the time, will do an okay job of off-roading.

Wherever you head in any of the 2.0-litre models, they won’t leave you wanting for power or struggling when trying to overtake. Using the transmission manually to hold gears will slash mid-range acceleration times too.

All-round visibility is good, with lots of glass and slim pillars. Every version from late-2014 came with a reversing camera and in-dash display.

Tiguan models at all trim levels have scored a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating when tested, based on the protocols of the time. Tests were conducted in 2008 and again in 2016.

Absolutely. One of the best going around, in diesel or petrol. Even models with basic inclusions are well equipped and comfortable, just be sure to get a car that comes from a caring home.

Avoid anything that’s due for potentially costly maintenance.

Standard-length Tiguan SUVs (that is, non-Allspace models) will fit five adults in reasonable comfort and carry masses of luggage or recreational items even when all seats occupied.

The stretched Allspace versions will seat a couple of younger fry in the ‘boot’ or provide even greater carrying capacity.

Sadly, and despite the design providing loads of room for luggage, Volkswagen still decided not to allow sufficient space in a car intended for use in isolated areas to mount a full-sized spare wheel.

All-wheel drive Tiguans aren’t dedicated off-roaders but they will take your family and tow a decent-sized boat to the places where fun and excitement hides.

The Tiguan prefers predominantly smooth surfaces but can safely reach ski resorts beyond the snowline and beach fishing spots providing the access hasn’t been trashed by lift-kitted Toyota LandCruisers.

• A recurrent complaint from owners is the high cost of genuine parts and service. These included one unlucky punter whose diesel suffered total engine failure and was quoted $14,000 for repairs. Brake and air-conditioning services are costly, as is full engine/transmission fluid replacement.
• If a Tiguan has travelled far enough to be needing some major service items, negotiate hard on price or spend more on one with fewer kilometres.
• Check vulnerable suspension and exposed transmission components for damage caused by careless off-road use. Flattened exhausts can also affect performance.
• DSG transmission issues are well documented across the Volkswagen family but problems in some cases occur due to poor maintenance that allows transmission oil to become contaminated. Check service history and, if you can, see invoices which show fluids being changed at least every 60,000km.
• Check service history and nature of all repairs carried out during ownership.
• Check electrical components are working properly – eg. power windows, lighting, locks.
• Check for smoke and rattle noises when road testing, particularly when going uphill at low rpm.
• Check for stain marks around the engine bay lower areas.

RedBook Inspect mobile inspectors can take the guesswork out of buying a car with a comprehensive vehicle inspection.

Used vehicle grading for Volkswagen Tiguan (2012-20)
Design & Function: 15/20
Safety: 15/20
Practicality: 16/20
Value for Money: 13/20
Wow Factor: 10/20
Score: 69/100

Also consider:
Hyundai ix35, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-TRAIL, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester