Buying a used Volkswagen Amarok (2011-2016)

If you need to know why Volkswagen back in 2008 designed the Amarok, then think South America, and some of the most appalling roads this side of Meekatharra. Toyota's Hilux, seemingly since time began, has been the dominant model in South American rough roading and Volkswagen wanted some of that high-profile business.

VW's presence on the South American continent is huge as well. It maintains factories in Brazil and Argentina and keeping those plants viable with a 4WD contender had immense appeal.

However Toyota isn't the world's leader in this category for nothing and the German brand needed to cultivate export sales to ensure the Volkswagen Amarok was viable. Growth was rapid and with 9000 local sales during 2018, Australia has recently overtaken Brazil to become the model's biggest market.

The Amarok arrived here in 2011 with a range of dual-cabs in varying levels of trim and two or four wheel-drive. Just one engine was offered at the time, a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel, maxing out at 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

A year later and the array available to Australian buyers had expanded to ridiculous levels. Red Book lists 84 variants covering the MY11-MY13 build years and the range now included basic single cabs. However, to minimise confusion we will look just at the dual-cab versions.

Scrutinising the introductory Amarok range from the top down in 2011 we find the TDI400 Ultimate with 4Motion all-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission. Before on-roads or accessories it would have cost $58,490 with more to come. Two years later the TDI420 Canyon would include Nappa leather trim and 17-inch alloys at a bargain $59,990.

The version most likely to attract fleet or family buyers would be the $46,000 Volkswagen Amarok TDI400 Trendline. It came as a dual-cab with 4WD and a manual six-speed gearbox. Inside was basic but good quality, with cloth on the seats and a four-speaker sound system but the package did include heated mirrors and a display screen.

Manual AWD Amaroks came with dual-range and electronic rear differential locks, marking the beefy VW as a serious off-roader that could be taken into rough terrain with confidence.

Carrying capacity of 4WD versions maxed out at 1080kg and with trailer brakes they could tow 3000kg. Those numbers vary according to model so check the specifications before committing.

Alloy wheels were an option on base-grade Amaroks but you did get a full-sized spare and Five Star ANCAP Occupant Safety ratings across the entire range. Only upper echelon models got a reversing camera as standard but a lot have them installed.

By 2014 the 2.0-litre diesel in its most prolific form was delivering 132kW and 420Nm. In Highline trim with 4Motion constant 4WD and eight-speed auto, unladen weight reached a hefty 2080kg and the price an equally sizeable $54,990. That was even before thinking about a tonneau for the rear tray or spending $3000 on a leather/Winter package which heated the front seats and also warmed the washer water.

It is a sad situation that so many of the beefy dual-cabs seen around Australian suburbs will never turn a wheel in off-road terrain.

So if you are among the cohort who buy a big ute for its perceived strength and carpark presence then you might as well get one that looks mean but doesn't clatter horrifically when starting and rides a lot like a big car. Yes, Amarok, we're talking about you.

People who buy these VWs as commuter cars typically won't want manual transmission and that's understandable. The eight-speed ZF auto is excellent but so is the six-speed manual and if peak hour driving isn't an issue then choosing one of these will save a bit on fuel.

As for the engine you may never guess that it isn't a 3.0-litre, at least not until your camper trailer bellies out in wet sand. However if you're unlikely to ever be in that kind of situation then why pay the cost of feeding a bigger engine than the grunty 2.0.

Head and shoulder room are generous and legroom in the back is OK, The bench is a bit upright and unyielding for long trips and the cloth trim looks durable. We didn't get up close to an early Ultimate but based on the longevity of trim in other leather-bound VeeDubs it should survive pretty well with just basic feeding and maintenance.

The Amarok dash is a bit bland and empty-looking, especially when you're shelling out for the top-spec version. No fillets of plasti-wood or fake carbon-fibre contrast panels in sight. Most have a decent-sized display screen though and a comprehensive set of thumb controls on the steering wheel.

VW publicity makes much of the Amarok's ability to accommodate a standard-sized pallet between the wheel-arches but provides no suggestions for unloading your pallet (forklift not supplied) when you get home.

Approach angle clearance is pretty good but still check the front-end for damaged plastics and under-body components. Access issues encouraged some original owners to fit side-steps and these can act as suction cups in mud and wet sand.

However they won't stop the floors and transmission components being bashed by clumsy off-roaders, so look underneath for obvious damage before sending your chosen Amarok for a professional on-hoist inspection.

Economy is another area where VW has also made ambitious but achievable claims for the Amarok. Their stated average for the 120kW 4Motion was 8.3L/100km and real-world tests got within 10 per cent of those numbers. Towing or pushing hard with a load of passengers shouldn't send consumption much beyond 14L/100km.

>> As is often the case when reviewing late-model Volkswagens, this section must commence with a list of safety issues that have prompted recalls of early Amaroks. They include engine compartment fuel leaks, brake calliper bolts that worked loose and the global issue of engine management software that delivered false emission readings. Before buying any pre-2017 Amarok, check that these issues have been notified and rectified.

>> Vehicles less than a decade old should not be showing significant rust or damage to external panels. However the tray liner could be cracked and leaking water into hidden areas so pay for a professional, on-hoist inspection to be confident you aren't buying potential problems

>> With the engine idling (and keeping fingers well away from moving parts) shine a torch onto the accessories (serpentine) belt at the front of the engine looking for delamination which can result in the belt breaking and cutting drive to the alternator. In early examples a delaminating belt could also jam the timing gear and cause major engine damage. If travelling in isolated areas, carrying a spare belt is advisable.

>> A diesel that blows noticeable amounts of black smoke and idles roughly, should be avoided. Carbon deposits adhere to manifolds and the EGR (gas return) valve may clog, causing coolant to be burned and cause engine damage due to overheating.

>> Rear springs subject to constant heavy loads will sag, producing a rough ride when unladen and potentially dangerous bottoming. Look for at least 100mm of clearance between tyres and the wheel-arch and that the vehicle sits squarely on its springs.

Used vehicle grading for Volkswagen Amarok
Design & Function: 14/20
Safety: 14/20
Practicality: 15/20
Value for Money: 12/20
Wow Factor: 10/20
Score: 65/100