Buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan (2008-2012)

After decades of waiting and watching, VW finally showed its hand and in 2007 released the Golf-based Tiguan. Sales in Australia jumped immediately to around 5000 units but growth then stalled. Rumours of durability issues were confirmed by multiple recall notices, however slotting yourself into a Tiguan that has had its problems sorted shouldn't represent a big risk.

Major points of difference were mechanical, with TSI versions running a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor with 125-147kW and the TDI having VW's 103kW turbo-diesel. Except for the 147kW TSI which was listed as auto-only, every Tiguan was available with a six-speed Tiptronic transmission or the six-speed manual.

When used on sealed, urban roads as the vast majority of these station wagons are, the Tiguan buzzed along with its front wheels doing 90 per cent of the work. Running into some rough stuff or a slippery surface would kick the Four-Motion system into effect; sending torque to whichever wheels offered the best chance of traction.

Standard features from the outset included alloy wheels – 17 inch on the 147kW version – air-conditioning, cruise control and heated door mirrors. Options were prolific and none of them cheap, with common examples being 18-inch alloys at $2300, interior leather adding a minimum $3500, Bi-Xenon lights $2100 and the sunroof $2000. Adaptive chassis control and park assist combined to lift the total by a hefty $3000.

Safety is a big selling point in this segment and the Tiguan with its robust structure and comprehensive array of air-bags achieved a coveted Five Star ranking. Supporting VW's philosophy of avoiding a crash if at all possible, every Tiguan came with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and switchable traction control. An 'off-road' pack which included hill-descent assist was optional but discontinued in 2011.

A new nose and tail-lights brought a fresh look to MY11 versions and the engines gained around 8kW in power. However it was down in the electronic bowels of the new Tiggy where all the interesting changes had been made.

Those who didn't want to go off-road could now spend $28,490 on an entry-level, front-wheel drive model with manual transmission mandatory. However, it did include the new 'BlueMotion' technology.

When you sat for a prescribed period with the brakes on, BlueMotion would shut the engine down to save fuel. It also included energy recuperation that used brake heat to charge the battery, a friction-free coasting function and could even detect when the driver was nodding off. Together, the BlueMotion functions were expected to reduce fuel use by around seven per cent and send the TDI consumption average below 6L/100km.

Very few Tiguans escaped the range of niggling annoyances that affect the model. More than a few suffered serious mechanical failures which could put them off the road for weeks at a time. Have the car professionally checked by someone who can access its service history and judge whether all problems have been fixed effectively.

Taken on a few unsealed-road jaunts and maybe down a fairly friendly sand track, the turbo-diesel with automatic or manual transmission will deliver a decent degree of fun. The auto is reportedly the better choice when off-roading and apparently as 'intelligent' as its manufacturer claims.

Soaring to the top of challenging climbs is a TDI speciality and coming back down isn't scary at all, providing you get an early one with the Descent Assist feature.

On the smooth stuff, the petrol engines show autobahn-eating pedigrees and excellent acceleration. Either version will manage 0-100km/h in under 10 seconds and not scare you when overtaking or trying to slot into fast-flowing freeway traffic.

A lofty driving perch scores Brownie points with buyers in this market segment and even the folks in the back get a fairly decent view. Typically, VW seats are a bit unforgiving at first encounter but offer good support and won't see you wriggling after a couple of hours at the wheel. The driving position and vision also helps when picking your way along rutted tracks and dodging rocks that can crunch the Tiguan's largely unprotected underside.

Headroom is good and rear leg-room not too bad. However if you're heading off for a week with the family, everyone is going to have to pack very lightly or rent a trailer. Luggage space with the back seat in use is disappointingly tight and there isn't a full-sized spare wheel. Before heading to anywhere remotely interesting, get one to avoid being stranded.

>> Automatic Tiguans develop a range of problems; some so serious entire transmissions had to be replaced at VW's cost. Cars with DSG transmissions were recalled because the oil originally used wasn't suitable for hot climates, others just lost gears or would not move at all. Any car that clunks or resists downshifting should be avoided.

>> A small number of owners reported differential failures within 18 months of taking delivery. In the worst cases, a seized diff would lock the rear wheels solid, bringing the car to an unscheduled and potentially hazardous halt. Test driving with the music system and air-conditioner off and the kids silenced, coast for as far as is safe while listening for humming or rubbing sounds from under the floor. Leave any vehicle that makes such noises alone too.

>> Inspect on a hoist if possible for scrapes and crushing under the front air-dam, to the floors and sills. Drive-shaft boots, tyre walls and the exhaust system can also have their lives dramatically reduced by off-road use.

>> The clutch can wear prematurely due to owner abuse and towing. Drive slowly in a high gear then floor the throttle to check for a slipping clutch.

>> Timing chains should deliver reliable service for the life of the engine but faulty tensioners may need to be replaced far sooner. If a petrol motor sounds like a diesel at start-up and your diesel ticks from the front of the engine the chain could be loose. Don't buy the car without a thorough check.

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