Anyone got/had a V10 Touareg?

[Batster]

Need an SUV with a bit of a fun factor engineered in - quite like look of Touareg V10 as a left field alternative to the legions of Q7s and X5s knocking around. Anyone owned one or driven one?

getting hold of a testdrive via VW dealers is difficult given scarcity of the beast - drove the 3.0tdi which was ok but suspect it hasn't got enough grunt to justify buying one for my wife (current wheels Audi RS4 avant).

Or should i just go with the masses and buy a 4.2 Q7 or 4.8/35d X5??

Batster

[5 wh]

I have owned a few.Good bus,plenty of power,had a few minor electrical problems but overall liked them a lot.very cheap now

Edited by 5 wh on Thursday 3rd September 22:37

[Pentoman]

My parents have one which I've driven a fair bit. Whether or not it's got fun factor is open to debate... it can go quickly and is surprisingly involving, but you're aware of the fuel you're burning and tires and pads you're wearing and so on. Only the V10 has the self-adjusting damping so, handling wise, may be the best choice. The weight is nearing 2.5 tons due to big engine and more standard equipment only on the v10 like the locking rear diff but don't let the weight put you off - it doesn't show. You know it's there, and if you know you need to be responsible - I suspect if you leave braking too late you will not get let off lightly, but apart from that at normal road speeds and bearing in mind you're in a 4x4 it's bloody good IMO. Hussles very satisfyingly, but won't be economical while you do so - average under 20mpg driven in a proper rush. It's got low range which you can't imagine using but my mum found it really beneficial in snow because there was vastly more engine braking so a lot more pleasant going very steadily in those conditions - could be worth bearing in mind for the wife as winter comes up?

If you're open minded, which it sounds like you are since you're considering an SUV for fun, then it's great fun, subtle, and a bit different. However if the smart roadster is your favourite car of the past 30 years, then you will certainly hate it and think it's awful.