I will start off with yes, they can be costly to repair unless they do not break or if you have an extended warranty. I have interleaved my replies into OH's post below. I very much respect OH's opinions and wise guidance but my experience does not match OH's posting, although he has seen more of these than me. Also, I concede that they ARE NOT for everyone. One needs to understand a few things about the T'reg/Cayenne/Q7 before purchasing a used one. I don't care what YOU paid for it, it is STILL that expensive of a vehicle. The cost of replacement parts, service, PM, etc. DO NOT depreciate along with the value of the vehicle. This is true of any car, but on anything this expensive you need to realize the gravity of this situation. 2000 every 20k miles on average to keep one roadworthy. No, I am not kidding. I service quite a few of these.
Price a set of tires and brakes for one if you don't believe me. 1000. installed. Depending on how you drive on these faster wearing tires, my experience is to replace about every 2 years. Do you need top of the line Nokian? Nope, not on a Touareg. The weight of the vehicle and the AWD will allow you to handle anything with cheaper lesser cost A/T or tread design tires. 1000. OEM Brembo package lasted for 53300 miles and was dusty but you literally could nearly stop on a dime from highway speed. The Beast has an 11.5 qt oil sump. If you do a top side oil change, it costs you for the additional oil and a little more time. 10k mile oil/filter; 20k mile cabin filter; 40k mile fuel and twin air filters. 2: these things are HEAVY. Even with a diesel engine, it is not going to be a fuel sipper. Sure, it will be far better than the gas versions, but it is certainly no Jetta. It is different than a Jetta and designed with a different mindset. 3: not as big inside as you'd think.
Get a tape measure out and compare a few spots with a Passat wagon, you'll find that "big" T'reg is not all that big. Apples and Oranges. No, it is not as big as a Suburban either, but the Touareg interior size is proportionate to its exterior. That said the interior volume of the Touareg is significantly greater than a Passat. 4: while capable, they are not really suited for heavy towing, despite what the commercials might make you think. A sturdy 3/4 ton low-tech domestic pickup will still be superior towing your 30ft Airstream down the highway. Compared to a Passat, the Touareg is certainly suited for heavy towing. I think that it is rated to tow around 7100lbs. and is appropriately equipped to do that. If you have something larger to tow, IMO don't use a Touareg. 6 engines) requires removal of the drivetrain to perform. Rhino ramps, and Craftsman tool set your wife bought you for Christmas in 1989 won't be up to the task. I agree that other than routine services and maintenance, a DYI'er will need to be equipped properly.
I can't speak to the generator on the Touareg but at 67k miles it is still humming at 14 volts. That said, my Passat at 138k miles is also on its original alternator. My experience with my first "major" repair- leaky valve cover gasket, is that it is covered by the extended. I believe a good rule of thumb is, if it is accessible from the top (about halfway down the engine), you remove nothing from underneath. Bottom engine stuff, yep the drivetrain is in the way. The 04s had turbo issues out the door. These were covered under the original warranty. My 06V10 (and my Passat also) are all on original turbos. 6: many (most?) of the "first owner" of these vehicles actually leased it. I can tell you from dealing with those people every day, they do NOT take stellar care of those vehicles, and kick and scream like Nancy Carrigan every time you tell them how much ANYTHING is to do on one. Agreed. If you follow and purchase all of the manufacturer recommended service intervals, as I believe all leased vehicle contractees must, it won't be cheap. As an owner, the vehicle is not without cost.
If you decide to purchase, understand your routine costs, provided above, and have a resource (warranty or cash) for the unexpected. Expect some repairs, learn to do what you can, but the vast majority will not find a doom and gloom scenario. My experience is that Touareg owners would like there to be not problems or out of pocket costs. However, you won't find that either. There are also 2 batteries in the V10s. Now, all that said, the V10 TDI T'reg is an AWESOME vehicle. It sounds neat, it is wicked powerful, has all kinds of fancy crap that nobody really needs but likes to play with anyways. So, if you have deep pockets, a place to park it and keep it nice while your daily driver is something else, then by all means GO FOR IT! The beast is awesome. Yes, it sounds neat. With twin turbos and a V10 it is very powerful. It is apportioned handsomely and is equipped with just about everything for all road and weather conditions.
