Likes
- Class leading on-road driving dynamics
- Superb performance from the V6 power plant
- The most comfortable ute you can buy
- Clever off-road technology and decent ability
Used Volkswagen Amarok (1st-gen) review
2011 - 2021
Dislikes
- Lack of rear passenger airbags
- 4-cyl engines questionable reliability
- Torque limiting in reverse can impact certain models
- Overall reliability and cost of repair is becoming a concern
Stuff you should know
Wolfsburg’s likeable load-lugger has long been a favourite for buyers after a ute with an upmarket spin and SUV-like on-road pleasantries. Really long, in fact. The Amarok’s current first and only generation is now a decade old and won’t get younger until an all-new Ford Ranger-twinned replacement arrives in 2022.
That’s considerable providence for a model largely unchanged at its, erm, core (sorry), even though the range offered has evolved considerably over time in reaction to Aussie ute buyers’ increasingly upmarket commercial pick-up tastes.
Where early model year ranges offered 4×2, petrol and single-cab and cab-chassis choices, Amarok’s current 2021 line-up is exclusively dual-cab and 4×4, largely automatic and predominantly diesel V6 powered, with a smattering of manual transmission choice in lower grade diesel fours while a mid-life update in 2017 update brought with it some subtle exterior tweaks, a new-look cabin, upgraded technology and equipment.
Why choose Amarok over its competitors? One big drawcard is its 4Motion all-wheel drive, a permanent and Tarmac-friendly system rather than the selectable type adopted by Volkswagen’s rivals, one not requiring low-range reduction drive. In fact, Volkswagen now offers a specific Core manual with dual-range as something of an outlying variant to target more traditionalist buyers.
4Motion’s big advantage is, as much as anything, safety in mixed sealed-road conditions, and allowing Amarok to ply more powertrain outputs – as much as 190kW and 580Nm in the current range – on than its rivals dare on all-terrain tyres.
Downsides? Because of the core platform’s age, active safety and convenience technology isn’t in step with current advancement in more contemporary competitors, despite offering an interior design that has aged surprisingly well.
Volkswagen’s ute has long been criticised, too, for the lack of rear passenger airbag technology, which is big consideration if you’re after a lifestyle than workhorse experience and looking for optimum family friendliness.
Do we recommend buying one? Read on.
What goes wrong
- Serpentine belt failure and timing belt tensioner failures on engines running a timing belt can lead to catastrophic engine failure. (Note Not all Amarok engines are the same and this fault applies to the belt driven engines)
- If the drive belt tears or fails, it is known to become tangled in the timing belt, causing the timing belt to either fail or jump teeth. The result being bent valves, therefore the cylinder head needing to be removed plus major internal engine repairs being required equating to a huge expense at the owners cost
- Many reports of coolant leaks which can lead to overheating which can lead to catastrophic engine failure
- Many reports of turbo problems
- Injector seals can be known to leak
- Reports of wheel speed sensor faults
- Some manual transmissions have had issues with the clutch operation
- There are a few reports of paint deterioration after a few years
- There are many reports of typical EGR and DPF problems with the diesel models that are not doing many kilometres and even issues with vehicles that have covered the average amount of distance expected
- We’re seeing that the Amarok tends to go through brakes and tyres more often than its competitors and the replacement parts are often more expensive
- Many automatic Amarok have their torque heavily limited when in reverse. This can be resolved with a software update
- It’s important to note that many of the Amarok’s Asian branded competitors will forgive not following the recommended service schedule with the the upmost diligence. However, reports indicate that the Amarok, (and many European manufactured cars) will not
- Serpentine belt failure and timing belt tensioner failures on engines running a timing belt can lead to catastrophic engine failure. (Note Not all Amarok engines are the same and this fault applies to the belt driven engines)
- If the drive belt tears or fails, it is known to become tangled in the timing belt, causing the timing belt to either fail or jump teeth. The result being bent valves, therefore the cylinder head needing to be removed plus major internal engine repairs being required equating to a huge expense at the owners cost
- Many reports of coolant leaks which can lead to overheating which can lead to catastrophic engine failure
- Many reports of turbo problems
- Injector seals can be known to leak
- Reports of wheel speed sensor faults
- Some manual transmissions have had issues with the clutch operation
- There are a few reports of paint deterioration after a few years
- There are many reports of typical EGR and DPF problems with the diesel models that are not doing many kilometres and even issues with vehicles that have covered the average amount of distance expected
- We’re seeing that the Amarok tends to go through brakes and tyres more often than its competitors and the replacement parts are often more expensive
- Many automatic Amarok have their torque heavily limited when in reverse. This can be resolved with a software update
- It’s important to note that many of the Amarok’s Asian branded competitors will forgive not following the recommended service schedule with the the upmost diligence. However, reports indicate that the Amarok, (and many European manufactured cars) will not
- Serpentine belt failure and timing belt tensioner failures on engines running a timing belt can lead to catastrophic engine failure. (Note Not all Amarok engines are the same and this fault applies to the belt driven engines)
- If the drive belt tears or fails, it is known to become tangled in the timing belt, causing the timing belt to either fail or jump teeth. The result being bent valves, therefore the cylinder head needing to be removed plus major internal engine repairs being required equating to a huge expense at the owners cost
- Many reports of coolant leaks which can lead to overheating which can lead to catastrophic engine failure
- Many reports of turbo problems
- Injector seals can be known to leak
- Reports of wheel speed sensor faults
- Some manual transmissions have had issues with the clutch operation
- There are a few reports of paint deterioration after a few years
- There are many reports of typical EGR and DPF problems with the diesel models that are not doing many kilometres and even issues with vehicles that have covered the average amount of distance expected
- We’re seeing that the Amarok tends to go through brakes and tyres more often than its competitors and the replacement parts are often more expensive
- Many automatic Amarok have their torque heavily limited when in reverse. This can be resolved with a software update
- It’s important to note that many of the Amarok’s Asian branded competitors will forgive not following the recommended service schedule with the the upmost diligence. However, reports indicate that the Amarok, (and many European manufactured cars) will not
Should you buy it?
There is little doubt that the Amarok, even after a few years and thousands of kilometres still provides class leading on-road dynamics, a very respectable level of off-road ability, good levels of tech and equipment and a certain level of European panache.
However, if you should buy an Amarok firstly depends on you and the lifestyle you have.
If you require a vehicle that can dominate the very toughest, most remote and challenging terrain, while the Amarok’s general off-road ability is very good, (excluding the manual transmission, low range transfers cased Core models) the lack of simpler and more traditional off-road mechanicals can see the Amarok struggling in the seriously rough stuff, and a lack of regional parts support could potentially leave you stranded.
If you require this level of off-road domination, no, you shouldn’t buy an Amarok.
At the other end of the spectrum, if you’re looking to buy an Amarok as a practical family car or work vehicle that will spend the vast majority of its life on road, unless you genuinely require the Amarok’s rear tub cargo carrying capabilities, no, you shouldn’t buy an Amarok as there are plenty of wagons and SUV’s that will provide safer, more refined, more economical and more enjoyable alternatives.
However, if you genuinely require a vehicle that has the cargo carrying abilities of a ute and can seat four adults, and it’s essential that this vehicle has a respectable level of off-roading prowess, yet still needs to provide excellent on-road dynamics,
There is little doubt that the Amarok, even after a few years and thousands of kilometres still provides class leading on-road dynamics, a very respectable level of off-road ability, good levels of tech and equipment and a certain level of European panache.
However, if you should buy an Amarok firstly depends on you and the lifestyle you have.
If you require a vehicle that can dominate the very toughest, most remote and challenging terrain, while the Amarok’s general off-road ability is very good, (excluding the manual transmission, low range transfers cased Core models) the lack of simpler and more traditional off-road mechanicals can see the Amarok struggling in the seriously rough stuff, and a lack of regional parts support could potentially leave you stranded.
If you require this level of off-road domination, no, you shouldn’t buy an Amarok.
At the other end of the spectrum, if you’re looking to buy an Amarok as a practical family car or work vehicle that will spend the vast majority of its life on road, unless you genuinely require the Amarok’s rear tub cargo carrying capabilities, no, you shouldn’t buy an Amarok as there are plenty of wagons and SUV’s that will provide safer, more refined, more economical and more enjoyable alternatives.
However, if you genuinely require a vehicle that has the cargo carrying abilities of a ute and can seat four adults, and it’s essential that this vehicle has a respectable level of off-roading prowess, yet still needs to provide excellent on-road dynamics, and it would be ideal that this vehicle provides some levels of European style, yes, you should buy an Amarok, but please be cautious.
Avoid early 4-cylinder examples, more recent 4-cylinder examples with questionable histories and any Amarok that has skipped a scheduled service or even hints at a lack of regular maintenance and care.
Should you buy it?
There is little doubt that the Amarok, even after a few years and thousands of kilometres still provides class leading on-road dynamics, a very respectable level of off-road ability, good levels of tech and equipment and a certain level of European panache.
However, if you should buy an Amarok firstly depends on you and the lifestyle you have.
If you require a vehicle that can dominate the very toughest, most remote and challenging terrain, while the Amarok’s general off-road ability is very good, (excluding the manual transmission, low range transfers cased Core models) the lack of simpler and more traditional off-road mechanicals can see the Amarok struggling in the seriously rough stuff, and a lack of regional parts support could potentially leave you stranded.
If you require this level of off-road domination, no, you shouldn’t buy an Amarok.
At the other end of the spectrum, if you’re looking to buy an Amarok as a practical family car or work vehicle that will spend the vast majority of its life on road, unless you genuinely require the Amarok’s rear tub cargo carrying capabilities, no, you shouldn’t buy an Amarok as there are plenty of wagons and SUV’s that will provide safer, more refined, more economical and more enjoyable alternatives.
However, if you genuinely require a vehicle that has the cargo carrying abilities of a ute and can seat four adults, and it’s essential that this vehicle has a respectable level of off-roading prowess, yet still needs to provide excellent on-road dynamics, and it would be ideal that this vehicle provides some levels of European style, yes, you should buy an Amarok, but please be cautious.
Avoid early 4-cylinder examples, more recent 4-cylinder examples with questionable histories and any Amarok that has skipped a scheduled service or even hints at a lack of regular maintenance and care.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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