Likes
- Great looking euro styling
- Excellent practicality
- Impressive levels of safety
- Great driving dynamics
Used Volkswagen Tiguan review
2016 - 2020
Dislikes
- Major reliability concerns
- Expensive repair bills
- Lack of longevity
- Terrible depreciation
Stuff you should know
Brand new and with a full factory warranty, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a superb car. It has won countless awards including multiple ‘Car of the Year’ trophies and arguably sets the benchmark when it comes to medium SUVs.
It’s an attractive, supremely practical, incredibly safe vehicle packed with technology and purveying excellent driving dynamics. But, all is not wonderful when it comes to reliability, longevity and quality once the Tiguan has ventured around the block a few times.
As you’ll see, while the Tiguan makes for a convincing case when new, second hand examples require extreme caution before your hard earned money is handed over.
What goes wrong
- DSG transmission issues and failures
- Turbo failure and turbo seal issues
- Water pump failures
- EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) faults
- Oil leak issues
- Feeble engine bay plastics
- Manifold and cooling system components are known to fail
- Complete engine failures due to cracked pistons and timing chain tensioner failures
- Very expensive repair costs
- Poor depreciation
- DSG transmission issues and failures
- Turbo failure and turbo seal issues
- Water pump failures
- EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) faults
- Oil leak issues
- Feeble engine bay plastics
- Manifold and cooling system components are known to fail
- Complete engine failures due to cracked pistons and timing chain tensioner failures
- Very expensive repair costs
- Poor depreciation
- DSG transmission issues and failures
- Turbo failure and turbo seal issues
- Water pump failures
- EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) faults
- Oil leak issues
- Feeble engine bay plastics
- Manifold and cooling system components are known to fail
- Complete engine failures due to cracked pistons and timing chain tensioner failures
- Very expensive repair costs
- Poor depreciation
Should you buy it?
We strongly DO NOT recommend buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan.
Yes, when they’re new and are covered by a full factory warranty, they’re an impressive vehicle (although we have heard numerous horror stories even when new) and yes, there are unicorn examples that have had minimal issues. But, we just don’t think it’s worth the risk. Especially when there are far better alternatives to choose from.
For what Tiguans are asking for on the used market, we’d recommend looking at Toyota RAV4s, Mazda CX-5s, Hyundai Tucsons and the Kia Sportage.
Sure they don’t have the Euro chic that comes with the Tiguan but you’ll probably also avoid the Volkswagen’s catastrophic repair bills, immense depreciation and the mental stress and anxiety that comes with the Tiguan.
If you are highly allergic to sense and reason and absolutely must have a Tiguan, our pick is the Comfortline 132TSI with a solid service history and the lowest possible mileage you can find but even then, please be extremely cautious.
We strongly DO NOT recommend buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan.
Yes, when they’re new and are covered by a full factory warranty, they’re an impressive vehicle (although we have heard numerous horror stories even when new) and yes, there are unicorn examples that have had minimal issues. But, we just don’t think it’s worth the risk. Especially when there are far better alternatives to choose from.
For what Tiguans are asking for on the used market, we’d recommend looking at Toyota RAV4s, Mazda CX-5s, Hyundai Tucsons and the Kia Sportage.
Sure they don’t have the Euro chic that comes with the Tiguan but you’ll probably also avoid the Volkswagen’s catastrophic repair bills, immense depreciation and the mental stress and anxiety that comes with the Tiguan.
If you are highly allergic to sense and reason and absolutely must have a Tiguan, our pick is the Comfortline 132TSI with a solid service history and the lowest possible mileage you can find but even then, please be extremely cautious.
Should you buy it?
We strongly DO NOT recommend buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan.
Yes, when they’re new and are covered by a full factory warranty, they’re an impressive vehicle (although we have heard numerous horror stories even when new) and yes, there are unicorn examples that have had minimal issues. But, we just don’t think it’s worth the risk. Especially when there are far better alternatives to choose from.
For what Tiguans are asking for on the used market, we’d recommend looking at Toyota RAV4s, Mazda CX-5s, Hyundai Tucsons and the Kia Sportage.
Sure they don’t have the Euro chic that comes with the Tiguan but you’ll probably also avoid the Volkswagen’s catastrophic repair bills, immense depreciation and the mental stress and anxiety that comes with the Tiguan.
If you are highly allergic to sense and reason and absolutely must have a Tiguan, our pick is the Comfortline 132TSI with a solid service history and the lowest possible mileage you can find but even then, please be extremely cautious.
Need help with finance?
Powered by
Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.
Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.
In the market?
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.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
