Faults:

Alternator failure.

Front wheel bearing.

Brake calipers x 3.

General Comments:

Even after researching twice and deciding to look for some other make/model 7 seaters, I was still drawn back to the Touran, as I still believed in the VW badge, even after reading of all the common faults.

Bought cheap primarily because of the known ESP/ABS problem, which this one has, and also because this model year is not fitted with a DPF (particulate filter).

Exterior build quality and general overall quality compared to another family member's 98 VW Passat is no match. Rust issues affecting both front arches and rear tailgate, likely neglect issues by previous owner to be fair, but common enough on the Touran. My mechanic mentioned that the underside of the car was pretty badly corroded too, which I was not expecting. Work required now is a rear shock absorber, coil spring.

Very comfortable drive on a long journey and good MPG.

Plenty of space, especially with the middle row of seats removed; pretty bland interior with lots of cubby holes.

Have driven fully loaded with a roofbox on and it handled well.

No spare tyre on this model, have purchased a spare wheel and tyre, but only take them on a longer journey.

With other potentially costly issues starting to appear, I am now having to decide whether to keep and repair, or take a bit of a hit and move on.

Would I buy this model again? No. I have tried pretty hard to get to like this car, and although it has some good points, there are just too many bad points to entice me into buying a newer model.

Faults:

White smoke billowing from under bonnet after a a short drive on cold mornings.

Boot catch broke would not shut at all; previously has to really slam it to shut, and the dash light nearly always stayed on.

General Comments:

Great car. Would advise getting the 2.0L TDi (red I) which is really nippy.

Great for kids, but if you have three, which all need car seats, it's a bit of a squeeze doing up all the seat belts.

Like most 7 seaters with the seats in the boot, they are a bit pointless, as when you use them, you have no boot space; can't even get the smallest buggy in!

Don't get the ones with cream interior, even if you are very fussy; it gets marked very easily.

The trim around the glove box is poor and doesn't line up at all well - maybe better on the newer models though.

Why do they put that rubberised paint on the steering wheel and around window switches, which very quickly scrapes off and looks very tatty. We have a Passat too which has done the same.

Faults:

I own a 1.9SE TDi and can only fault it for 2 things, those being rapid front tyre wear and smoke from the auxiliary heater. The car was returned to the dealer within 5 days of purchase after it started smoking and was told to just let it develop. I have taken it back several times since (to another dealer) who have carried out all the modifications available, but I still have the problem. If the problem still exists when the warranty expires I wonder what VW's position will be as the problem has never been cured from when the car was new.

As for the tyres wearing badly on the inside and now down to the legal limit at 13000 miles I am surprised at this.