2007 Volkswagen Touran SE review from UK and Ireland

EGR valve failed at about 5000 miles. Dealer said I was using poor quality fuel and got quite upset when I showed him my Shell agency card. When this fails, it ruins economy and causes black smoke on acceleration.

Radio failed and had to be replaced.

Rain water leak from passenger door. Wet footwell and carpets. Warning! This is a common fault with the Touran! Dealer took a week to dry out and solve the leak.

Sunroof also leaking. Finally fixed - wet seats!

Clutch judder started at about 8000 miles. Clutch and flywheel eventually replaced after much argument with dealer. Now working OK.

Handbrake not very efficient! Always park the car in 1st gear as it will roll away otherwise, even if the brake is applied quite hard.

Brakes juddering caused by warped front discs. Another common problem I believe with this car. Another argument with the dealer to get this fixed.

Steering pulls to left and front tyres worn unevenly. Went through a set of front tyres in 12000 miles due to uneven wear. Dealer refused to accept responsibility until I took car into a specialist, who did a report stating that steering geometry was out of true. More grief with dealer.

Tried another dealer for service, but these were not much better.

Fuel economy is about 45mpg to just under 50 on a long run.

Generally comfortable to drive.

Back seats best left for children, as they are difficult to access, and leave almost no luggage space when in use.

Handling is generally good, but front wheels lose adhesion quite quickly in the wet (especially when the steering is misaligned!)

Car is let down by poor reliability and poor build quality. Not sure where it was built, but if in Germany then they are losing the plot.

Too many rain water leak issues and general rattles.

I am not happy with this car, and would like to trade it in, but the VW dealer has offered a very low trade in price.

Car is also let down by the nasty dealers who seem to delight in being unhelpful.