26th Sep 2008, 16:00

I bought my Touran 1.9 TDi at a year and a half old from a local VW dealer with 16.5K on the clock. I noticed the juddering in low gears early on, and within the first year had the dual mass flywheel, clutch and gearbox replaced under warranty when the flywheel finally broke. They also had the geometry fully checked out. Front tyres were replaced at about 30K, rears at 43K, and fronts again now at 60K. Wear at the front was entirely at the edges, indicating the pressure the garage set them to (the recommended one) was too low. Adding a few PSI improved grip and handling and evened the wear out. Those rear seat belts annoy the heck out of me with their incessant rattle. Just got the ECU remapped and it goes like STINK!

6th Jun 2009, 13:50

Have 2003 Touran Tdi, bought 2004 as demonstrator with 14,000 miles. Happy with car. Now with 27,000 miles on the clock, ABS light has come on. VW dealer quotes £400 for replacement of whole unit. Friend of mine had his ABS unit gone at 7,000 m.

Since than found out that these units have gone prematurely on a number of cars. Apparently only the electronic unit fails. As it can be detached, at considerably less cost it can be reconditioned, but has to be reset by VW.

13th Jul 2010, 13:20

I bought a new 1.9 TDI Touran in late 2009, great car with all the extras and comfort you would expect from Volkswagon, but oh, those front tyres! I took it in for first service and was advised both front tyres were on 1.6 mm and required changing - mileage 9150. £73 each plus vat. Ouch! Will be talking to the dealership about this, Pirelli tyres, may have to change to another type. I would expect 14k at least from tyres going on past diesels I have owned. By the way my wife and I are both sixty and just drive around at normal speeds.

18th Mar 2011, 18:33

Might be better to buy a spare wheel and put it in the boot; they come with a jack and brace.

15th Aug 2011, 04:01

Hi to all the Touran users, who have suffered from the rattles. My grand daughter solved it by turning the rear seat belts, silverside inwards, this solved the rattle immediately.

I cover about 20,000 miles a year. I have selected to use Michelin Alpin A4 Winter tyres, which give improved traction and road holding, while driving on country lanes in all weather conditions. I have a 2007 DSG version.