How Long Do Volkswagen Tiguans Last?
The automotive industry’s compact crossover segment is highly competitive. Nevertheless, the Volkswagen Tiguan has held its own against popular SUVs such as the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, and Honda CR-V. Despite the abundance of crossover SUVs available, the Tiguan has proven itself to be a strong contender in the market.
For starters, the Tiguan offers a comfortable and engaging driving experience, with light steering that provides decent feedback and a ride that is exceptionally comfortable for a small SUV. Furthermore, the interior of the Tiguan is welcoming and more spacious than many competitors, offering plenty of headroom and legroom, as well as a quality look and feel with soft-touch surfaces. Best of all, the Tiguan represents solid value thanks to its low base price.
If you’re interested in this compact SUV, you’re probably asking: how long do Volkswagen Tiguans last? So, for today, we highlight the potential lifespan of the Tiguan, how many miles it can last, and whether it’s a good option for used car buyers.
How Many Miles Does the Volkswagen Tiguan Last?
How long do Volkswagen Tiguans last? The Tiguan generally has a reasonably long lifespan, but it varies from model to model. On average, a Tiguan can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, given proper care and maintenance. According to RepairPal, the compact SUV requires unscheduled garage visits about 0.92 times a year, with a 12% chance of encountering severe problems.
Owners of Tiguan vehicles have shared the mileage of their cars on the internet, confirming that high mileage is achievable. For instance, on the r/Tiguan subreddit, users have shared their experiences with high-mileage Tiguans. One user mentioned seeing a 2019 Tiguan SEL with 302,000 miles for sale, indicating the potential for high mileage. Another owner reported a 2009 Tiguan with 208,000 miles, and someone else talked about a 2009 model with 235,000 miles, noting that it had non-mechanical issues like a leaky moonroof and a broken AC.
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However, the Tiguan falls short in expected mileage compared to its competitors. For instance, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have higher expected miles of 250,000 and 240,000, respectively.
The Tiguan’s maintenance costs are also higher than the average for compact SUVs. Notably, the first-generation Tiguan (2009-2016) had more issues, particularly with the engine and electrical systems, while the second generation (2016-present) shows improved reliability, except for the 2018 model year.
What Is a Good Mileage for a Volkswagen Tiguan?
A good mileage for a Volkswagen Tiguan largely depends on its age and how well it has been maintained. Generally, a used Tiguan with less than 100,000 miles is considered a good find, as it likely has plenty of life left. For newer models, this threshold might be lower.
It’s important to remember that the Tiguan’s longevity isn’t just about the miles on the odometer but also how those miles were accumulated. A Tiguan primarily driven on highways may be in better condition than one with the same mileage but used in stop-and-go city traffic.
Many Tiguan owners consider a mileage of around 70,000 to be normal and not excessively high. With proper maintenance, these vehicles can easily surpass 100,000 miles with minimal problems. As such, to ensure the longevity of your Tiguan, it is essential to follow a consistent maintenance schedule that includes regular services and timely oil changes.
Ultimately, it’s always best to approach a high-mileage Tiguan (100k+ miles) with caution. A good mileage for a Tiguan is one that balances age, usage, and care history.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
We’re here to simplify picking out the best year, narrowing down your options. Read on to learn about the most reliable Volkswagen Tiguan year, the least reliable options, and anything else you should know.
Should I Buy a Used Volkswagen Tiguan with More Than 100k Miles?
Even with a fairly reliable model like the Tiguan, buying a vehicle with over 100k miles will always come with risks. That said, cars with high mileage, such as over 100,000 miles, can still be good purchases – especially with more recent models. This is because modern cars are built to last longer, and high-mileage cars often have regular fluid changes and carbon buildup burned off, which can benefit the engine.
As mentioned, the mileage isn’t the only factor to consider when buying a used Tiguan. The average car owner drives about 12,000 miles per year. So, a car’s age multiplied by 12,000 gives a baseline for good mileage. For instance, 60,000 miles would be reasonable for a 5-year-old automobile. In this case, the number of previous owners and how the car was maintained is also important.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option to buy a Volkswagen Tiguan, purchasing a used one that has already crossed the 100k miles mark can be a great choice. These vehicles are usually sold at a cheaper price as they are considered high-mileage. However, if the car has been well-maintained and has a good maintenance record, you can get a good value for your money.
Common Volkswagen Tiguan Issues
Below are some of the most common issues of the Tiguan SUV:
- Plastic intake manifold failure: Owners have expressed frustration over the choice of plastic material for the manifold of older Tiguans, which seems prone to failure and necessitates costly repairs. The average repair cost for this problem is around $760, typically around 55,200 miles.
- Timing chain issues: The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan has encountered significant issues with timing chain skipping, as reported by several owners. It’s a significant problem that often requires a complete engine repair or replacement.
- Engine problems: Many owners reported complete engine failure on the newer Tiguans (i.e., 2018 model). Also, some drivers experience a sudden loss of power while driving, which can be extremely dangerous.
- Transmission issues: The 2019 models have experienced sudden hard shifting up or down after extended driving. 2018 models have shown hesitation during acceleration, accompanied by clunking sounds and potential stalling.
- Brake system problems: Various model years have reported delayed brake engagement or complete failure to deploy. The 2019 models suffered from malfunctioning automatic braking systems and frontal brake assist. 2012 models saw failures in the anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control. Generally, premature wear of brake parts and unpleasant vibrations have been reported across models.
- Electrical malfunctions: The 2018 models have experienced lane assistant errors, causing unexpected steering. These models also suffered from premature triggering of the front collision avoidance function. Various models have reported electronics activating without key insertion, leading to battery drain. The 2011 models were prone to premature failure of ignition coils, potentially causing engine stalling at high speeds.
These issues vary in severity and frequency across different Volkswagen Tiguan model years, so thorough research and inspection are a must when considering this vehicle.
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Final Thoughts: Is a Used Volkswagen Tiguan a Wise Investment?
How long do Volkswagen Tiguans last? Hopefully, this quick guide has helped answer your questions.
Investing in a used Volkswagen Tiguan can be a good decision, but it’s essential to consider some things. Despite the car’s appealing comfort and features, it’s crucial to be aware of potential engine issues and high mileage concerns, especially in specific models. To make a wise purchase, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and understand its maintenance and repair history.
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