Peqoud

I need another car and wonder if anyone can say anything about this ride? Good or bad. I'm between this and the Touareg diesel.

goofballdeluxe

I don't have either, but I was interested in the Touareg diesel as well, until I heard about all the quality issues plaguing VW in general these days. They are usually at the bottom of most lists that pertain to reliability.

fixedgame

Interested to hear any experience from current owner as well. I would love a diesel engine in the 5 series wagon.

sbarracl

I drove one over the holidays when BMW was having a gas card promotion for taking a test drive. I wanted to drive a 3-series diesel, but they didn't have one. Anyhow, the X5 drove very well. Not a rocket ship, but not dog-slow either. Ride was fine. I don't remember anything objectionable about it. All in all, a pretty nice ride, if a bit pricey.

matt777

Whats the added cost for the diesel engine? I like cleaning burning diesels and its nice to see more coming to market with the newer low sulfur diesel but the payback only works if diesel fuel prices are reasonable and you drive alot.

Sooner

I have a good friend that took delivery of the X5 Diesel in Jan. It's really nice, and handles great for an SUV. He opted for the sport package, which greatly increases the handling capabilities. I have been in in once, and have to say it is very comfortable.

He is used to driving an '06 997S, and says he likes the BMW (still has the P-Car too).

I think you pay quite a premium for the Diesel, I believe sticker is somewhere in the High 60's or low 70's.

Barney1

The funny thing is it has an exhaust cleanser fluid jug. (Like washer fluid). This has to be kept filled to maintain Co 2's. Some how it washes the exhaust gases to pass emissions.

Nurburger

Yep - my GF took delivery of hers just a few weeks ago & loves it. Titanium silver with the Saddle leather & a great list of options (multi contour seats & premium sound are a must have...). With 425lb ft of torque it really does feel strong - excellent overtaking power. The ride and driving feel is superb - as is the build quality. 580 miles on one tank of diesel.

98_993_cab

FWIW, latest issue of CR is nowhere near as down on VW-Audi as in the past. They are even pretty upbeat on some models, especially if styling & safety are factored in. But CR noted Touareg is still pretty bad for reliability - unfortunate since (IMHO) it has really nice styling inside & out.

And AFAIK, VW-Audi vehicles do tend to stop (quite well) when you push the brake pedal...

Rinty

We've had a Golf diesel for a few years and I am still impressed with its power on the highway.

trophy

When the urea solution runs out the vehicle will not start and needs to be towed to the dealer. All clean diesels that use this system are the same (federal legislation for clean diesels). Supposedly the fluid lasts around 10k miles.

fixedgame

Can the urea solution be purchased from a third party and refill at home or the owners are at the mercy of the dealers?

tanger

I have a 07 Touareg - its a non-diesel but its been pretty good on maintenance. Stupid stuff like tire pressure sensors and the headlight swivel system constantly go out, but other than that has been pretty good. Plus i think its $0 maintenance (a la BMW) if you are buying new from VW these days.

sbarracl

The urea solution can be purchased at truck stops or almost anywhere that sells diesel. It's marketed generically as Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF. Most heavy and medium duty truck engines built after Dec. 31 2009 have SCR systems requiring DEF as well. It will become commonplace in the near future. It is much less expensive at truck stops - typically $3-$5 / gallon. I think it's $30-$40 / gal at the BMW or Mercedes dealer. BMW includes it with their 3/36 no cost maintenance program.

Slow Guy

What about the Audi TDI?