That would be me!

I spent a lot of time researching this and came up with the best bet if you don't have badge blindness, is a Touareg V8. It has only 20 hp less than the Cayenne S and is less than half the money. Things like the switches for windows, ignition and such are shared with VW's other products , so are cheap.

I would never be without air ride suspension. Cheaper to fix (air bags are like $75 each) than springs and no shocks as it is done with valving in the air system.

Having said that I have just purchased a 04 Cayenne TT. It is the only one I would consider. The grocery store is down the road and one can never have enough power to get the groceries... .My repair costs are of course going to increase, but I am prepared for that. If I could only find a Touareg with a W12........



Engines and parts are plentiful (engines used in Audi's) so there are many more of them.

I have a 7700lb boat and it tows better than the F150's I used to use. I love it as a tow vehicle.

The only thing I can add is that these cars are optioned out all over the map. The V8 Executive was pretty loaded. I would not settle one without the following options: Air bag suspension, keyless entry, bose sound system, navigation, auto dimming rear view mirrors. These cannot be added after the fact (except maybe nav, but not sure). Options I like but could be without are the 19" rims (get 20's if you want to upgrade the base 18's. WAY more options that are cheaper for rubber)

Also the forum community is much more active and helpful for the Touareg IMHO.


This is true. The crankcase ventilation is plumbed into intake manifold and passes over the intake valves. With no fuel washing over the intake valves like they used to, the valves collect carbon. You have to at the very least remove the intake manifold to clean.

Interesting.......

 

Or Buy a diesel! That's what I want to do...

The gumming up of the intake valves happens to most DFI engines... My Dad uses Seafoam every now and then on his Mini Cooper S and that seems to keep it running quite nicely...

 

Diesels have even more problems with intake carboning up. They are direct injection too and the EGR gases are way dirtier than a gasoline engine. I blocked off the EGR pipe on my TDI to keep the intake/valves clean. Next time you go to your local VW dealer, look up to the service board that had the labor rates, tire chance, etc listed and you'll find "TDI intake service" there. Why do you think they have this as a posted service?

 

I was thinking that as well. Plus you have to deal with having to add bluetec to use these diesel engines.

 

blocking the EGR is harmless and gives you a extra boost, I use to own a 2.0TDI and I block the EGR