Holy crap no one told me about the Tiguan

Been searching for the right small SUV for my wife like The Lost Ark. I had a price point and buying new wasn't important. Everything was too big, too problematic, and just old. Surprise surprise I discovered the Tiguan. But the thing looked way too small. We have a car seat and sometimes we like to have friends ride along. In person, the suv is way better than the numbers. It's super light, got plenty of pep, and the layout is great. Here's a video of my review, just so no one else looking for the same thing doesn't miss out. 

2013 VW Tiguan review - way more than you think

My wife loves it, but I almost like it more. This is definitely not a boring grocery getter.

We didn't buy one because the trunk space behind the back seat seemed really small and only comparable to my wifes Toyota Matrix.  The Jetta Wagon was bigger

In reply to Jaynen :

Yeah i had a friend with the wagon and the trunk is much bigger, you're right. I like the way your legs go straight down in the Tiguan though, its more of a chair. I'm a bit leggy and space was super important getting coming from a Civic. Plus i just noticed yesterday that you can slide different parts of the rear seat forward to give you more trunk space on one-side. It works if you only have 1 kid though :)

True when we were shopping them we were getting ready for kid number 2

You should check out the Mazda CX-5 

In reply to Sine_Qua_Non :

Yeah I like the new ones, but my budget was slightly under $10k. I love the new Mazda but the vw has 45hp more while weighing about 200lb more and can tow 200 more. Lol I dont think any of that really matters, but my wife loves VW. She named it 10 minutes into her first drive, she never named the Civic Hybrid. Lol

In reply to jr10cross :

Was the 2013 Tig under $10k?

Up until recently those were by far the sprightliest of all 4 cyl CUVs. I'm sort of surprised they didn't do better in sales but I have to wonder if VW buyers are less susceptible to CUVs in general vs the other stuff in the VW model range that does basically the same thing without the SUVness. Either way, it seems like one of those vehicles that's more at home in enthusiast hands than the general publics. Glad you found something you both like!

In reply to AngryCorvair :

Yeah man, not much under but under

In reply to Vigo :

I agree, the CLS and 944 owner keeps looking out the blinds at that sculpted front fascia of a CUV. I thought for sure I was doomed to CR-V or Rav4. I must be getting old

What's the mpg's been like? 

In reply to pres589 :

We just got it on Thursday so its a really small sample size, but pretty close to the suggested 20mpg around town with light traffic. I think its 3347lb curb weight helps a bunch.

My boss had a Touareg - I know the Tiguan is a different car - but the hatch would fill up with water.  It destroyed the elecronics in the hatch, and if you opened it, water would drain out of the interior panels.  VW tried several times to fix it, unsuccessfully.  Check to see if the Tig has the same problem.

The Jetta wagon vs Tiguan sounds just like what we found with the Outback vs Forester.   Probably similar amounts of space but just laid out differently.  

Ive seen some Dad around here in a Tiguan on coilovers, really low. Im not into crossovers bu it looks really cool. 

In reply to Duke :

Sounds like the same issue in my CLS550 . I just cant close the boot from the trunk buttons. I can still close it from the driver door. My issue is a chrome trim piece that lets water in. Her Tiguan is manual open/close so maybe I'm okay. The Touareg scared us a bit with it's complexity and I drive a CLS. LOL

Let's face it, given the amount of general hatred towards VAG products on this forum, it's not surprising the Tiguan isn't a hot topic of discussion.

On a semi-related note, I read recently VW is starting to blow out 2016 "post-fix" Touareg TDI models for $9K off MSRP.  Which means it's still a $50K car.  A $50K car that's been sitting on a dealer lot for near-on two years. Ah... No.

In reply to boaty mcfailface :

Don't tempt me. I digging it way too much. Lol "Babe I need to run to Walmart for some Q-tips!"  "Babe I think you need gas, I'm running out to get you some." "Babe I think it may possibly snow today I need your car." 

Its the perfect 'her gift' that's secretly for you too. I mean I have a 400hp Merc in the garage and I getty over a turbo VW. Lol car love is so relative.

Should have checked out first gen Toyota Highlander Hybrids.  Lots more pep (7 seconds 0-60 and 15.4 second 1/4 mile). Not that big (people think mine is a Forester all the time). Useful inside and averages 28mpg. 

In reply to DaveEstey :

Yeah we had a Honda Civic Hybrid, and after seeing MPG deminish  and the compromises on space and inability to fold down the rear seats, we were through with the hybrid life. We had a battery replacement scare 2 summers ago. 23mpg combined from the tiguan aint too bad.

Bringing this back from a few days ago.

I am considering at Tiguan, but I am wondering if the current owners might have more details on options?

Do all of the 2.0T motors have timing chains or are older ones belts? What year would it change?

The auto is an real auto, not a dual clutch right?

Any years to avoid?

Any quick way to determine if the Tiguan is AWD? Are there badges on the exterior, specific controls inside? (Aside from looking under the vehicle)

I want the Bi-Xenon lights. It that only on SEL and R-Line or could you get them on SE level? How can you tell if they are Bi-Xenon?

I like the looks of the R-Line but I am skeptical that the ride will suck with 19s. Has anyone driven on the 19s or 18s? Do all R-Lines have huge wheels. I live in a city of potholes.

Oh yeah how hard is it to find one without the huge sunroof? Do they come without sunroofs on the SEL or R-Line?

I didn't recommend a VW product because the glow of the check engine light will clash with your wife's complexion.