Touareg Owner thinking of H3

[Spuds]

I have a V-6 Touareg that the lease is rapidly approaching the end. Thinking about an H3 to replace it. I am a former CJ, Grand Wagoneer, and Subaru owner and have always had a 4x4 of some sort. Now days I usually use 4WD to access remote areas of the coast to launch my kayaks.


I have looked at '07 Wrangler unLimited but was more impressed with the fit and finish on the H3 and the ample offroad equipment it offered.

My concern is the tiny windows that would seem to limit visibility. Is this something that everyone just gets used to?

Another is going from fully independent to a live axle in the rear. How is the ride quality overall?

Thanks

[Desert Dan]

You get used to the windows. The mirrors are big enough.

The sun roof is a must.

If you are planning to use it off road spring for the Adventure Package (33" tires, Rear locker and 4:1 T-case)

Get the roof rack cross bows and you can mount all your Kyak gear to them or add a roof rack.

You may think it is underpowered at first but take a good test drive and see. Not fast on acceleration but mine cruises along just fine.

I have looked at the 4 -door JK Rubicon. It is really nice but still a Jeep (the way it should be) in fit and finish and probably not a comfortable and quite as the H3.


I have hear the Tourags reliablity is an issue?

[DRTYFN]

The H3 will be getting a V8 this summer. Be patient.

[Spuds]

The VW 50K bumper to bumper warranty pretty much cleared up all issues and since the warranty has run out, have not had any problems. At about 5700# and 240 hp, the Touareg is no screamer.....but the 6 speed Triptonic helps. I easily get 20 mpg on a 30 mile round trip commute, if the traffic is not stop and go.

I got to thinking about a 4 door Rubicon and decided to see how an H3 compared.

Frankly, I was more impressed with the H3 for a daily driver.

Any info on what V-8 it will be getting?

The older V6 Touareg is also very slow, so the transition to the H3 should be easy. Side windows are not a problem, but rear vision is terrible. Plan to have a rear camera or Hitchcam installed for safety when backing up.

[DRTYFN]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

The older V6 Touareg is also very slow, so the transition to the H3 should be easy. Side windows are not a problem, but rear vision is terrible. Plan to have a rear camera or Hitchcam installed for safety when backing up.

Not sure what you're comparing rearward vision to, but the H3 has pretty decent views to the rear. Maybe adjust your mirrors better.

[stagger_lee]

I actually was quite pleased with the ride on and off the road. It is very smooth and not bouncy. Rides more like a car then a truck. Definatley go test drive one and see for yourself. I just think overall you are looking at a much more quality vehicle overall in the H3.

[DennisAJC]

Buckeye???? Jason, is that you?

Originally Posted by DRTYFN

Not sure what you're comparing rearward vision to, but the H3 has pretty decent views to the rear. Maybe adjust your mirrors better.

Noting the number of expensive backup accidents with H3's on this forum, rear vision is not good compared to many SUV's (such as Highlander, Explorer, Murano, Trailblazer, Liberty, etc.). There is a very large blind spot directly behind spare tire where small cars and small people are completely hidden from view. Even with the rear and side mirrors adjusted properly, they do not help to see in the blind area. A rear camera or Hitchcam can be very helpful when backing up in tight quarters. I have a Hitchcam on my H3 and it helps a lot.

[stagger_lee]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

Noting the number of expensive backup accidents with H3's on this forum, rear vision is not good compared to many SUV's (such as Highlander, Explorer, Murano, Trailblazer, Liberty, etc.). There is a very large blind spot directly behind spare tire where small cars and small people are completely hidden from view. Even with the rear and side mirrors adjusted properly, they do not help to see in the blind area. A rear camera or Hitchcam can be very helpful when backing up in tight quarters. I have a Hitchcam on my H3 and it helps a lot.

Yeah well I just have my kid stand on the center consel with with his head out the sunroof. He is the backup buzzer. "beep, beep, beep"! No accidents yet.

[Huck BB62]

The small windows are GREAT for sun protection!!! We had a rental though that didn't have a sunroof and it felt sort of claustrophobic compared to ours. In the winter when it's dank and rainy, our sunshade is always open. It goes a long long way towards giving the H3 an airy open feel. But in the summer, it's awesome to have all the shade that the big square roof gives you when it's brutally hot and when it's nice, that big open sunroof is awesome.

The Touareg is a poor performer offroad compared to the Adventure H3. BUT, if you want to wait for a year for a genuine hot rod, the diesel TDI V10 might be back out. But then you're looking at Denali territory. We looked at the VW when we bought our Denali. For our purposes, the Denali was what we needed. It only gets 16mpg but it's a lot more vehicle too.

I'd rent the H3 and drive it for a week, if you like it then, you always will.

I read VW Toureg sales are dropping rapidly in the US, it's boring....

[BlueHUMMERH2]

Go with the H3. If you are an outdoorsy person, and like to travel into the back country, there is no better vehicle.

[hummer74]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

I read VW Toureg sales are dropping rapidly in the US, it's boring....

i like the toureg??? especially the v10 tdi. nice truck, i saw the inside and was pretty impressed. now, dont get me wrong, i like the hummer brand better, but the vw was much better than i thought it would be.

Originally Posted by hummer74

i like the toureg??? especially the v10 tdi. nice truck, i saw the inside and was pretty impressed. now, dont get me wrong, i like the hummer brand better, but the vw was much better than i thought it would be.

VW is in trouble with Toureg, sales have really slowed over the last year. I can't figure out why it's so heavy with unibody construction, way over 5000 pounds.

[hummer74]

pretty f-ing nice interior though

[hummer74]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

VW is in trouble with Toureg, sales have really slowed over the last year. I can't figure out why it's so heavy with unibody construction, way over 5000 pounds.

but with the twin turbo diesel it should have plenty of horsepower and torque to move 5000+ pounds easily

Originally Posted by hummer74

pretty f-ing nice interior though

Excellent interior, very tutonic.

[hummer74]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

Excellent interior, very tutonic.

thats what i was thinking.....ummmm what does tutonic mean again? lol i cant find it on websters dictionary site?

Originally Posted by hummer74

thats what i was thinking.....ummmm what does tutonic mean again? lol i cant find it on websters dictionary site?

slang for Germany style, business-like, although I thinks spelling is teutonic.

I'm a fan/owner of Porsche's etc.