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.

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]

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?

[MaxH3]

As a previous owner of the Touareg, I feel qualified to lend my input to this subject...

Everyone has different needs and desires and it sounds like you may be the perfect H3 owner. Your love of the outdoors and your need to be out in the wild with your kayaks makes the 3 your SUV.

But lets get real about one thing. For on-road use there is no, and I mean no comparison between these two SUV's. I just had an '06 T-reg as a loaner for four days and it was a rude reminder of the mistake I made getting into the H3 last May...I know its not going to be a popular opinion here but the Reg was so much nicer to drive, so much more comfortable and way more responsive. The H3 turns heads, looks really cool, but is an on-road under performer. The 5 cyl. with slow throttle response is brutal. The V6 Reg has a pepper feel and seems to get up and go alot faster...esp when you use tip-tronic shifting. Imagine an Audi A6 on 'roids. The Reg comes in V8 and V10 options...beasts.

As far as issues with the cars, both have had issues...as I wait for my dealer to get the parts in to do my cyl. head replacement, thankfully still under warranty...I had no major issues in the first 20k on the Reg before I traded her in.

The technology and creature comforts in the Reg are awesome...climate control, onboard computers, you get the idea.

That said...the Hummer is a fun car to own, drive, and go off road with...it has plenty of positive attributes of its own...but it really comes down to what your needs and wants are...and in this case, go gor the H3. Just be prepared for some really stark differences in ride comfort and creature comforts.

Enjoy!