7-Seater MPV

[Biglittlebean]

  On 3/9/2016 at 3:05 AM, Stevenswk said:

They should be some variations. I have a friend who got it for 106K, a Wish I mean. Not from Borneo though.

Hi,

 

Sorry to hijack this post as I cannot find the click to create a new post. :P

 

I am considering to get a July 2011 Touran. I viewed and tested two units.

 

1) Mileage 118K, pick-up is good, no unusual sounds.

2) Mileage 80K, noise in engine, dealer said it is loose timing belt; will get it fixed if I decide to purchase.

 

Will anyone advise me what are the things to look out for or do when getting a used VW Touran? And any opinion to (1) and (2)?

 

Appreciate anyone who could advise me. Thank you.

 

 

Regards,

Steven

Copied from a friend's FB post on VW FB page. Posted in March 2016, so should be a 2011 car too. 

 

My 5-year-old Volkswagen Touran Sports 1.4 TSi had gone through 2 batteries replacements within 2 years, 1 fuse box problem within 2 years, 2 recalls on mechatronics issues, 2 clutch adaptations, replacement of 4 spark coils in 2015, 2 clutch replacements (one of which was done in Jan 2016), 1 engine overhaul in Dec 2014 and 1 turbocharger fault with other related faults in 2015. Throughout these 5 years, I spent quite a lot on its repairs and the irony is that the car has been serviced by VW all along. 

2 weeks ago (28 Feb), just after a month from the last servicing at Leng Kee in Jan 2016, while driving along an expressway, the EPC and engine light came on. When brought to Volkswagen Macpherson, I was told that they had to dismantle the engine to see the fault. The car was left there for 2 days just to be diagnosed. 

As it was an engine fault, Service Agent Magesvaran informed me that the cost of engine overhaul or engine replacement is between $12-$15. He said he would appeal for me but went ahead to dismantle the engine to find out the cause. All these were done while waiting for appeal to go through. I was told that the appeal could take up to 8 days. I told him that my previous engine overhauling experience took only 3-4 days to appeal and it was handled by Service Manger Wesley. 

Finally, after stripping the engine cover, they found out that it was the engine's 3rd cylinder head that was faulty and that caused the low compression in the 3rd cylinder. I wanted to know the cause of this and asked to speak with the manager. I was told that Manager was not available. I left it there and then. 

On Friday (4 March), as I had to retrieve something from my car, I went down to the workshop. At the same time, I had wanted to know the progress then, since the car was left there 5 days ago. I asked to see Service Manager Wesley since he was around. When asked for the cause of the fault, he couldn't answer my queries and claimed that the appeal and reason for the fault was unknown till 'another department gets back' to them. I asked to speak with the manager again and he promised that he would ask his manager to call me the following Monday. 

Monday (7 March) came and at close to 6pm, Service Agent Magesvaran SMSed me to inform me that the result of the appeal is still not ready. He didn't call me, just SMSed. The Manager didn't call me too. I left it as it was. On Tuesday (8 March) and Wednesday (9 March), the same reason was given. 

On Thursday (10 March) late afternoon, Magesvaran called to inform me that the appeal was not successful and they are getting the manager to 'escalate' the matter to appeal. I reiterated that I wanted to know the cause and speak with the Manager. 

Manager Zack called me at close to 8pm on that day. When asked about the cause, the reason was simply 'wear and tear'. I questioned the reliability of VW's engines then as Japanese and Korean makes can offer 10 years warranty. I was told that their (Jap & Korean) engines may still malfunction but it's just that that company's insurer is able to cover the cost of repairs there. Then, the big question I have is: Why can't VW do the same? I suspect it must be something to do with the reliability of VW's engines that make insurers think twice! 

Meanwhile, Manager Zack claimed that he had resubmitted the appeal again and would let me know the status the following day (I was rather amazed what a manager could do to get a response within a day rather than the 8 days as initially told to me by Magesvaran). At the same time, I asked him to quote me the car could fetch if I were to sell back to VW. 

Today (11 March), Manager Zack called me at 6.49pm (though he promised to call me from 4pm-6pm) to inform me that the 'Warranty Department' was not able to approve the appeal. Reason being that the car is no longer under warranty. I was told that the total cost will likely be between $6-7k and Manager Zack's Manager (no idea who) was willing to halve the cost 'out of goodwill'. So, I'll be expected to pay between $3-3.5k. The VW Sales Manager for second hand car purchase quoted $50k if sold without repairs and $56k if I get it fixed first. At $56k, it is below valuation. I can't help but to have a niggling suspicion that even VW itself is unwilling or afraid to buy its own car!

[Carbon82]

Just realized that based on the way our LTA calculate the road tax for petrol-electric hybrid, the new Odyssey Hybrid is gonna to attract an annual road tax of $1,984 (equivalent to road tax payable for a 2.7L gasoline unit).

 

For comparison purpose, the road tax for the petrol driven 2.4L Odyssey is $1,630/year. For average driver who clocked about 20K Km/yr, the $354 difference means you can only realize the saving in fuel bill if the Hybrid model is at least 20% more efficient than the petrol variant.

Edited March 16, 2016 by Carbon82

[Biglittlebean]

Just went to see the Toyota Sienta Hybrid. It looks and feels surprisingly spacious. Was quite surprised that I can sit quite comfortably at the third row although I'm 1.75m. Couldn't tell the difference in terms of interior space between the normal Sienta and the hybrid version. Official FC was about 27km/l I think, although I think it would be fantastic to achieve even just 17km/l in real life. I also like the fact that it comes with auto sliding doors as well. Does anyone owns the Sienta Hybrid and can give some feedback about it?  

[Carbon82]

New Honda Freed rumored to be ready for July launch.

 

[Vratenza]

  On 3/16/2016 at 8:21 AM, Carbon82 said:

Just realized that based on the way our LTA calculate the road tax for petrol-electric hybrid, the new Odyssey Hybrid is gonna to attract an annual road tax of $1,984 (equivalent to road tax payable for a 2.7L gasoline unit).

 

For comparison purpose, the road tax for the petrol driven 2.4L Odyssey is $1,630/year. For average driver who clocked about 20K Km/yr, the $354 difference means you can only realize the saving in fuel bill if the Hybrid model is at least 20% more efficient than the petrol variant.

What is the petrol engine capacity?

 

My hybrid road tax is calculated based on it's petrol engine cap.

[Carbon82]

  On 3/16/2016 at 10:56 AM, Vratenza said:

What is the petrol engine capacity?

 

My hybrid road tax is calculated based on it's petrol engine cap.

Engine capacity is just 1,993cc (road tax will be ~$1.2K if basing on engine cap).

 

But as LTA method for determining road tax payable for hybrid is based on engine cap or electric  motor power, whichever high, thus with a 135KW motor, the road tax work out to be much higher than an equivalent 2L ride, and even higher than the standard 2.4L Ody.

[Jontan]

  On 3/16/2016 at 8:55 AM, Biglittlebean said:

Just went to see the Toyota Sienta Hybrid. It looks and feels surprisingly spacious. Was quite surprised that I can sit quite comfortably at the third row although I'm 1.75m. Couldn't tell the difference in terms of interior space between the normal Sienta and the hybrid version. Official FC was about 27km/l I think, although I think it would be fantastic to achieve even just 17km/l in real life. I also like the fact that it comes with auto sliding doors as well. Does anyone owns the Sienta Hybrid and can give some feedback about it?  

 

Singapore Toyota Sienta Club in facebook

[Atrecord]

  On 3/15/2016 at 2:17 AM, Biglittlebean said:

 

Copied from a friend's FB post on VW FB page. Posted in March 2016, so should be a 2011 car too. 

 

My 5-year-old Volkswagen Touran Sports 1.4 TSi had gone through 2 batteries replacements within 2 years, 1 fuse box problem within 2 years, 2 recalls on mechatronics issues, 2 clutch adaptations, replacement of 4 spark coils in 2015, 2 clutch replacements (one of which was done in Jan 2016), 1 engine overhaul in Dec 2014 and 1 turbocharger fault with other related faults in 2015. Throughout these 5 years, I spent quite a lot on its repairs and the irony is that the car has been serviced by VW all along. 

2 weeks ago (28 Feb), just after a month from the last servicing at Leng Kee in Jan 2016, while driving along an expressway, the EPC and engine light came on. When brought to Volkswagen Macpherson, I was told that they had to dismantle the engine to see the fault. The car was left there for 2 days just to be diagnosed. 

As it was an engine fault, Service Agent Magesvaran informed me that the cost of engine overhaul or engine replacement is between $12-$15. He said he would appeal for me but went ahead to dismantle the engine to find out the cause. All these were done while waiting for appeal to go through. I was told that the appeal could take up to 8 days. I told him that my previous engine overhauling experience took only 3-4 days to appeal and it was handled by Service Manger Wesley. 

Finally, after stripping the engine cover, they found out that it was the engine's 3rd cylinder head that was faulty and that caused the low compression in the 3rd cylinder. I wanted to know the cause of this and asked to speak with the manager. I was told that Manager was not available. I left it there and then. 

On Friday (4 March), as I had to retrieve something from my car, I went down to the workshop. At the same time, I had wanted to know the progress then, since the car was left there 5 days ago. I asked to see Service Manager Wesley since he was around. When asked for the cause of the fault, he couldn't answer my queries and claimed that the appeal and reason for the fault was unknown till 'another department gets back' to them. I asked to speak with the manager again and he promised that he would ask his manager to call me the following Monday. 

Monday (7 March) came and at close to 6pm, Service Agent Magesvaran SMSed me to inform me that the result of the appeal is still not ready. He didn't call me, just SMSed. The Manager didn't call me too. I left it as it was. On Tuesday (8 March) and Wednesday (9 March), the same reason was given. 

On Thursday (10 March) late afternoon, Magesvaran called to inform me that the appeal was not successful and they are getting the manager to 'escalate' the matter to appeal. I reiterated that I wanted to know the cause and speak with the Manager. 

Manager Zack called me at close to 8pm on that day. When asked about the cause, the reason was simply 'wear and tear'. I questioned the reliability of VW's engines then as Japanese and Korean makes can offer 10 years warranty. I was told that their (Jap & Korean) engines may still malfunction but it's just that that company's insurer is able to cover the cost of repairs there. Then, the big question I have is: Why can't VW do the same? I suspect it must be something to do with the reliability of VW's engines that make insurers think twice! 

Meanwhile, Manager Zack claimed that he had resubmitted the appeal again and would let me know the status the following day (I was rather amazed what a manager could do to get a response within a day rather than the 8 days as initially told to me by Magesvaran). At the same time, I asked him to quote me the car could fetch if I were to sell back to VW. 

Today (11 March), Manager Zack called me at 6.49pm (though he promised to call me from 4pm-6pm) to inform me that the 'Warranty Department' was not able to approve the appeal. Reason being that the car is no longer under warranty. I was told that the total cost will likely be between $6-7k and Manager Zack's Manager (no idea who) was willing to halve the cost 'out of goodwill'. So, I'll be expected to pay between $3-3.5k. The VW Sales Manager for second hand car purchase quoted $50k if sold without repairs and $56k if I get it fixed first. At $56k, it is below valuation. I can't help but to have a niggling suspicion that even VW itself is unwilling or afraid to buy its own car!

 

 

Wah, VW … jialat...

Am wondering whether I should ask my friend who bought the used Touran, to read this too… Sure make her lose confidence...

[Biglittlebean]

  On 3/17/2016 at 6:37 AM, Atrecord said:

Wah, VW ⦠jialat...

Am wondering whether I should ask my friend who bought the used Touran, to read this too⦠Sure make her lose confidence...

Think no point la... Since she got her car already. Anyway, VW had responded to my friend. Have copied out to here. No issues to share since this is on the VW FB page itself. My friend was not able to get his repair fees waived.

 

"It has been 3 weeks and my car is still in the workshop.

Anyway, this is the response from VW. I'll let you judge on that.

 

Dear Mr Lee,

 

This is with reference to your post on Facebook.

 

We understand your concern with the quality of your vehicle and would like to explain that despite all efforts for constant good quality, we cannot exclude any possible repairs that may arise during the lifetime of the vehicle. Like any other products, an automobile is subjected to many different operating and driving conditions, such that the need for repair can never be completely avoided.

 

The recent issue was due to a fault in the third cylinder. This was not related to the previous repair of piston overhaul therefore the repair cost will not be covered under warranty. As clarified by Mr Zack, our management team had agreed to cover 50% of the total repair cost. In addition, the cost of water pump replacement will be covered by Volkswagen.

 

We hope you would understand that we had done our very best to assist you as our valued customer.

 

Thank you.

 

Best Regards,

 

Fauziah Gaffar

Customer Care Assistant

Customer Care Centre"

[Acemundo]

I am on the search for 7 seater mpv. Few notable choices stand out for consideration

 

Toyota sienta x - 96k thereabouts

Chevrolet orlando - 99.8k (today advertisement)

Opel zafira tourer - 119.8k (today advertisement)

Citroen grand picasso - 118k thereabout (last month advert)

 

Although not all 4 are exactly comparable, but each had their appealing points for a 7-seater hunter in me.

[Biglittlebean]

  On 3/19/2016 at 3:32 PM, Acemundo said:

I am on the search for 7 seater mpv. Few notable choices stand out for consideration

 

Toyota sienta x - 96k thereabouts

Chevrolet orlando - 99.8k (today advertisement)

Opel zafira tourer - 119.8k (today advertisement)

Citroen grand picasso - 118k thereabout (last month advert)

 

Although not all 4 are exactly comparable, but each had their appealing points for a 7-seater hunter in me.

 

I drive an Orlando. Value for money car. Pick up is good, but petrol consumption is average at 10-11km/l. Sienta Hybrid can clock 20km/l in real time driving from what I heard from Sienta drivers. 

[Sabian]

  On 3/19/2016 at 3:32 PM, Acemundo said:

I am on the search for 7 seater mpv. Few notable choices stand out for consideration

 

Toyota sienta x - 96k thereabouts

Chevrolet orlando - 99.8k (today advertisement)

Opel zafira tourer - 119.8k (today advertisement)

Citroen grand picasso - 118k thereabout (last month advert)

 

Although not all 4 are exactly comparable, but each had their appealing points for a 7-seater hunter in me.

Toyota Noah/ Voxy/ Esquire?

[Porche]

New honda freed is seducing, another choice

[Spring]

Honda Mobilio at $101k seems good value for money!

Though abit plasticky inside, it's reasonable spacious for a mid sized MPV n not many choices of Jap brands MPVs near $100k

[Acemundo]

Noah and esquire all longer and bigger and more expensive right?

  On 3/19/2016 at 4:01 PM, Biglittlebean said:

I drive an Orlando. Value for money car. Pick up is good, but petrol consumption is average at 10-11km/l. Sienta Hybrid can clock 20km/l in real time driving from what I heard from Sienta drivers.

The sienta hybrid will cost about 105k to 110k if i rem correctly. Price no longer lowest and performance still lose out to the others

[Lala81]

  On 3/20/2016 at 12:36 AM, Spring said:

Honda Mobilio at $101k seems good value for money!

Though abit plasticky inside, it's reasonable spacious for a mid sized MPV n not many choices of Jap brands MPVs near $100k

My sis got wish at 102k guaranteed.

[Spring]

  On 3/20/2016 at 6:08 AM, Lala81 said:

My sis got wish at 102k guaranteed.

Wha bro, good price for an evergreen car. Most spacious mid size MPV IMO.

Only grouse I have is that it's abit dated but guess if u r a practical buyer, Wish ticks most boxes, congrats to your sis!!

[Header]

$102K? Wah, is that PI? Which one?