Tiguan service life issues between 200-250k km. Now with fuel issue (also in Diesel)

[ethosguy]

Hi all

I'm looking for some insight to help decision making how to approach a potentially expensive fuel system repair.

What can I expect for other known failures and costs associated with Tiguans between 200,000 & 250,000km's
What can I expect the diesel specialists to report and how do I read best their pending diagnosis?

Background.
Our much appreciated '09 Tiguan TDI has just ticked over 200,000km. We plan to replace in 2yrs when payments for the Focus RS are complete.

The Tig has fallen into a bout of expensive mechanical issues and is now slumped into the 3rd round of potentially expensive repairs.

Given the age, value and lost confidence of reliability (mainly of my wife) we are debating scenarios around continuing to repair, repairing and moving it on, or cutting our losses...subject to diagnosis & repair cost.

Details
Owned since new.
Manual.

Is clean and in good general condition.

Vehicle has been maintained correctly throughout, driven appropriately, meaning city driving mix with plenty of regular sustained highway work. Wife (her car) does a decent job. Not laboured, over revved, driven lightly when cold...tows a dirt bike trailer regularly.

Has an APR tune, for ever...otherwise engine is stock.
Brakes & dampers replaced & in good order.
Clutch is original. Expect to wear out within the next 2yrs, assume $2,000-2,500?

6mths ago A/C compressor -$2000
3mths EGR replacement and turbo bearings - $3200, believe should have been much more.

Last Friday it failed to restart after a hot park.
nearby non-VW, non-diesel mech had a first pass over it today.
Identified the fuel filter is contaminated with algae.
Tank is usually refilled between 5/8 & 3/4 empty.
Hasn't been run close to empty recently.
As a rule, we use brand fuel and target 'new' fuel stations.

He replaced the fuel filter and the engine now runs but with engine light and flashing glow plug light in limp mode.
Suspects risk of damage to high pressure fuel pump due to poor lubrication citing algae.

Mentioned a possible temporary fix (unfamiliar sch???) but I didn't understand the parts. He advised against.

I called our usual VW specialist (CVWC) who are unfortunately booked solid for 2 mths. They recommended a diesel specialist. I intend to follow that advice.

If the H/P fuel pump is damaged, I assume, say, >$4000??
Car is parked.

Insight appreciated.
Rgds
Pete

[OneM]

Hi Pete,
I've got a 155TSI Petrol DSG version. I love the car so I can understand your situation.

But 200,000km mark.. I'd definately see to the timing chain 1st, if that goes it's gonna cost you a small fortune.

Cost effectively though, you'd be better off trading-in to a newer car as the on-going maintenance on these VW's do certainly add-up.

How about the new Skoda Fabia, that's pretty zippy n cheap.. and part of the VW/Audi group
Or 2nd hand Polo GTi..

For the algae issue, give this a shot for now..

[ethosguy]

Diesel specialist diagnosed to a incompletely connected sensor plug. New filter confirmed clean fuel system.

Fair to say I feel like a bullet dodged.

Will run into the next issue..was kindly loaned a Nissan X-Trail (boxy, 2014 with 100,000km). Respectfully, the newer, half as used X-Trail isn't a patch on the Tiguan, power, steering, suspension, refinement, user interface, feel, quality...name all but luggage space and 4wd system is better for unbogging from snow.

Should mention ours has Bilstein B6 dampers, Hawk Ceramic pads on DBA rotors (no dust), Oettinger stage 1 tune.

[Pinarelloman]

Sorry to hear about the Tigs woes. We also have a Tig, ours is the 2010 7spd DSG behind the 110TDI motor.
We have had regular servicing in addition to me doing extra oil changes when the service guys are busy.

We have had no major issues other than the a/c compressor required a plug fitting internally, though VW said it was a new compressor required. Local a/c specialist charged $500.

We are looking to replace as we are at 209,000 km and the value of them on carSales is only around $8000

[fung9420]

200kkm on the orginal clutch. That’s pretty good. A car over 200kkm usually drop in value and potential mechanical problem start coming.
Just picked up a 09 TDI 260kkm runs fine tho. Fingercross all good. A few things had been fixed already over last 3yrs. Really curious about how long does the clutch can last.

[Dartiguan]

Depends on the driver.. re the clutch

[Perthdisco]

So with my ‘new to me’ petrol auto Tig at 150,000kms it has received regular oil servicing and brakes and fixing broken things. I am absolutely sure though that the gearbox, diffs and Haldex box have never been touched. This needs to be the focus if you want extended performance.
What happens is the engine repairs absorb all available funds which is the challenge.

Has anyone got a recent quote for changing the timing chain on a petrol engine?


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