Info about 2011-2016 VW TDI vehicles

I'm looking to buy a commuter. I'm intrigued by all the TDI models the VW group puts out. I am looking for pros and cons of the models in this range. Most likely to consider a Jetta, Audi A3, or a Touareg. Only thinking about the diesel models.

 

At this point, post dieselgate cars are dirt cheap. That said, definitely spend some time on the vwvortex and tdiclub forums researching the particular model you're shopping. They're amazing cars when they're doing well, but I wouldn't own without warranty (for the model year range you're looking at, Carmax would be great but they typically carry very few diesels). The diesel fix dropped power and fuel economy (though I think there are deleters out there operating on the DL given the EPA's recent crackdowns) but they're still competitive in their segment.

Everyone I know who has one loves it; but they're also the "it just needs regular maintenance" types that have a very skewed understanding of regular maintenance (i.e. every German car owner). When the HPFP, DPF, axle shaft, master cylinder, brake pad sensor, etc. goes they're typically super expensive and often times difficult to work on yourself unless you're willing to invest in some equipment.

The rational thing to do would be to grab yourself a Prius or hybrid highlander but sometimes rational isn't the right choice.

OA

 

I had a 13' tdi jetta as commuter. Sold @ 230,000 miles. The only repair made was to replace timing chain @ 110,00 miles. You will see alot for sale around 100k miles. I wouldn't buy one at high mileage unless the timing chain was replaced. If they break it'll blow engine.

 

I had a 2011 Touareg TDI, that was purchased back from VW

My father had a 2012 Cayenne (basically the same car), but since he was in Canada, they offered him a software upgrade (plus cash). He immediately started having issues with it. After about 6 months he got rid of the car, the new owner knew of the issues and already had a shop that would re-program the old polluting software for about $1500. I would say away from these cars if they have the new software.

 

CFO drives a tdi Touareg it’s been a great suv averages 27-30 mpg. The ride is incredible plenty of power stock I did put a inline hockey puck programmer now it chits and gets.
Maintenance is higher obviously but we knew that getting it. You can’t go wrong with any tdi imho as long as it comes with the extended warranty we did have a dpf sensor go out. But filling the dpf is a chore since it’s under the spare tire in the cargo area.