Used cars

15th February 2007

It’s not very often you can describe a used car costing nearly £25,000 as a ‘bargain’ – but when it’s the V10 diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg off-roader, it’s fair comment.

That’s because the 4x4 had a list price of £50,695 in 2003... even before optional extras were added. Now, though, you can pick up a 53-reg example with average mileage for half that figure. Still think it’s expensive? Trade guides say it should be advertised for nearer £32,000 – some £7,000 more than we found it for!

Despite its diesel engine, the VW is hardly the last word in economy or affordability. But when it comes to providing torque, few can beat it. With an output of 750Nm from only 2,000rpm, the Touareg is the ultimate tow car – and its big V10 was named International Engine of the Year in 2003 and 2004.

Admittedly, the model we spotted wasn’t at a franchised dealer – it was being offered by a specialist 4x4 outlet. Yet it came in stealthy
dark metallic blue and had leather upholstery, along with 12-way electrically adjustable seats.

For the same £24,950 price tag, you could buy the obvious choice in the luxury off-roader market, in the shape of the Range Rover. How­ever, its Td6 engine is no match for the 5.0-litre powerplant under the bonnet of the Touareg.