My car(VW Tiguan) recently jumped timing which has lead me into looking for a more reliable car and I have settled on a GX. I have a limited budget and have found two options an 04 with 167k miles for 6400-It has a check engine light but my husband is a mechanic so this isn't to much of a concern depending on what the issue may be I will probably have it at least run on a scanner before purchase. The second option is a 2006 with 213k for 6700 no issues that I know of but the higher mileage and my husband says with the upgrades made in 2005 this may be our better option? Are these prices good and what should we look for when seeing the cars or questions I should ask? I already asked the general maintenance questions and whether timing belt and what not had been changed. I appreciate any help you guys can give us thank you!

 

Get the codes read on both of them. Also ask for a copy of the maintenance history. The higher mileage isn't a problem as long as the vehicle has had regular servicing.

Chip H.

 

They seem like good prices in general, but you didn't list what options each comes with and what has recently been repaired on the car so it is hard to say. If you want better advice you will need to compare the two vehicles for us.

 

Lemme guess with the tiguan... timing chain tensioner failed, causing chain to jump and valves crashed into the pistons? I had a GTI with the same issue (all pre-2012 VW 2.0T engines are ticking time bombs). That was the last VW I'll ever own.

Most issues I've encountered with my GX have been maintenance related (or lack thereof by the previous owner). I would say just check to make sure the GX you're looking at has good maintenance history and that factory recommended services have been done.

More GX specific issues to check for:
- Radiator tends to leak around 150k. Expect to replace if it's on the original one.
- Rear suspension air springs start to leak around 150k. Aftermarket bags are available for $200 or so. Symptoms of leaking air springs are bottoming out on small bumps or a sagging rear end after letting the vehicle sit for a couple hours.

Don't' be deterred by high mileage. These drivetrains are well known to run at least 500k with little or no issues outside of regular maintenance.

 

 

 

you can always upgrade your nav to the Telsa style nav