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3 minute read
Life Changes and Opportunities Arise.
After many years with my favorite car, 2019 VW Golf R, somethings happen and you just have to jump on them. My grandfather’s low mileage 2017 Touareg became available after he was moved to assisted living, as someone who drove him around in it for a few years I knew I had to have it. Not only being something my grandfather owned which I could enjoy daily, but it is a fairly rare car and built like a truck. Also a lot of new opportunities I had gotten needed a bigger car to fit lumber and other large heavy items. So I jumped on it, bought it, and made it my daily but not until after some much needed maintenance and here is why.
My grandfather bought his Touareg new in Wisconsin back in 2017, he opted for the Wolfsburg trim with the towing package. This was his main car until he was formally moved down to Florida in 2022. This car sat in his garage up north for a year or so before it was shipped down, rarely if ever being driven. After coming down a few thousands miles were put on it from either me driving my grandparents around, my aunts would borrow the car, and the caregivers would drive them to appointments. Even though the car was driven fairly regularly after it was shipped down, cars sitting isn’t the best.
Upon realizing I may have the opportunity to buy the vehicle I decided to bring it in to be inspected to know what I was getting myself into. The local dealer here in Naples does this for free and came back with a report. It needed some basics like oil change, coolant flush, but it needed a larger job including a valve cover gasket replacement. So knowing I would have to spend around 2k to get the car into shape I budgeted and prepared for getting it right once the opportunity arose.
The Time has Come.
The day came, I bought the car and set up all my appointments. A trip to the DMV and after paying a little over 1k, it was now titled in my name. Also the appointment at the dealer getting all done including a transmission service, I now had a fully maintained vehicle. Time to make it mine.
I fully detailed it, got some accessories, brought over my “toweled” trunk so when I haul items I can protect the rear and seats. Realized that I missed getting 30mpg in my R when I noticed this gets around 18-20 mpg, also kinda surprised by the large 26.4 gallon fuel tank. It is kinda nice to have a car you care about but want to use it for its designed purpose. The Golf was a rare and special machine that I was constantly worried about. The Touareg to me is a truck that happens to be a SUV. With a 7,700 lbs towing capacity it can definitely tow like one too.
Now with some trips coming up we will see how she performs for long hauls. Long driving days, some off-roading and cargo hauling should bring out any remaining issues.
