Considering a new tow vehicle. Has anyone got any knowledge of the VW Amarok V6? They are bringing out a new 2018 model later in the year that will have a 3500 tonne towing capacity which sounds appealing.
Nothing much seems to match the BT in a twin cab but we've had a couple of hiccups in the last year or so, so just considering our options.
Really want automatic twin cab otherwise the Landcruiser might have been our choice.
thanks Dianne
Yuglamron said
10:21 PM Oct 6, 2017
My son has been eying one for a while and been checking the reports about the towing capacity and it's general performance.
The Magazine Caravan World did an extended towing test. and it compared well. Be worth looking out for that report.
gooba53 said
10:45 PM Oct 6, 2017
Yuglamron wrote:
My son has been eying one for a while and been checking the reports about the towing capacity and it's general performance.
The Magazine Caravan World did an extended towing test. and it compared well. Be worth looking out for that report.
Thanks, I'll try and get that on line
macka17 said
01:00 AM Oct 7, 2017
The only things I'd be careful about. Are the intermittent lack of reliability.
Enough are so, Unreliable. to make it a talking point and reputation. Worldwide.
PLUS. Just remember it's a UTE.. Regardless of engine size\power.
A 2.5 ton tow veh at MAXIMUM.
With safety. Read the combined, and reduced figures b4 going further.
Best of luck.
Magazine reviews? reports?. Are paid for by the "that months" manufacturer. to magazine.
Taken with a LARGE pinch of salt.
You EVER seen a BAD review in any car magazines??
It's their livelihood.
The rule of thumb in most country's.
is Tug heavier than tow.
By as much as possible.
Usually 10\15% minimum.
NEVER tow a trailer that weighs MORE than your tug.
If you have any respect for others on the road.
Or your missus beside you
and their safety.
Have fun.
-- Edited by macka17 on Saturday 7th of October 2017 01:03:09 AM
Eaglemax said
03:51 AM Oct 7, 2017
Had a Tiguan. Watvh for parts cost. Eg windscreen with automatic wiper feature was around $1400 at one stage so invlude it on your insurance policy. 60,000km service with auto dmg box caused near heart attack.
I did that service and sold it! Go the cruiser imo
Desert Dweller said
06:22 AM Oct 7, 2017
They're a big good looking beast that would easily be up to the job but VW has had a few issues with ALL of its vehicles in recent years.
Falsifying emissions data & a computer that suddenly ****s itself & the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. A lady was killed not too long ago, rear ended by a truck on a freeway I believe.
Parts & servicing will cost a tad more than some other more popular brands. There's no such thing as the perfect car though so go for it I say.
gooba53 said
10:29 AM Oct 7, 2017
Appreciate your comments all, thanks.
Bryan said
10:42 AM Oct 7, 2017
That V6 motor has been around for quite a while and has proved its reliability in comparison with its opposition in my opinion.
Originally designed by Audi, it has gone through various refinements and still has wide use between the two brands.
-- Edited by Bryan on Saturday 7th of October 2017 10:51:24 AM
macka17 said
02:04 PM Oct 7, 2017
Unfortunately.
VW. Audi. even Bentley and Lambo's.
Have their inherent Built in electronic problems.
That's why Di don't drive her V10 Lambo Nor I my Audi V10.
(In my dreams hey).
kesa32 said
02:42 PM Oct 7, 2017
The Amarok will be fine , l agree with Macka in that in reality everyone should be towing with vehicles heavier than what they're towing behind them As for reliability, the Vw should be good, all vehicles have their problems sooner or later , the only thing l found is the dealerships backups can be lacking ( but tell me what stealership doesn't these days ) We had a 2.0 tdi golf from new for 10 years and it was an awesome little car , in the end l sold it as the electrical wires between the doors and body started breaking ( known fault due to designing them a tad too short ) It had done 200,000 kms and all I'd had to do was replace the alternator , brakes and tyres in that overall time
cheers
Craig1 said
08:26 PM Oct 7, 2017
$17,000 for motor repair on 4 cylinder version, timing belt let go, around 100,000km I believe. that's what the owner told me. cheers Craig
Kebbin said
08:34 PM Oct 7, 2017
Some wild statements as usually, go online and book a test drive Dianne and see for yourself. The Amarok V6 has been consistently voted No.1 since it's debut, except by conspiracy experts.
This Just another motoring mag. getting paid for it's pages.
VW Do have a terrible rep. for electronic and transm problems.
Go on VW Owners forums and ask. they have or had them.
You want to go touring in this country.
I'd be looking at a vehicle that has multiple agencies.
with parts availability in lots of places.
No matter how much I like a certain. not too popular one, Myself.
I'd have a D-Max over all Utes myself. Just for the reliability and
PROVEN engine\transm strength.
Oh Yes. I did too.
and very happy.
Not flash. NOT $50 grand. Goes and tows forever.
The label on front irrelavant.
As long as it's a Isuzu. (They make TRUCKS not toys)
gooba53 said
09:44 AM Oct 8, 2017
Thanks for the discussion, gives us things to think about.
kesa32 said
02:32 PM Oct 8, 2017
Hi Macka, yeah l know there were bad'uns out there.....ours was 6spd manual , not the dry clutched dsg , also no dpf ......l serviced it every 10k too rather than the recommended 15k .......also l found most mechanics wanted to put non vw spec'ed oil in it when it was under warranty.ours was pd injected model and had to have the right oil as the cams would wear ( another known issue ) ours had a very good cam belt due to the pd setup........looked fine at c/over time .....also , some people can destroy cars.....doesnt matter what sort lol ....but l agree , you can never do too much research hey :)
-- Edited by kesa32 on Sunday 8th of October 2017 02:33:18 PM
macka17 said
10:10 PM Oct 8, 2017
Definitely Kesa.
I tend to be old school. Leave experimenting to others.
Plus a few other toys. But they been ALL my serious tugs over 50 odd yrs.
NEVER had One of them fail on me (Yet. Touch wood) PS. D-Max has 2 x Timing\driving Chains.
NOT synthetic belts.
My criteria is. Proven reliability. Economy. Driver comfort and safety.
Then size to suit towed vehicle. In that order.
Label irrelevant.
It Just happened to be Ford, Nissan over last 40 of them for towing.
They proven.
Holdens gutless. Weak transm, Unless towing transm specified. THEN. It had the Ford (standard) innards in there. Same mfg.
Toyota. Not for me thank's.
Best of lick with it.
Just make sure it weighs MORE than what it towing hey.
PLUS.
Think about upgrading brakes. Primarily pads, and Discs.
(Brembo VERY good.) and DO stop better.
ask Rally crews. along with shockers.
ALL straight bolt ons.
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 8th of October 2017 10:18:05 PM
dirvine said
10:46 PM Oct 8, 2017
For those wanting a twin cab, its hard to go past the VW. At the moment the small engined ones are selling well below the price of 12 month ago, as people have stopped buying them waiting for the new bigger motor. Like any new vehicle on the market everybody (who dont own one) is an expert. I was laughed at when I bought a Great Wall X240. But it never broke down, and did all the hardest roads/tracks in Australia and some twice! I then went to the other extreme and bought a Landrover Discovery. Again ridiculed and laughed at. As insurance(??) I bought a Toyota 76 series wagon, thinking it would be my go to tug when out on remote trips. After 3 recalls and servicing costs through the roof, I think the LR is a far better car IN EVERY RESPECT. I think one brand is now severely overrated, and still trying to trade on its 1970's image. So go for it. If you like it buy it. Join a VW 4wd club and then mix with people who appreciate the car and also willing to help and advise you, without unneccessary and often ill informed comments that they have read by some one who wants to push another brands barrow.
Greystone said
07:40 PM Oct 9, 2017
Pat Callinan traded his Patrol for an Amarok. I didn't need any other references and bought the 2 litre one 18 months ago and enjoyed it ever since. Visit the ausamarok forum and you will learn a lot. Basically the earlier models 2011-2012 were no good, but the Amarok improved since then. The V6 is a beast, with a proven engine that is extensively used in Audis.
rockylizard said
07:58 PM Oct 9, 2017
Gday...
I am fairly confident Pat Callinan drives whatever vehicle manufacturer sponsors his show/adventures.
Cheers - John
macka17 said
09:08 PM Oct 9, 2017
Read him. He's a wank. Reports for the highest bidder.
As do ALL mag's. Reviewers.
As also, would you.
Once you gave a BAD report on ANY veh. NONE of the others would touch YOU. with a bargepole.
Whoops. Big mouth. + NO income.
Be real people. Reviews are ALWAYS good.
Next door bought a Great wall dual cab not long after they came out.
Uses for tpt to work. Mines.
Never missed a beat.
and much stronger. better to drive than both his Prev Toyota
and work utes.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 9th of October 2017 09:10:55 PM
Kebbin said
09:31 PM Oct 10, 2017
macka17 wrote:
Read him. He's a wank. Reports for the highest bidder.
As do ALL mag's. Reviewers.
As also, would you.
Once you gave a BAD report on ANY veh. NONE of the others would touch YOU. with a bargepole.
Whoops. Big mouth. + NO income.
Be real people. Reviews are ALWAYS good.
Next door bought a Great wall dual cab not long after they came out.
Uses for tpt to work. Mines.
Never missed a beat.
and much stronger. better to drive than both his Prev Toyota
and work utes.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 9th of October 2017 09:10:55 PM
Your a funny man Macka the Great Wall seems to be your pick over the Amarok and Toyota's. Hilarious
Bryan said
10:49 AM Oct 11, 2017
Are derogatory and highly personal remarks such as "He's a wank" allowed on this forum? Just asking.
Kantiki said
08:19 PM Oct 12, 2017
All I can say is we have a 2014 bt50 2x4 dual cab. We tow a 19ft Jayco. It hasnt missed a beat and we just love it. My opinion only, good luck with whatever you decide.
Ge said
10:05 PM Oct 12, 2017
If my VW transporter td5 duel cab is anything to go bye give it a miss, Vw not what they where like most just living on the past reputation
Parts bloody expensive and i you go remote forget qiuk repairs what a lifetime for spares to come from Asia.
VandC said
09:32 AM Nov 18, 2018
I've had the 4 cylinder Amarok and found it sensational both in reliability and economical to run it was a tray top manual and I used mine everywhere including pulling a ton and a half trailer I traded the tray top in for the V6 Amarok Hiline auto and can't fault it! Over a year now and not a single hiccup !! Economical, reliable
I also own the 200 series Landcruiser and this Amarok runs rings around the Landcruiser except for the GCM of 6850KG as opposed to the VW at 6000KG
I use my Amarok as a daily drive and really is sensational, the towing on the Amarok is unreal and economical, the Landcruiser with the caravan is thirsty as!!
Please drive the BT50, Ford Wildtrack and VW Amarok on the SAME DAY as I did and you'll see the difference. The VW Amarok has a larger interior, is more comfortable to drive, has more power, and to me was worth paying the extra for - not trying to make any disparaging remarks for the owns of the other brands but they were pieces of crap with bells and whistles, if you want a work horse with functionality the V6 Amarok wins hands down.
Andy55 said
10:14 PM Oct 22, 2021
Have just finished a12 thousand trip to the northern territory with my v6 amarok(580) towing a 3000 kg ( loaded) off road van the amarok towed the van great on and off road
yobarr said
10:21 PM Oct 22, 2021
Andy55 wrote:
Have just finished a12 thousand trip to the northern territory with my v6 amarok(580) towing a 3000 kg ( loaded) off road van the amarok towed the van great on and off road
Hi Andy,and welcome to the forum.Whilst the Amarok is indeed an impressive vehicle,unfortunately the thread that you've posted on is almost 4 years old! Cheers
Buzz Lightbulb said
06:50 PM Oct 23, 2021
I don't have an Amarok but I do have a VW 2016 3.0l TDI Touareg. It performed beautifully towing our 2.1t caravan in outback QLD. The power was exceptional, more than I needed. It never slowed down on a hill.
I also have a 2006 VW 2.0l TDI Golf that's still running beautifully.
I suggest keep up the servicing and the car will do you well.
-- Edited by Buzz Lightbulb on Saturday 23rd of October 2021 06:55:16 PM
Considering a new tow vehicle. Has anyone got any knowledge of the VW Amarok V6? They are bringing out a new 2018 model later in the year that will have a 3500 tonne towing capacity which sounds appealing.
Nothing much seems to match the BT in a twin cab but we've had a couple of hiccups in the last year or so, so just considering our options.
Really want automatic twin cab otherwise the Landcruiser might have been our choice.
thanks Dianne
My son has been eying one for a while and been checking the reports about the towing capacity and it's general performance.
The Magazine Caravan World did an extended towing test. and it compared well. Be worth looking out for that report.
Thanks, I'll try and get that on line
The only things I'd be careful about.
Are the intermittent lack of reliability.
Enough are so, Unreliable.
to make it a talking point and reputation.
Worldwide.
PLUS. Just remember it's a UTE..
Regardless of engine size\power.
A 2.5 ton tow veh at MAXIMUM.
With safety.
Read the combined, and reduced figures b4 going further.
Best of luck.
Magazine reviews? reports?.
Are paid for by the "that months" manufacturer. to magazine.
Taken with a LARGE pinch of salt.
You EVER seen a BAD review in any car magazines??
It's their livelihood.
The rule of thumb in most country's.
is Tug heavier than tow.
By as much as possible.
Usually 10\15% minimum.
NEVER tow a trailer that weighs MORE than your tug.
If you have any respect for others on the road.
Or your missus beside you
and their safety.
Have fun.
-- Edited by macka17 on Saturday 7th of October 2017 01:03:09 AM
Falsifying emissions data & a computer that suddenly ****s itself & the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. A lady was killed not too long ago, rear ended by a truck on a freeway I believe.
Parts & servicing will cost a tad more than some other more popular brands. There's no such thing as the perfect car though so go for it I say.
Appreciate your comments all, thanks.
That V6 motor has been around for quite a while and has proved its reliability in comparison with its opposition in my opinion.
Originally designed by Audi, it has gone through various refinements and still has wide use between the two brands.
-- Edited by Bryan on Saturday 7th of October 2017 10:51:24 AM
VW. Audi. even Bentley and Lambo's.
Have their inherent Built in electronic problems.
That's why Di don't drive her V10 Lambo Nor I my Audi V10.
(In my dreams hey).
The Amarok will be fine , l agree with Macka in that in reality everyone should be towing with vehicles heavier than what they're towing behind them
As for reliability, the Vw should be good, all vehicles have their problems sooner or later , the only thing l found is the dealerships backups can be lacking ( but tell me what stealership doesn't these days )
We had a 2.0 tdi golf from new for 10 years and it was an awesome little car , in the end l sold it as the electrical wires between the doors and body started breaking ( known fault due to designing them a tad too short )
It had done 200,000 kms and all I'd had to do was replace the alternator , brakes and tyres in that overall time
cheers
www.motoring.com.au/best-towing-4wd-dual-cab-ute-comparison-107184/
This Just another motoring mag. getting paid for it's pages.
VW Do have a terrible rep. for electronic and transm problems.
Go on VW Owners forums and ask. they have or had them.
You want to go touring in this country.
I'd be looking at a vehicle that has multiple agencies.
with parts availability in lots of places.
No matter how much I like a certain. not too popular one, Myself.
I'd have a D-Max over all Utes myself. Just for the reliability and
PROVEN engine\transm strength.
Oh Yes. I did too.
and very happy.
Not flash. NOT $50 grand. Goes and tows forever.
The label on front irrelavant.
As long as it's a Isuzu. (They make TRUCKS not toys)
Thanks for the discussion, gives us things to think about.
Hi Macka, yeah l know there were bad'uns out there.....ours was 6spd manual , not the dry clutched dsg , also no dpf ......l serviced it every 10k too rather than the recommended 15k .......also l found most mechanics wanted to put non vw spec'ed oil in it when it was under warranty.ours was pd injected model and had to have the right oil as the cams would wear ( another known issue )
ours had a very good cam belt due to the pd setup........looked fine at c/over time .....also , some people can destroy cars.....doesnt matter what sort lol ....but l agree , you can never do too much research hey :)
-- Edited by kesa32 on Sunday 8th of October 2017 02:33:18 PM
Definitely Kesa.
I tend to be old school.
Leave experimenting to others.
Zephyr\Zodiac, 6 cyl. Land Rover 2\2.2 diesels.
Falcon. Fairlane. GQ. Navara. GU. D-Max.
Plus a few other toys.
But they been ALL my serious tugs over 50 odd yrs.
NEVER had One of them fail on me (Yet. Touch wood)
PS. D-Max has 2 x Timing\driving Chains.
NOT synthetic belts.
My criteria is.
Proven reliability. Economy. Driver comfort and safety.
Then size to suit towed vehicle.
In that order.
Label irrelevant.
It Just happened to be Ford, Nissan over last 40 of them for towing.
They proven.
Holdens gutless. Weak transm, Unless towing transm specified.
THEN. It had the Ford (standard) innards in there.
Same mfg.
Toyota.
Not for me thank's.
Best of lick with it.
Just make sure it weighs MORE than what it towing hey.
PLUS.
Think about upgrading brakes. Primarily pads, and Discs.
(Brembo VERY good.) and DO stop better.
ask Rally crews. along with shockers.
ALL straight bolt ons.
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 8th of October 2017 10:18:05 PM
Gday...
I am fairly confident Pat Callinan drives whatever vehicle manufacturer sponsors his show/adventures.
Cheers - John
Read him. He's a wank.
Reports for the highest bidder.
As do ALL mag's. Reviewers.
As also, would you.
Once you gave a BAD report on ANY veh.
NONE of the others would touch YOU.
with a bargepole.
Whoops. Big mouth. + NO income.
Be real people.
Reviews are ALWAYS good.
Next door bought a Great wall dual cab not long after they came out.
Uses for tpt to work. Mines.
Never missed a beat.
and much stronger. better to drive than both his Prev Toyota
and work utes.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 9th of October 2017 09:10:55 PM
Your a funny man Macka the Great Wall seems to be your pick over the Amarok and Toyota's. Hilarious
Are derogatory and highly personal remarks such as "He's a wank" allowed on this forum? Just asking.
Parts bloody expensive and i you go remote forget qiuk repairs what a lifetime for spares to come from Asia.
I've had the 4 cylinder Amarok and found it sensational both in reliability and economical to run it was a tray top manual and I used mine everywhere including pulling a ton and a half trailer I traded the tray top in for the V6 Amarok Hiline auto and can't fault it! Over a year now and not a single hiccup !! Economical, reliable
I also own the 200 series Landcruiser and this Amarok runs rings around the Landcruiser except for the GCM of 6850KG as opposed to the VW at 6000KG
I use my Amarok as a daily drive and really is sensational, the towing on the Amarok is unreal and economical, the Landcruiser with the caravan is thirsty as!!
Please drive the BT50, Ford Wildtrack and VW Amarok on the SAME DAY as I did and you'll see the difference. The VW Amarok has a larger interior, is more comfortable to drive, has more power, and to me was worth paying the extra for - not trying to make any disparaging remarks for the owns of the other brands but they were pieces of crap with bells and whistles, if you want a work horse with functionality the V6 Amarok wins hands down.
Have just finished a12 thousand trip to the northern territory with my v6 amarok(580) towing a 3000 kg ( loaded) off road van the amarok towed the van great on and off road
Hi Andy,and welcome to the forum.Whilst the Amarok is indeed an impressive vehicle,unfortunately the thread that you've posted on is almost 4 years old! Cheers
I don't have an Amarok but I do have a VW 2016 3.0l TDI Touareg. It performed beautifully towing our 2.1t caravan in outback QLD. The power was exceptional, more than I needed. It never slowed down on a hill.
I also have a 2006 VW 2.0l TDI Golf that's still running beautifully.
I suggest keep up the servicing and the car will do you well.
-- Edited by Buzz Lightbulb on Saturday 23rd of October 2021 06:55:16 PM