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Hi There,
We have a 2004 VW Touran with about 100km on the clock. (we did not buy it new). We have had to replace the transmission ($8000) and in the past few months the inner CV joints were causing a vibration, so they were replaced ($1500). The car is in good condition, but we are wondering if we should get rid or hold onto it. Are these known to have problems (therefore get rid) or are they reasonably reliable (hold onto) or should we sell because we a dud. Any ideas...Thanks

We wouldn’t say the car is a dud however the transmission problem and cost does not surprise us.

Automatic transmissions are becoming hugely expensive to overhaul for a number of different makes/models and probably the highest repair cost owners can face during ownership apart from an extensive engine overheat or cambelt breakage.

Now that’s behind you, the Touran may be good for another 100K provided its well serviced moving forward however, it may be better to try and gain some benefit or payback from the $8K spent and then think about moving it on.

Another 20K and then reassess the situation may not be a bad idea.

It’s certainly a good idea to try and sell a vehicle when its fault free and doesn’t owe you too much.

A big spend is never recovered immediately (or at all) when it comes time to sell.

Thanks Jbiddle. Appreciate your frankness. My thoughts exactly just wanted to bounce it against someone else.

Thanks again.