The Allure (and the Agony) of Cheap German Iron
Let’s be honest, there’s a certain undeniable appeal to owning a luxury car. The sleek design, the plush interior, the impressive performance – it’s all very tempting. But what happens when that luxury car becomes, well, less luxurious and a whole lot cheaper? That’s where the story gets interesting, and often, a little scary.
Recently, the conversation revolved around ultra-cheap Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDIs. The general consensus? Buyer beware!
One commenter aptly put it: “Volkswagen’s Craziest Modern SUV Has A V10 Twin Turbo Diesel And You Can Buy One For Dirt Cheap BUT FUCKING DON’T.”
It’s a common refrain. Cheap German cars – and this applies to brands beyond just VW – can be some of the most expensive vehicles you’ll ever own. The initial purchase price can seem like a steal, but the ongoing costs of maintenance and repair can quickly add up, making that “bargain” feel like anything but.
The Debate: German vs. Everyone Else
The discussion quickly expanded beyond just the Volkswagen Touareg. Owners chimed in with stories about their experiences with various German brands, including BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, and comparing them with American and other brands
One owner shared their experiences and was quite content: “I buy large German sedans at about the 3-year mark where they’ve depreciated. This strategy has worked very well”. Others shared repair stories. Some readers shared a different perspective, highlighting the sometimes more manageable costs of keeping American-made trucks running. One commenter shared an extensive list of repairs on their GM pickup truck.
The Bottom Line
Owning a depreciated German luxury car can be a love-hate relationship. There’s the thrill of driving a premium vehicle at a fraction of its original price, the joy of the drive, and the satisfaction of having a distinctive car. But, there’s also the constant worry of expensive repairs, the need to find specialized parts, and the potential for unexpected breakdowns. The truth is that this decision, much like cars themselves, comes with a lot of moving parts.
So, is it worth it? The answer, as always, depends. It depends on your budget, your mechanical skills (or willingness to pay for them), and your tolerance for risk. If you go in with your eyes wide open, understand the potential pitfalls, and are prepared to invest both time and money, you might just find that a depreciated German luxury car is a worthwhile endeavor. Just be prepared for the unexpected and remember that even with the best cars maintenance is the price you pay for staying on the road.
