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I know yours is a 2x4 but since there is no low range on the 4x4 I assume that your gear ratio spread would be the same? Can you give us your impressions of ow is manages at very low speeds. Ie up a steep driveway? There has been much written on the subject of dropping the low range and how the combo of 8sp and torque converter would make up for it, so your subjective opinion of low speed handling under load would be appreciated by us all I am sure.
Cheers
Stephen
2016 Mitsubishi Triton Exceed
Previous 2014 AutoAmarock
Re: the 132kw, this is just my experiences and 2c worth. I'm in the market for a d/c for towing and the two options I've looked at are the 132kw Amarok as well as the 3.2 Ranger. As this thread is on the 132kw, I'll keep my observations just to that.
Test driving the VW is amazing. The ride quality is very much SUV quality (even with the heavy duty spring option) and when it comes to accelerating uphill, the truck really pulls with much eagerness. I had no problem with the gearbox or stalling (but then again I've used to driving an older '03 Jetta 4 tdi with 280000k's which is also prone to stalling if the throttle is not tickled a bit on pull off). The Amarok's front seating is so comfortable and I just love the wide cabin and front leg room. And strangely enough, although this truck is so wide, it doesn't feel wide to drive. IMO, it drives considerably softer than the Ford 3.2.
But when it comes time to sign on the dotted line, I just can't. It's not the truck that worries me but the long term parts and running costs. To me a bakkie must run to 350 - 400 000kms easily and still be able to do more. I've had Nissan 1 tonners do this without any major repairs and at the hands of delivery drivers. And on top of this, they still look in fairly good condition.
So back to the point, the reason I won't sign: It's simply VW's parts & labour prices. A replacement turbo on my 1.9tdi is R25K and that's with alternatives being available. But alternatives for the BiTurbo VW specific unit? What price will this come in at and how does this affect resale value? Saw a 2011 Highline with 49 500k's come up on auction at Birchmores CTN. The only bid R250K! Needless to say, it didn't sell.
Maybe I'm just worrying about nothing? To me it's a shame that the parts and service department are influencing me not to buy this great truck. Sort of like them biting the hand that feeds them.
So just having done about 900km in my rok and first real proper fill up since the last which was not a proper one as the dealership gave it to me with a half a tank. Fuel consumption on the rok is not bad at all in my opionion. I dont have a canopy as yet and also no cover over the load bay so the wind is hitting the tailgate like an airbrake. Apparently this does cause a bit more consumption. I only use the lower sulphur diesel currently, partly advice given by the guys on here and it is still cheaper than petrolThe engine was obviously a bit "stiff" for that first bit but it is driving beter and beter as time is going on. Consumption figures are in my signature below. Also not currently driving it very hard and hardly take the revs over 2500 rpm. Accelerating in 6th obviously at very low speed is a disaster and the rok doesn't really wanna go. Sweet spot for me is 125 km/h @ about 2000 rpm, it just feel like it can run forever. Make no mistake this truck is big. The shopping centres I visit is a problem to getting this Wolf parked. The bays are extremely short and half the vehicles ass is hanging in the road. You have to go pick your parking spots and tend to walk a little bit further to the doors
I need the walk though.
I have no issues with the gearbox really but sometimes it can be a bit tougher than with my polo for instance to get into reverse, but remembering when the polo was new the gearbox seems to be a bit "stiff" to start of with on Volkswagens but becomes a bit "smoother" as time goes on. 1st to 2nd is a bit more difficult gear shift and sometimes feels like it is just to quick from first to second. Meaning almost like first is for towing something only and you could almost pull away in second. NOTE almost I am not saying I do.
Like I said having driven a polo 1.9 tdi before this, I am amazed at this 2.0 BiTdi managing to move this big truck the way it actually is.
I have read on another thread things that annoyed other owners of the Rok is the fuel cap when fueling having to take the keys out the ignition? I just use the central locking unlock button on the door panel. Seems to work. The fuel cap is linked to the central locking system, pity the tail gate is not, but then again, other don't even have a lockable tailgate. I also don't have the knocking sound when changing gears that some people have and also the clutch and the hill assist seems to work ok. Have not had plenty of hills but can also see that it only kicks in on more than a 5% inclline according to the manual.
So far so good, can actually not wait to do some gravel/dirt road driving with it.
I cannot comment however whether this has more power than the 120KW model under foot, by feeling. Obviously it does with technical specs, but whether it is noticeable I am not sure as I test drove the 120KW in January and only got mine now. I do however think mine rides beterI added leather seats also which is very comfy.
Only problem I have is wife to scared to ride it but then again is that a problem? Seems once they get the hang of it they don't give the keys back from what I have read on the forum. This is my first "bakkie" so getting used to the turning radius etc is taking a bit of time as it tend to be a "ossewa draai"
I do believe though that the open road is where I will completely fall in love with this Wolf. Did a little bit of driving on the highway and sticking the cruise control and just sitting back seems to be what this is made for.
I also don't know how the cabins are on the previous models, but read about leaking doors etc, which to me says it must have been a friday afternoon or monday morning build those as the people that have travelled in my rok keeps on telling me they cannot believe how silent the vehicle is inside. You hardly hear the engine running. But then again you don't have to ref this vehicle much to keep it in motion so makes sense.
For me there are just 2 things that my rok still needs which is the canopy (which I am having trouble deciding on) I still believe visually it looks best without a canopy but practically taking the dogs to the beach etc etc, canopy is needed. Although we did take our huskies to the beach yesterday without a canopy. Just put a "opsigter" in the backOther thing I need to sort out is a car kit for the RCD310 radio. Thinking about it maybe I should have just taken that mid radio option, but it just didn't look right as those are the radios they have in the 1.4 polos you normally get at the airport hire company. So currently getting something decent to work on this radio is a bit of an issue, cause it must be able to accomodate the ipod etc. There is a nice Bury unit that I am concidering, which is actually the unit VW supplies with there badge on, just at a much more expensive rate. Only thing is nobody seems to know about it or how to install it or want to qoute me on it. Internationally this seems to be the preffered unit.
Other than that all smiles my side. Sorry if I didn't anwer the question proper but I am not really mechanical that much.
Last edited by MeanMonster; 2012/07/02 at 11:02 AM.
Amarok 2.0 BiTdi D/C 4Motion Highline
Mad Max Off-Road Suspension
Mad Max 40mm Body Lift
Sportsvans Engine-, sump-, gearbox protection plates
265/75 BFG A/T
Nice Feedback Mean Monster!
2016 Mitsubishi Triton Exceed
Previous 2014 AutoAmarock
Watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3aqHbD-O9E
They did not test a canopy but I would think fuel consumption should be worse with it![]()
2016 Mitsubishi Triton Exceed
Previous 2014 AutoAmarock
I am new to this forum, and to the whole bakkie thing for that matter. I am soon leaving my comfortable BMW behind for a 4x2 DC. This will be a big transition for me.
The reason why I have decided to go this route, was because my car was getting to small for the family. Always felt bad for my car when taking the dogs with, and the fact that the BMW was so low. Nice for handling, not great for camping.
My first choice was the Hilux 3L D4D for obvious reasons. Alles loop reg, altyd reg.After the test drive, I was hugely disappointed. I am sure if you are a hardcore 4x4 guy, and you have another car for day to day use, this is the bakkie to buy, but I just could not see myself driving that uncomfortable, Tupperware looking interior everyday.
After test driving the Amarok 90KW. The sales guy was a bit of a tool, and told me it is the 132kw, still, I was impressed. So you can imagine when I eventually found a 132kw to drive. I was completely hooked!
I also test drove the new Ranger, and for the price I wasn't impressed. Again the interior felt a bit cheap, and I didn't enjoy the ride.
The Amarok to me is the first bakkie that makes you feel like you've spend 400k. Feels like an suv, and for anyone that will use their bakkie as a family vehicle, this is it.
I am picking up my new 132KW Amarok on Saturday. Reading these forums, I wish I could afford the 4motion, but I'll try and make the most of my 4x2.
I asked for all the extras, like leather seats, roll bars and ipod input.
I hope I won't be sorry in a couple of years as I am planning to drive it for a long time. The biggest worry at this stage is the servicing and spares. VW's service plan sucks compared to BMW's and Toyota's.
Also really worried about those 2 turbos. Not looking forward to replacing one of them.
Let me know if there are anything I need to be aware of before buying, and also if it is worth it to get the maintenance plan on top of the service plan.
One problem would be to keep the grin if you face! :lol:
Thinus
Potchefstroom
Tapatalk for iPhone
Thinus Enslin
Potchefstroom
2020 LC200
Welcome TheHulk!
I extended my warranty to 5years 180 000km, not a vw warranty, but it is suppose to give the same cover as the manufacturer. I hope I never have to use it, but atleast it is some support should something go wrong. Ask your dealer what they have to offer regarding this.
Good luck and let us know when you get your "Hulk" of a bakkie!
2016 Mitsubishi Triton Exceed
Previous 2014 AutoAmarock
I bought my vehicle from Lyndsay Saker and that is what they had to offer, not sure if all dealers offer the same policy though. The Insurer is "Regent Insurance Comapany Ltd" and is administrated by SA Warranties, but VW sells it to you when you purchase the vehicle. They told me it is the same company that does the VW warranty, don't know if this is true.
The policy extends the manufacturer factory warranty, with 1 year 50 000km, or 2 years 80 0000km or 3 years and 100 000km, which ever occur first. "All the parts, terms, conditions and exclusions of the manufacturer's factory warranty are automatically covered for the period selected"
I figured, that should I be driving the vehicle for a couple of years, it should be worth itI paid R4235 for the 2 year extension.
Last edited by RiaanR; 2012/08/15 at 07:44 PM.
2016 Mitsubishi Triton Exceed
Previous 2014 AutoAmarock
VW Amarok V6 DC 4Motion
(Ex) 2011 VW Amarok BiTDI DC 4Motion
(Ex) 2007 Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 DID DC 4x4
(Ex) 2001 Mitsubishi Colt 2.8 TDI DC 4x4
Also try to buy the paint tech cover... Very usefull. Will be reparing two mags and scratch on the side...
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD6 4x4 MT
Bush Lapa Miskruier 586
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HenkBogaards4WheelingSA
4x4 Competency - Unit Standard 254135
Hi Cobus,
I got the 4x2 highline with all the extras for R400k on the dot.
The thing is, I want this vehicle 1st as a daily ride and family car, and second as a bakkie. If I can have a little but of fun with it now and again, then it is a bonus. Also I
am scared that the 4x4 is going to cost me more in the long run as well.
I am hesitant to buy an expensive car like this second hand. If it was a Hilux sure. Amarok on the other hand needs a couple of years still to show that it can do the mileage.
I understand that you can't have everything...So 4x2 for now. One day when I'm big I'll get me a 4x4.
So just to be clear. Can I have no fun off road with the 4x2?
Hulk.
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