Awesome review, makes me sad how right you are about the manual wagon dying. That was my number one requirement/target in my car search and it led me here since I don't want to join the Subaru club. I have a test drive this weekend with a '19 SEL and you've pretty much sold me!
I bought a 2017 and loved it up until the sunroof exploded outward. I'm in Colorado mile high and the car bought used at 55K. I knew about the leaky sunroof but didn't care about the headliner because I could do the upgrade drains myself. I had a 2000 Jetta VR6 that had a leaky roof as well. The cars performance in both are great, but I have had no luck with VW windows. The Jetta had a reputation of driver window just falling into the door, and now this sunroof issue. I'm not the only owner with this issue, but I'm not getting rid of the car. I found a replacement sunroof on ebay for $300, and will replace it myself. Maxcare from Carmax was no help.
Hey Fad, Thanks very much for your update on the Alltrack, perfect timing you helped me realize what I have. A 2015 Golfsportwagen SE TDI DSG 57,000. For me too this is the longest I've kept a car, the diesel gate stop order and covid restrictions helped me to keep the miles low. Recently I've been thinking about a Maverick, if I can find one I like, but also toying with the idea I may really miss what I have. Tempting but I would hate the regret. I don't have your mechanical skill however I keep my ride pretty clean in the summer months and thats living on a mile long dirt road here on a mountain in Vermont, I run winters on steel rims and gingerly ride the roads here in New England with frost heaves this time of year that pain me as they are hurting my car down the road, ha ! Really appreciate your videos and insights. Have you heard of any majors issues for DSGs or TDI's heading down the road ? I hearya on the Fender system and versatility of the GSW, rock on 🤘be safe
Havn’t heard anything but to be honest havn’t investigated too much. Maybe someday I’ll find a MK7 TDI too. I miss having a diesel in my life. I am originally from Maine. Used to ski regularly in Vermont it’s a beautiful state.
Hello. I just purchased a 2018 VW Alltrack SE in black with the manual transmission and Marrakesh brown seats. Excited to get it. I was initially looking for a 2011-2014 manual Cayenne but the prices have gotten out of control even for high-mileage ones in fair condition. I am one of those purists who has never owned an automatic and there are really not many options for a manual shift with AWD anymore.
@@thefadshow You were the one who helped convince me to go with the Alltrack. It's a West Coast car with just over 23,000 miles. I am glad to hear you prefer the Alltrack!
I've got my full GTI suspension for only 300 ish USD from ebay with shipping. It only takes about 4 hours to put them on. And I am happy with it. I guess it worth the try.
I very much enjoyed your videos, and you have helped me think I should keep my 2019 sel 6spd. It just crossed 32k and I’ve been eyeing an S4, in part because over time the 1.8 has been pretty anemic. It’s not terrible, just not very alert. I had a quote to do APR stage 1 91 octane but never followed through. Only mod is a clutch pedal stop and removal of spider traps. I agree with all your pros and cons. I think road and pano noise are up there for me. Btw my pano has no leaks, car is in Maine, but I keep it very clean. My stock suspension creaks. I too will get B4’s and possibly R springs if I keep it, and your video makes me think I should, that it can be the spunky car I had hoped for.
Hi Owen I have the same year, SE trim I needed the roof repair, needed to visit the shop twice before it stuck, got a loaner each time. Took about two days each. No cost to me, just annoying
Merci pour le compte-rendu Fad, super pertinent et instructif! Une question : je pense peut-être acheter une Alltrack 2019, manuelle, 4 Motion, kavec 46 000 km pour 31 k $ canadien. Elle est en super état et j’achète une garantie prolongée de 5 ans. À ton avis, est-ce que ça vaut la peine? Mille mercis!!
Thanks for your video Fad. I'm considering selling my E46 M3 for this car. I love my E46 so much though. I put a ton of $$ towards preventative maintenance into it with the thinking that I would keep it forever and eventually turn it into a track car. But ultimately I'm going to have to spend more on it as the miles rack up, and I *should* have something more reliable/practical for a daily driver. I don't know. Maybe I just need to find a super cheap beater to live with as a second car... this Alltrack just seems like the absolute perfect all-rounder.
Love the review. I just got a 17 Alltrack 2 weeks ago. I'm going to go with the lifting route, but I'm wondering what you would recommend? I know you mentioned Atlas struts, would you do that instead of like Forge spacers? Or both? Interested in what you would personally do! Thanks!
I have a 2019 Alltrack SEL automatic. The panoramic sunroof is now leaking. There are water stains on the headliner, it smells like mildew, and there are at least two areas that are leaking. This problem is rampant with this car. Otherwise, it's a good car.
@@morgang7877 I have. It's under warranty, so I'll let VW do it. From what I've seen a lot of owners have had to take their car in to VW multiple times to get it fixed correctly. It could be a bad weld, which would involve replacing the entire sunroof. I've even heard of VW giving a person a new car over this. It's not always a matter of simply clearing the drains (don't other cars have drains that don't leak?). But again, it's good car otherwise. I drove it from NYC to Phoenix and back, and it handled the trip great.
@@morgang7877 Update: VW dealer is quoting me $6,100 for labor to replace headliner and carpet, and denying my warranty. They say clogged drains are "outside influence" and regular maintenance not covered by warranty. I've had the 20k service that includes clearing the drains (car has just under 30k miles on it), so I can't see how they honestly deny the warranty. Still working on this. Hopefully a solution will be reached that is decent. I would strongly advise anyone against purchasing a VW with a sunroof.
Thanks for the video. I found a 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. It has only 18k miles, but when I test drove it, I was hearing some vibration in the front end and when braking I can feel more vibration. Other then the rotors have you experienced any type of vibration in your Golf since you had it. Thanks.
9:40 yea I was wondering about the auto high beam if it would be annoying or not, I am not sure but it might be possible to code it to remain off with OBDeleven
Of all the things you mention in your top 5 things you don't like, how did you miss the Alltrack NOT having a power liftgate/trunk? Everything else, including power seats are nonsensical, irrelevant, pure minutiae. Any way, thanks for the video. I own a 2019 Alltrack SEL 4 Motion literally like yours, but with Auto trans & black seats. 34K Miles. Wondering about what difference the Macan calipers add - is it just looks or is there a real breaking improvement? Also, where did you get your APR tune done? I live in Texas also.
Any issues with the pano or issues with warranty with the tune? Also, how does the stock clutch handle stage 1? Looking to upgrade from my 2012 JSW TDI 6sp. Going to be hard to find a 2019 SEL 6sp without a pano...
Yeah you can’t get one without Pano. Mine has been fine so far. I’ve read 2019 were better but still sometimes happens. Can always start with an S and upgrade interior. 2019 had 66k mile warranty so possible to find some that still have warranty that would cover roof for a while.
@@thefadshow I want the sport seats, and the adaptive cruise if it was optioned. I might be able to find that with the 6sp in an SE trim. Also funny they didn't offer blind spot until 2019 yet GSW had it years before. You sure about SEL with no pano? I found a couple online (however they probably were listed incorrectly).
@@petergreco6010 yeah, the only Alltrack without panos are the S trim. SE and SEL all come with panos. My 2019 SEL 6MT has had two pano leaks so far. Sunroof came with bad welds that prevented it from sealing properly. Also, had to replace an O2 sensor, and have the rear passenger seat latch replaced. Additionally, I’ve gone through two driver side window switches before they realized moisture was getting to the harness, and they waterproofed it. All covered under warranty 6 yr/72k mile warranty. Still love the car, but will monitor it as the warranty starts to run out later. Currently just under 10k miles, and bought it new.
@@prelude1218 Dang that’s a shame. I could have sworn it was just an option for se and sel. Guess I’ll just have to find a 2017-2018 one with the options I want sans pano. Just wish they had the blind spot before 2019.
@@petergreco6010 if you can find a 2019 SEL, I’d say to still go for it. Sunroof issues will be covered under factory warranty, assuming that carries over to new owner. I would’ve gone without given the option, but it is nice, and my son loves looking out the top glass.
If you or any readers of yours can comment. What is a good deal on a 2019 Alltrack SEL with 20,000 miles in near perfect condition? I have no idea what the retail sticker was on these cars so looking for a price range. Thanks
The sticker on mine was 36 but I was able to get it for 30 even. Not sure what would be a good current price the market is in an odd spot. I think if you wait will get a much better deal coming soon.
Hi Fad, thanks for the content. I have a 2019 S that I love so much I ended up selling my 2008 135i. I noticed you didn’t talk about tires. I think that would be a get topic since the stock tire size is pretty rare and limited for options. I just hit 31k and the oem falkens are almost done. I run winter tires so the actual mileage on them is like 25k. The treed depth isn’t bad but you can definitely see pronounced wear on the inside corners necessitating replacement. I ordered some conti extreme contact dsw that are .81 inches wider than the stock. Same diameter. Get them installed next Monday and keeping fingers crossed on interior rubbing. Since I don’t have a sun roof, I spent the coin for the packsport and it is a game changer for road tripping. Combine that with a rear toe hitch and you would be good for any sport. ua-cam.com/video/AZ_pl4JiBYg/v-deo.html Cheers
Awesome review, makes me sad how right you are about the manual wagon dying. That was my number one requirement/target in my car search and it led me here since I don't want to join the Subaru club. I have a test drive this weekend with a '19 SEL and you've pretty much sold me!
I bought a 2017 and loved it up until the sunroof exploded outward. I'm in Colorado mile high and the car bought used at 55K. I knew about the leaky sunroof but didn't care about the headliner because I could do the upgrade drains myself. I had a 2000 Jetta VR6 that had a leaky roof as well. The cars performance in both are great, but I have had no luck with VW windows. The Jetta had a reputation of driver window just falling into the door, and now this sunroof issue. I'm not the only owner with this issue, but I'm not getting rid of the car. I found a replacement sunroof on ebay for $300, and will replace it myself. Maxcare from Carmax was no help.
My 2017 Alltrack is coming up on 100k miles and it's been amazing to me. Such a shame they discontinued it
Yeah I wonder if VW is looking at the used prices of them now.
Rear sway bar upgrade is also great
I have Sportwagen with multilink rear.
Hey Fad, Thanks very much for your update on the Alltrack, perfect timing you helped me realize what I have. A 2015 Golfsportwagen SE TDI DSG 57,000. For me too this is the longest I've kept a car, the diesel gate stop order and covid restrictions helped me to keep the miles low. Recently I've been thinking about a Maverick, if I can find one I like, but also toying with the idea I may really miss what I have. Tempting but I would hate the regret. I don't have your mechanical skill however I keep my ride pretty clean in the summer months and thats living on a mile long dirt road here on a mountain in Vermont, I run winters on steel rims and gingerly ride the roads here in New England with frost heaves this time of year that pain me as they are hurting my car down the road, ha ! Really appreciate your videos and insights. Have you heard of any majors issues for DSGs or TDI's heading down the road ? I hearya on the Fender system and versatility of the GSW, rock on 🤘be safe
Havn’t heard anything but to be honest havn’t investigated too much. Maybe someday I’ll find a MK7 TDI too. I miss having a diesel in my life. I am originally from Maine. Used to ski regularly in Vermont it’s a beautiful state.
Hello. I just purchased a 2018 VW Alltrack SE in black with the manual transmission and Marrakesh brown seats. Excited to get it. I was initially looking for a 2011-2014 manual Cayenne but the prices have gotten out of control even for high-mileage ones in fair condition. I am one of those purists who has never owned an automatic and there are really not many options for a manual shift with AWD anymore.
Not sure how much you looked at my channel but I have actually had both and prefer the Alltrack personally.
@@thefadshow You were the one who helped convince me to go with the Alltrack. It's a West Coast car with just over 23,000 miles. I am glad to hear you prefer the Alltrack!
Have the Alltrack. Black with Marrakesh Brown interior. I really, really like it!
I've got my full GTI suspension for only 300 ish USD from ebay with shipping. It only takes about 4 hours to put them on. And I am happy with it. I guess it worth the try.
That’s a good deal!
Awesome review!! I'm looking at the AWD Alltrak so this helps a ton!
I very much enjoyed your videos, and you have helped me think I should keep my 2019 sel 6spd. It just crossed 32k and I’ve been eyeing an S4, in part because over time the 1.8 has been pretty anemic. It’s not terrible, just not very alert. I had a quote to do APR stage 1 91 octane but never followed through. Only mod is a clutch pedal stop and removal of spider traps. I agree with all your pros and cons. I think road and pano noise are up there for me. Btw my pano has no leaks, car is in Maine, but I keep it very clean. My stock suspension creaks. I too will get B4’s and possibly R springs if I keep it, and your video makes me think I should, that it can be the spunky car I had hoped for.
Stage one definitely wakes it up. Happy I could help!
Hey really enjoy the content. Do you have any issues with the sun roof leaking? Also how do you this car compares to the 2018 bmw 328d?
Havn’t had any issues with my sunroof. I like the Alltrack better is every way besides looks.
Hi Owen I have the same year, SE trim
I needed the roof repair, needed to visit the shop twice before it stuck, got a loaner each time. Took about two days each. No cost to me, just annoying
Might didn’t leak and got a recall notice for a fix that was done January this year.
Merci pour le compte-rendu Fad, super pertinent et instructif! Une question : je pense peut-être acheter une Alltrack 2019, manuelle, 4 Motion, kavec 46 000 km pour 31 k $ canadien. Elle est en super état et j’achète une garantie prolongée de 5 ans. À ton avis, est-ce que ça vaut la peine? Mille mercis!!
Thanks for your video Fad. I'm considering selling my E46 M3 for this car. I love my E46 so much though. I put a ton of $$ towards preventative maintenance into it with the thinking that I would keep it forever and eventually turn it into a track car. But ultimately I'm going to have to spend more on it as the miles rack up, and I *should* have something more reliable/practical for a daily driver. I don't know. Maybe I just need to find a super cheap beater to live with as a second car... this Alltrack just seems like the absolute perfect all-rounder.
That is why I bought it I think it is the perfect do it all vehicle.
Love the review. I just got a 17 Alltrack 2 weeks ago. I'm going to go with the lifting route, but I'm wondering what you would recommend? I know you mentioned Atlas struts, would you do that instead of like Forge spacers? Or both? Interested in what you would personally do! Thanks!
I would go with the Forge. Plenty of people have done it so is tested well. I would wonder what atlas struts would do the CV joints long term.
Bit of a weird thought but you really remind me of Fred from dirt everyday. Just the mannerisms and such lol
I have a 2019 Alltrack SEL automatic. The panoramic sunroof is now leaking. There are water stains on the headliner, it smells like mildew, and there are at least two areas that are leaking. This problem is rampant with this car. Otherwise, it's a good car.
Search for how to clear the sunroof drains. It's a known issue with a couple of tsb's.
@@morgang7877 I have. It's under warranty, so I'll let VW do it. From what I've seen a lot of owners have had to take their car in to VW multiple times to get it fixed correctly. It could be a bad weld, which would involve replacing the entire sunroof. I've even heard of VW giving a person a new car over this. It's not always a matter of simply clearing the drains (don't other cars have drains that don't leak?). But again, it's good car otherwise. I drove it from NYC to Phoenix and back, and it handled the trip great.
@@morgang7877 Update: VW dealer is quoting me $6,100 for labor to replace headliner and carpet, and denying my warranty. They say clogged drains are "outside influence" and regular maintenance not covered by warranty. I've had the 20k service that includes clearing the drains (car has just under 30k miles on it), so I can't see how they honestly deny the warranty. Still working on this. Hopefully a solution will be reached that is decent. I would strongly advise anyone against purchasing a VW with a sunroof.
I have a 2019 S, and feel I am missing out moonroof, and sat radio. Thinking about trading her in for a a 2020 A3 thoughts?
Thanks for the video. I found a 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. It has only 18k miles, but when I test drove it, I was hearing some vibration in the front end and when braking I can feel more vibration. Other then the rotors have you experienced any type of vibration in your Golf since you had it. Thanks.
My rotors are warped I need to change them but havn’t yet.
I look forward to driving my SEL every day! I thought I would miss my GTI but no. This is a GTI plus
Great cars and with stage 1 more power than GTI.
9:40 yea I was wondering about the auto high beam if it would be annoying or not, I am not sure but it might be possible to code it to remain off with OBDeleven
do you regret the black? seems you gave up on keeping it clean.. the only one that's available here is black so not sure about it.
I don’t mind it. With ceramic coat generally stays pretty clean. Manual SEL was most important to me and I got a good deal.
Nice vid man. Thanks
You’re welcome.
I’m keeping this car! Can probably get what I paid for it today but then what!
Of all the things you mention in your top 5 things you don't like, how did you miss the Alltrack NOT having a power liftgate/trunk? Everything else, including power seats are nonsensical, irrelevant, pure minutiae. Any way, thanks for the video. I own a 2019 Alltrack SEL 4 Motion literally like yours, but with Auto trans & black seats. 34K Miles. Wondering about what difference the Macan calipers add - is it just looks or is there a real breaking improvement? Also, where did you get your APR tune done? I live in Texas also.
Doesn’t bother me just more weight and something else to break in my opinion. I hate when they don’t close. I got my tune at dub squared in Arlington
Any issues with the pano or issues with warranty with the tune? Also, how does the stock clutch handle stage 1? Looking to upgrade from my 2012 JSW TDI 6sp. Going to be hard to find a 2019 SEL 6sp without a pano...
Yeah you can’t get one without Pano. Mine has been fine so far. I’ve read 2019 were better but still sometimes happens. Can always start with an S and upgrade interior. 2019 had 66k mile warranty so possible to find some that still have warranty that would cover roof for a while.
@@thefadshow I want the sport seats, and the adaptive cruise if it was optioned. I might be able to find that with the 6sp in an SE trim. Also funny they didn't offer blind spot until 2019 yet GSW had it years before. You sure about SEL with no pano? I found a couple online (however they probably were listed incorrectly).
@@petergreco6010 yeah, the only Alltrack without panos are the S trim. SE and SEL all come with panos. My 2019 SEL 6MT has had two pano leaks so far. Sunroof came with bad welds that prevented it from sealing properly. Also, had to replace an O2 sensor, and have the rear passenger seat latch replaced. Additionally, I’ve gone through two driver side window switches before they realized moisture was getting to the harness, and they waterproofed it. All covered under warranty 6 yr/72k mile warranty. Still love the car, but will monitor it as the warranty starts to run out later. Currently just under 10k miles, and bought it new.
@@prelude1218 Dang that’s a shame. I could have sworn it was just an option for se and sel. Guess I’ll just have to find a 2017-2018 one with the options I want sans pano. Just wish they had the blind spot before 2019.
@@petergreco6010 if you can find a 2019 SEL, I’d say to still go for it. Sunroof issues will be covered under factory warranty, assuming that carries over to new owner. I would’ve gone without given the option, but it is nice, and my son loves looking out the top glass.
Found one for 18k at 40k miles idk if I should pull the trigger
Sounds like a good deal.
did you ever have a tire noise issue around 20K, sounds like rotation noise not sure if its just tire wear, bearing or rotor
I have warped rotors but no other noises.
If you or any readers of yours can comment. What is a good deal on a 2019 Alltrack SEL with 20,000 miles in near perfect condition? I have no idea what the retail sticker was on these cars so looking for a price range. Thanks
The sticker on mine was 36 but I was able to get it for 30 even. Not sure what would be a good current price the market is in an odd spot. I think if you wait will get a much better deal coming soon.
@@thefadshow yes the dealer will be offering it for $34k and I’m not sure I want to pay that price
Hi Fad, thanks for the content. I have a 2019 S that I love so much I ended up selling my 2008 135i. I noticed you didn’t talk about tires. I think that would be a get topic since the stock tire size is pretty rare and limited for options. I just hit 31k and the oem falkens are almost done. I run winter tires so the actual mileage on them is like 25k. The treed depth isn’t bad but you can definitely see pronounced wear on the inside corners necessitating replacement. I ordered some conti extreme contact dsw that are .81 inches wider than the stock. Same diameter. Get them installed next Monday and keeping fingers crossed on interior rubbing. Since I don’t have a sun roof, I spent the coin for the packsport and it is a game changer for road tripping. Combine that with a rear toe hitch and you would be good for any sport. ua-cam.com/video/AZ_pl4JiBYg/v-deo.html Cheers
Do they offer that car with a diesel motor
Not in North America, not sure about other markets.
Unfortunately no.
In Germany they only offer it for as the 2.0 tdi at the moment, I wonder why not in the US
Does the tune void the warranty?
Yea it does.
INSTALL THAT IS20 GO FAST
Haha eventually
5 cylinder swap!
Man I’m debating trading my gti 7.5 for a 2019 alltrack lol
You digress too much. Too much talk, too little info, annoying background soundtrack