Should you buy a USED Volkswagen T-Cross? Here's why we wouldn't...

A member of the homogeneous group of small, crossover SUVs we've all come to love... the Volkswagen T-Cross aims at those wanting the practicality of an SUV, with the footprint of something like a Volkswagen Polo. But in this segment, you're spoiled for choice. So should you look at this or something else? What goes wrong, what are they like to drive and live with, and should you buy one? We find out.

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Skip ahead:
00:00​​​​​​​ - Intro
00:27 - Exterior issues
04:26 - Interior issues
08:36 - Practicality and features
11:56 - Safety
12:12 - What's it like to drive?
14:47 - Mechanical issues
17:08 - Should you buy it?

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#volkswagen #tcross #suv #vw #suv #volkswagentcross #review #carreview #carenthusiast #carexpert

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[secretwpn]

European viewer here. It is so weird that you guys have this idea if VW badge being somehow premium. Over here they are just boring everyday cars full of electrical gremlins.

[duncanjacobs]

We bought a 2020 T-Cross 1.0T DSG Comfortline with R-line exterior brand new in 2020, and sold it in 2022 with 23k kms on the clock. Had no issues, other than the electronic release of the fuel cap malfunctioning once in 2021 which was replaced under warranty. Sold it for the top of the range 1.5T Highline DSG with R-line kit, also 2020 but now preowned with 22k kms on the clock, with all the amenities that comes with the top spec. Currently on 52k kms and has been absolutely flawless. The folding mirrors are a bit “noisy”, but I’d say it just sounds mechanical 🤷‍♂️. I will say the only thing is poorer noise insulation due to the thinner tires on the R-line spec. I can absolutely say that I doubt it’s a long-term car (plus five years, out of warranty), but it definitely is a huge upgrade from the 2015 1.0 EcoBoost EcoSport we had prior to them.

[russellchristison]

My wife has a 2022 t cross with 45, 000 kilometres it has had none of these problems, it regularly runs from the Southern Highlands to Sydney.
We bought 3 kids ( baby goats) home from wiseman’s ferry and it carries hay from from the produce store without folding the rear seats down

[rogercharlton-dh]

Forget the T-Cross… That Mk2 Escort behind Jim. Woof..!

[fhjedfdv]

I'm from EU, this is my 2nd VW and i know a lot of other owners and there are no complaints about quality or performance. I actualy like VW very much...

[hellothere]

I'll accept shit cars if it excels in things such as performance or looks. But when it's a basic lifted hatch I'd expect it to be relatively reliable.

[davidshanahan]

Up to 45K for a used VW with a 1 litre engine? Hell no!

[ollyoo]

OK, I'll bite. Spent 6 months in Europe and drove ALL sorts of rental cars. Had a Skoda Kamiq for a month (T-Cross with a different badge) and did 8, 000km in it. I actually quite liked it apart from the looks. That 1L 3cyl is also no slouch. I actually had to count the spark plugs to make sure my car was "only" the 1L variant.

I did quite a bit of autobahn kms with it and it genuinely cracked 200, and between 2L diesels and petrols in other was actually the only one that managed it. The 160-180 overtaking range is much stronger than a 1L engine should ever be. And I say this coming from a 300+ kw V8 back at home, so that is not something I say lightly....

It was also the only rental of four (Merc, Mazda, Citroen and the Skoda) that didn't have a single electrical/mechanical issue during the time I rented it.

Also, VW isn't a premium badge. Never has been, isn't priced like it either. They cost the same as a Toyota so I don't understand why there's a weird obsession with calling VW a "premium offering"?

[ChrisN]

In Kenya we get it with a N/A 1.6L 4-cyl petrol with a 6-speed torque converter AT(Aisin unit), borrowed from VW Polo Vivo (which is technically a Polo Mk5).
The 1.6L is good, no bad reports about it so far from those who own it.
The interior, not much information about it. I'll take it from this video.

[justjoe]

My wife has a 2021 T-Cross R line, it had a radiator tank leak and was replaced under warranty. Other than that it has been a great little car with no other issues to date. As we are empty nesters so it suits us perfectly. I actually quite like driving it. Once you get used to the dual clutch auto, it is like driving a little go cart and does put a smile on your face with the spirited little 1ltr engine. This is our second VW and had a Tiguan for about 6 years and had to replace the timing chain and tensioner in that (we did it as preventative maintenance) and the PCV so we are aware of their problems.

We did have a Mazda CX-30 for about 6 months and we did not enjoy that car at all. Yes the interior was nice, but that was about it, thin paint, very intrusive driver aids and voice notifications and to be honest, the driving experience was very, meh!

Our best car to date was a Honda 2006 CRV. We had it for 10 years, 250000kms and it was just a brilliant, reliable and comfortable car. Still never used oil between services. We did look at the HRV when buying but just didn't like it to drive.

[konkeydong]

I have a old Mercedes W204 in Australia and when I visited again, I rented a T-Cross with points just for the fun of it. After a drive from the airport to my place, I just drove my W204 the whole time I was there.

Crappy plastics, wallowy ride, awkward driving ergonomics (for me at least), lethargic 1.0T, the list goes on. Also $45k for that thing in Australia is just wild.

[jackmehoff]

The most impressive thing about Volkswagen is how despite everything the brand is still confident FYI the T-Cross is build in Accra Ghana or Shanghai China, so no wonder the build quality makes you think Ray Charles put them together using just his feet

[joebot]

This may be the most brutal review you guys have done.

[sebk]

Had our 2021 VW T-cross fully optioned since new (wife’s daily). The only issues we have experienced in 50, 000kms is the wireless apple car sometimes dropping out and the windscreen wipers being shit. Fuel economy has been great 5.5L per 100km (in the city), digital dash is great, the beats audio system thumps, and the car looks great (in my opinion) and has aged well for a 3 going on 4 year old car. I’d buy another one in a heart beat.

[hlatsir]

Thank you, Thank you so much. I requested for this review last month and you guys delivered.

[murrieteacher]

What is happening with new car retailers? I keep hearing about poor after sales service and support. I have become a no particular brand owner. I now look at after sales service and support for my next new car purchase. It is why I look to Toyota and Lexus, Mazda Hyundai and Kia. And it appears that MG has got its act together too. I want a car that is supported, I don't want to have to go back to the dealer knowing I will have be be firm or even aggressive to get my vehicle fixed. The 3 pointed star has a terrible reputation too. I am from the group that knows my vehicle will have mechanical problems. I can deal with that if I have support. Sure the scratchie plastics are annoying, but if they last, that is more important. Thanks Adam and Jim, another great video with real information.

[jamesmcgowen]

I parked beside one at work about 12 months ago and looked at the wheel hub to see who manufactured it.
VW…
I walked away from it and haven’t looked back…

[mamc]

I find it interesting that people complain about the customer service from VW, I have had a couple and I always found them to be most helpful.
The turbo in my MK7 Golf GTI was replaced under warranty 2 years after the warranty had expired.

[greenchutneyman]

Talking about depreciation, I bought a mg zst brand new in 2023 Feb for 33990. Just went to sell it few weeks back and it sold for 24k. So the depreciation was horrendous. Demand v supply at its finest.

[Aaajjjjjjjjj]

VW were on such a roll over a decade ago, with the mk7 golf, mk5 polo. What has happened to them in the last few years, so disappointing.