Oil Crash: Audi, Volkswagen Discounting Old 3.0-liter TDI Models

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Volkswagen’s 3.0-liter diesel V6 isn’t returning to the U.S. anytime soon. After forking over roughly $25 billion in the wake of its diesel deception, the company’s not exactly enthused about getting back into the compression ignition game. But that doesn’t mean buyers aren’t.

Europhiles with a penchant for low-end torque can still get their hands on a diesel Volkswagen or Audi SUV that meets federal emissions standards. And, thanks to new discounts, they’ll stand to save some money.

Earlier this fall, after two years of waiting, VW Group received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency for a 3.0-liter diesel fix. That meant newer VW Touareg and Audi Q7 models with the updated version of the oil-burning V6 could undergo repairs and return to owners’ driveways, or to the dealer sales lot.

Now, CarsDirect brings us news of a series of discounts offered on 2014-2016 models.

At VW, how much a buyers saves off MSRP depends on model year. For 2014 Touareg TDIs, of which few remain, the automaker is offering 25 percent off MSRP. For 2015 models, it’s a 20-percent discount. 2016 Touaregs that accumulated on dealer lots before VW issued a stop-sale order can now be had for 15 percent off MSRP. Going by current inventories, it’s a 2016 model you’re most likely to find. (Note: the discount does not factor in the vehicle’s destination charge.)

This spring, VW rolled out another raft of quiet discounts on repaired and compliant 2.0-liter diesel models that remained in dealer inventory.

At Audi, the brand’s 2015 Q7 TDI is marked down by 20 percent. There’s also a financing deal on offer (1.9 percent APR for 66 months or 2.49 percent for 72), with returning Audi customers handed a $1,000 bonus if they let Audi Financial handle the transaction.

VW’s 3.0-liter diesel also found a home in Porsche’s Cayenne, but there’s no word on whether that automaker plans to offer special pricing on unsold TDIs.

[Image: Volkswagen Group]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

More by Steph Willems

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 20 comments
  • Jkross22 Jkross22 on Dec 05, 2017

    That discount is laughable. 1/2 off or no deal. Throw 'em up on eBay and see what happens.

  • S197GT S197GT on Dec 06, 2017

    and gm has been offering 20% off current model year vehicles a few times this year. vw is just weird. i can't make sense of that brand.

    • Brettc Brettc on Dec 06, 2017

      They still don't know WTH they're doing in/with the U.S. market, and I don't think they ever will. The new SUVs are a step forward for them along with the 6/72 warranty, but they'll never match Subaru's success here.

  • 1995 SC At least you can still get one. There isn't much for Ford folks to be happy about nowadays, but the existence of the Mustang and the fact that the lessons from back in the 90s when Ford tried to kill it and replace it with the then flavor of the day seem to have been learned (the only lessons they seem to remember) are a win not only for Ford folks but for car people in general. One day my Super Coupe will pop its headgaskets (I know it will...I read it on the Internet). I hope I will still be physically up to dropping the supercharged Terminator Cobra motor into it. in all seriousness, The Mustang is a.win for car guys.
  • Lorenzo Heh. The major powers, military or economic, set up these regulators for the smaller countries - the big guys do what they want, and always have. Are the Chinese that unaware?
  • Lorenzo The original 4-Runner, by its very name, promised something different in the future. What happened?
  • Lorenzo At my age, excitement is dangerous. one thing to note: the older models being displayed are more stylish than their current versions, and the old Subaru Forester looks more utilitarian than the current version. I thought the annual model change was dead.
  • Lorenzo Well, it was never an off-roader, much less a military vehicle, so let the people with too much money play make believe.
Next