I'm asked all too often about buying a second hand Amarok, and while I'm ok with it, here's a quick guide/summary and common faults for the VW Amarok to accompany my recent youtube video on the topic.
Key Considerations When Buying a Used Amarok
Service History:
- A comprehensive maintenance history is critical, especially for European vehicles like the Amarok. Look for evidence of regular servicing by knowledgeable mechanics.
- Poor maintenance can lead to issues like oil leaks or, in rare cases, catastrophic failures (heat build up or the incorrect oil can lead to excessive wear & tear and parts failing well before their expected lifespan).
- Vehicles with 250,000+ km can be reliable if well-maintained, with AIS seeing countless 4-cylinder Amarok reaching 450,000 km and V6 models hitting 350,000 km without major issues.
Engine Choice: V6 vs. 4-Cylinder:
- V6 Recommended: The V6 Amarok (especially Gen 1) is often preferred for its superior power (up to 200 kW and 550-650 Nm with tuning), excellent 8-speed gearbox, and overall performance. It’s ideal for both daily driving and off-road adventures.
- 4-Cylinder: The manual 4-cylinder offers low-range gearing, making it suitable for serious off-roading, but it lacks the power and torque of the V6.
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Tuning Potential: Both the 4cyl and the V6 respond exceptionally well to tuning, offering up to 35% power gains with improved fuel economy and engine longevity, making them a standout choice. Manuals see slightly less gains than automatics.
Common Issues to Check:
- Oil Leaks: Common in V6 models, particularly from the rear timing cover, which is a costly repair requiring engine removal. 4-cylinder models have a timing belt at the front, which is easier to service provided you have the updated timing cover (a cheap part).
- Coolant Leaks and General Maintenance: Inspect for signs of neglect, such as coolant leaks or poor maintenance, which can affect reliability.
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Vacuum System: Minor issues like vacuum line failures (e.g., pop-up valve affecting brakes) have been noted but are manageable with proper care.
Where to Get It Checked:
- Avoid generic dealerships for pre-purchase inspections. Seek specialists familiar with Amaroks, such as those listed on the CRD Tech website or within their network.
- A mechanic experienced with Volkswagens can identify known issues and confirm the vehicle’s condition.
Modifications: Pros and Cons
Recommended Modifications:
- Suspension Lift: A 35-50mm (up to 2-inch) lift is ideal for fitting 33-inch tires, balancing off-road capability with on-road comfort. Billstein B6's are great for most drivers however Bilstein B60 shocks are highly recommended as a polytube and for their durability.
- Tyres: Stick to 33-inch tyres or less (e.g., max 285/70 r17's s or 33x12.5s) to avoid excessive strain on components like CV joints. Larger 35-inch tires require body lifts and extensive guard modifications, leading to legal issues and reduced suspension travel.
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Diff Drop: Essential for lifted vehicles to reduce CV joint stress and maintain durability.
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Tuning: A tow tune or performance tune significantly enhances power and fuel efficiency, especially for V6 models, without pushing reliability limits.
Modifications to Avoid:
- Excessive Lifts: Lifts beyond 2 inches reduce suspension travel, increase body roll, and compromise off-road capability by limiting shock performance.
- Oversized Tires (over 33"): These can cause scrubbing, CV joint failures, and reduced off-road performance due to limited suspension travel.
- Overloading Accessories: Heavy accessories can strain the vehicle, particularly if not paired with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) kit.
Off-Road Performance
Strengths:
- The Amarok’s advanced ABS system and traction control compensate for the lack of low-range gearing in V6 and automatic 4-cylinder models, allowing impressive off-road performance in scenarios like beach driving or moderate trails.
- With proper setup (e.g., 33-inch tires, 2-inch lift, and tuning), the Amarok can handle challenging terrains like Cape York’s Telegraph Track or the victorian high-country.
- The V6’s power and 8-speed gearbox make it versatile for both touring and off-road use, offering a car-like ride quality.
Limitations:
- The absence of low-range gearing in V6 and automatic 4-cylinder models can be a drawback in technical off-road situations, particularly in reverse.
- Compared to vehicles with solid axles and diff locks (e.g., Toyota Hilux or Land Cruiser), the Amarok is less capable in extreme rock crawling but excels in comfort and touring.
- The Torsen differential and transfer case can be strained if abused (e.g., excessive wheelspin at high tire pressures), but sensible driving and lower tire pressures mitigate this.
Comparison to Other 4WDs
- Vs. Toyota Hilux: The Hilux may be slightly more capable off-road due to its low-range gearing and diff locks, but the Amarok is far more comfortable for touring and daily driving.
- Vs. Isuzu D-Max/BT-50: The Amarok matches these vehicles in suspension travel and off-road capability, with superior comfort and power (especially when tuned).
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Vs. Mitsubishi Triton/Great Wall: The Amarok outperforms these in power, refinement, and reliability when properly maintained.
- Vs. Ford Ranger: The Gen 1 Amarok is considered more reliable and enjoyable than older Rangers, though newer Rangers offer more tech but lack the Amarok’s V6 gearbox-engine combination.
Final Checklist for Buying a Used Amarok
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Verify Service History: Ensure regular maintenance by a reputable mechanic, ideally a Volkswagen specialist.
Inspect for Leaks: Check for oil (especially rear timing cover on V6) and coolant leaks. -
Choose V6 for Versatility: Opt for a low-kilometer V6 for the best balance of power, comfort, and off-road capability.
Moderate Modifications: Stick to a 2-inch lift, 33-inch tires, and quality shocks (e.g., Bilstein B60) for optimal performance. - Get a Specialist Inspection: Use CRD Tech or a similar network to find a mechanic who knows Amaroks.
- Consider Tuning: A tow or performance tune can significantly enhance the V6’s capabilities without compromising reliability.
Additional Notes
- Reliability: When maintained properly, Amaroks are highly reliable, with minimal breakdowns compared to competitors like the Hilux, which can suffer from injector issues.
- Value: Low-KM V6 Amaroks are becoming harder to find and tend to hold value due to their unique engine-gearbox combination and tuning potential.
- Suitability: Ideal for buyers seeking a comfortable, powerful ute for touring, daily driving, and moderate off-roading, but definitely not for extreme rock crawling without significant modifications.