Volkswagen TARO

The register lists 34 versions with 58 to 84 kW from the four-cylinder engine of 1,810 to 2,446 cm³. Unladen weights range from 1,174 to 2,280 kg, gross vehicle weights from 2,040 to 2,515 kg, lengths from 4,900 to 4,910 mm and widths from 1,650 to 2,120 mm.

The Taro was meant to give Volkswagen a quick foothold in the rugged pickup segment alongside the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Pick-up, but remained a niche model, as Volkswagen did not present a genuine, independently developed successor until the Amarok arrived in 2010.

When buying used, thanks to the Toyota engineering, what counts above all are points typical of Hilux model years: corrosion on the frame and bed, the condition of the clutch and transfer case on 4X4 models, tightness of the diesel injection pump, and brakes and shock absorbers. Spare parts can be sourced through both Volkswagen and Toyota channels, since most components are identical.