Re: PH Blog - Passat Power
Discussion
After years of trying the 'one car fits all' route via Impreza, Integrale (never have an Integrale as an everyday car), Audi S3 and finally an S2000 I realised that for 90% of driving situations I want a comfy chair, something to listen to and a cocoon from the rest of humanity. Doubly so if I'm on the motorway.
It first dawned on me when I saw an Elise I wanted, there was no way I could get away with what was then a 100 mile a day commute on the M4 in a S1 Sport 190, but I wanted that Elise so badly.
Then on a stag weekend one of the fellow stags mentioned he was trading in his family's Saab 9000, it had been his dads from new, then his brothers, then his but he'd only been offered scrap value - so I offered him £500 on the spot. So quite by accident I found out that a big old cruiser for the week and a pointy, darty thing for the weekend and those days you'll be taking the more interesting route home from work is the perfect combination, and I've been doing it ever since (with the added bonus that the blander and more economical the daily is, the happier the wife seems to be for me to indulge in the weekend stuff).
It first dawned on me when I saw an Elise I wanted, there was no way I could get away with what was then a 100 mile a day commute on the M4 in a S1 Sport 190, but I wanted that Elise so badly.
Then on a stag weekend one of the fellow stags mentioned he was trading in his family's Saab 9000, it had been his dads from new, then his brothers, then his but he'd only been offered scrap value - so I offered him £500 on the spot. So quite by accident I found out that a big old cruiser for the week and a pointy, darty thing for the weekend and those days you'll be taking the more interesting route home from work is the perfect combination, and I've been doing it ever since (with the added bonus that the blander and more economical the daily is, the happier the wife seems to be for me to indulge in the weekend stuff).
Edited by Mark Benson on Thursday 5th January 09:29
T0b1esH said:
2 cars = 2 insurance policies, 2 road tax, 2 mots and 2 services
The case for the weekly box and weekend fun is yet to become a no brainer...I used to run two cars, but now run just one XFR.
I was running 3 cars (190E, Elise/Cayman, Westfield) for the running costs of the Impreza alone when I had it!The case for the weekly box and weekend fun is yet to become a no brainer...I used to run two cars, but now run just one XFR.
I regularly used a 170bhp diesel Passat estate (latest shape before the facelift). It had huge carrying capacity and was perfect for long boring motorway trips and had a bit of punch too. It never went wrong in 3 years. It certainly had many endearing qualities and I'd say its just the correct side of being a white good, looked quite elegant in the Highline spec and dark blue.
However, it really was quite dull to drive, thankfully had a Honda S2000 as a weekend car!
However, it really was quite dull to drive, thankfully had a Honda S2000 as a weekend car!
Skoda Octavia TDi Estate for the daily 65 mile each way commute (55 MPG) and lugging crap to the tip and picking up the grandkids etc .... XJS for weekends and occasional evenings.
Both cars may change this year but the combination of 1 x sensible and 1 x indulgent will stay.
Would love to add a Landie to the fleet for tip runs and alternate fun.
Both cars may change this year but the combination of 1 x sensible and 1 x indulgent will stay.
Would love to add a Landie to the fleet for tip runs and alternate fun.
I like to have a nice car to drive every day, I'd be worried that the 'weekend car' would gather dust!
All you guys with two cars - what do you actually do the fun one ? It can't be a track day or a country road blast every weekend surely ? And does a bit of fuel economy really matter all that much !?
All you guys with two cars - what do you actually do the fun one ? It can't be a track day or a country road blast every weekend surely ? And does a bit of fuel economy really matter all that much !?
This article has just answered a question ive been asking myself since buying my car. I havent connected with my e46 320d and couldnt work out why. It ticks all the boxes i need but something still isnt right. I think im so use to petrols and this being my first diesel hasnt got the sound or the go that im use to. The cost of running the diesel for commuting is a third of what i was paying so big saving. Lucky for me i made a good choice when i bought the diesel though and bought something of the two wheeled variety ready for summer. Hopefully this will bring back the buzz i am missing.
LotusOmega375D said:
NB: your Passat does about 42mpg overall. Do not believe the lying trip computer.
Seriously? With the 70 litre tank that only gives you a theoretical range of 650 miles. We regularly get that in our Octavia with a 55 litre tank.Is the modern CR engine with a DSG gear box really that much worse than the older PD engine and a manual?
for the ultimate combo of fun and frugality - Citroen C3 HDi - 50 - 60mp and no road tax!And something for the weekend Sir? - why I'll have the suzuki cappucino! Loads of fun that doesn threaten your licence,9000 rpm, excellent rwd chassis and they are going up in value! I also get 35 - 50 mpg depending on how much turbo you use!
Completely agree. As an only car it's pretty dire, so I bought a 7R & a Puma 1.7 for some fun. The load lugging capabilities of the Passat are immense though.
I managed (along with Bob1179) to fit one of these in the boot:
with 2 boxes of spares & wheels. Couldn't get much more in there but, to fit a motorcycle in there is pretty good I thought.
Given up with fuel economy, I can't seem to get much more than mid 45s on mine when trying.
I managed (along with Bob1179) to fit one of these in the boot:
with 2 boxes of spares & wheels. Couldn't get much more in there but, to fit a motorcycle in there is pretty good I thought.
Given up with fuel economy, I can't seem to get much more than mid 45s on mine when trying.
VB said:
Completely agree. As an only car it's pretty dire, so I bought a 7R & a Puma 1.7 for some fun. The load lugging capabilities of the Passat are immense though.
I managed (along with Bob1179) to fit one of these in the boot:
with 2 boxes of spares & wheels. Couldn't get much more in there but, to fit a motorcycle in there is pretty good I thought.
Given up with fuel economy, I can't seem to get much more than mid 45s on mine when trying.
Similar feelings here, just wish I had the space (and finances) to allow a something-for-the-weekend onto the drive.I managed (along with Bob1179) to fit one of these in the boot:
with 2 boxes of spares & wheels. Couldn't get much more in there but, to fit a motorcycle in there is pretty good I thought.
Given up with fuel economy, I can't seem to get much more than mid 45s on mine when trying.
I'm not running a Passat, just a similarly sized 51 plate A6 Avant. Around town low 40s, on a run 50+mpg. Its taken every load, a couple of single mattresses, fairly huge fridge freezer, and the one that pushed it was a fairly gigantic flat pack wardrobe (had to push the drivers seat all the way forward, horrible).
For a commuter/family car, its pretty much unbeatable.
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