RE: Volkswagen Passat R36: PH Used Buying Guide

[SydneySE]

a7x88 said:

I briefly looked at these before going for my S6. I thought if I wanted poor mpg and potentially ruinous bills I may as well do it to the sound of a V10

thats excellent thinking, especially for the £9K!

Last year I needed a temporary car that was an estate, and wanted AWD, and at least a 3L petrol engine. I ended up buying a X-type Jag premium sport (2005) for shed money (£1500); all the toys (auto lights, auto wipers, electric heated front screen & mirrors, heated electric seats, touch screen with nav, premium Sony sound system etc). I put Michelin cross-climate tyres on it, and its been to France/Austria skiing etc (and going again this year) with over 122K on it now. Super reliable.

More importantly I think the x-type sport estate out handles the Passat (I looked at a couple, test drove 2x r36 models) and just couldn't see the price being justified at all. The only reason I even thought it worth doing was if it was fitted with a HGP turbo kit, which cost more than the car.....

I'm actually hunting for a v6 AWD 159 Alfa sports wagon to replace the x-type (just for fun as I also have a v6 Brera). That being said, if there as a cheap Audi Rs6 estate with a V10.... I may stretch the budget....

[V8RX7]

Test driver said:

V8RX7 said:

Test driver said:

The Passat is a successful product that made/makes VW money by selling well due to its performance/cost/desirability etc.

Really... bearing in mind that we are talking about the R36 - how many did they sell ?

I doubt it covered the development costs.

The R36 is the Passat range topper, most of the development cost is shared by the lower spec/higher volume models.

Saab didn’t sell well as it (towards the end) was a Vauxhall in drag which is basically a pile of shyte. I don’t think VW need to learn anything from the GM group personally.

I must have missed the bit where you answered the question

I don't recall saying they did

[a7x88]

SydneySE said:

thats excellent thinking, especially for the £9K!

Last year I needed a temporary car that was an estate, and wanted AWD, and at least a 3L petrol engine. I ended up buying a X-type Jag premium sport (2005) for shed money (£1500); all the toys (auto lights, auto wipers, electric heated front screen & mirrors, heated electric seats, touch screen with nav, premium Sony sound system etc). I put Michelin cross-climate tyres on it, and its been to France/Austria skiing etc (and going again this year) with over 122K on it now. Super reliable.

More importantly I think the x-type sport estate out handles the Passat (I looked at a couple, test drove 2x r36 models) and just couldn't see the price being justified at all. The only reason I even thought it worth doing was if it was fitted with a HGP turbo kit, which cost more than the car.....

I'm actually hunting for a v6 AWD 159 Alfa sports wagon to replace the x-type (just for fun as I also have a v6 Brera). That being said, if there as a cheap Audi Rs6 estate with a V10.... I may stretch the budget....

The C6 S6 has a 5.2L NA V10 with 435bhp - I paid 12k for mine but its a 1 owner low mileage full history example. They are few and far between but they come up for between 8k and 14k. There is one on auto trader currently for 7990. Good thing is they are relatively well specced as standard; bad news is don't expect anything over 20mpg unless you are on a long run.

C6 RS6 was a 5.0 twin turbo V10

[Plug Life]

P45 SAT LOL

[PorkRind]

I kinda like that. I'm sure I'd not find it fast or entertaining to drive but as a winter car it'd be OK.

[PorkRind]

Test driver said:

jbforce10 said:

Robmarriott said:

Volkswagen also put the 3.6 in the EOS as a front wheel drive only 260bhp model.

I thought they used the 3.2 in the Eos.

Anyway, I had the choice between an R36 and a Saab Turbo X, I went with the Saab. Similar stats as the Passat but IMHO a better looking car (especially with the Turbo X wheels) and Saab set-up the Haldex 4WD to be rear biased.

You can get the R36 haldex upgraded, much better car than the Saab hence why Saab are now defunct.

I don't think that's quite why saab are defunct.

[PorkRind]

Test driver said:

BFleming said:

Test driver said:

You can get the R36 haldex upgraded, much better car than the Saab hence why Saab are now defunct.

I don't think Saab went bankrupt because of the Passat. Or VW come to that. It was more to do with the manipulative way in which GM plundered the coffers and left. But there's plenty written on it, if you fancy some education.

They went bankrupt because their products were inferior to the competion. The Passat is a successful product that made/makes VW money by selling well due to its performance/cost/desirability etc.

It was down to built quality being excessive, actually.

[Alex P]

I like the idea of a car like this, but from what I have read (have not driven one) they are not the most entertaining of drives.

Correct me if I am wrong, but from what I understand:
1) The Passat CC had the 300 BHP version of this engine, but for some reason, the emissions were low enough for it it be in the lower tax bracket. Unless I needed an estate, I think the CC looks better than the standard saloon - R36 included.
2) This was not the last factory V6 Passat, far from it. In fact, the 3.6 motor in 280BHP tune has only just been discontinued for the 2019 model year in the USA!
3) As mentioned above, the Superb was available with the 260 BHP version and they actually seem quite valuable used considering they a large petrol engined version from a relatively 'undersirable' brand - the Insignia VXR is another car like this - relatively cheap when new but strong money second hand.

[J4CKO]

Test driver said:

J4CKO said:

Test driver said:

ZX10R NIN said:

For the price of this R36:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I'd take one of the Insignia VXR everytime:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Nope I’d take the R36 all day long. Vauxhall now owned by poogeot says it all. GM are trash.

VW's arent paragons in the reliability stakes, known a few people with Passats of this gen and they have had various issues, DSG, suspension, electronic handbrake etc.

I prefer the looks of these but dont think its going to be massively better than the Vauxhall, thats mostly perception based, only driven a 2.0 diesel and it was ok but not what you would call fun, a Mondeo is a better drive.

Seems like the prices are based on rarity and it being a bigger R32 rather than a sportier Passat.


Passat or something like this,

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Mercedes-Benz-E-CL...f:0

I have a clk 55 amg so know a bit about the mercs, lovely motors I’d have above a r36.

Vauxhall are not in the same league as either VW or Mercedes.

Not even the same sport.

The next door neighbour has an ancient Astra (52 plate), still looks like new, we had one for a bit, 2008 vintage, no rust whatsoever, I think a lot is down to perception and people treat them as polar opposites, make allowances for VAG stuff and do Vauxhall down, a Golf is perhaps a better proposition in a lot of ways but I dont think they are quite as far apart as people make out.

Trouble is, VW is German and a bit premium, Vauxhall is an old British brand and a bit blue collar.

Had a few VW's over the years, bought two new and thought they were ok, but a bit overrated.

Mercedes used to be in a different league, but mainstream stuff has improved massively and Mercedes have dumbed things down a bit.

No Vauxhall fanboy but I think they get treated a bit unfairly and German stuff is celebrated based on past glories and a lot of issues swept under the carpet. I dont think my One Series is massively better made than our Fords.

[Jon_S_Rally]

These do have a certain appeal. Not really exciting but, as a means to waft about and be able to carry stuff, they are a nice car. This generation of Passat is a nice car in my view. Not fun, but does the job very well. The big problem is the price for me. It's good for owners that they hold their money but, for buyers, it just makes them a bit hard to justify I think.

J4CKO said:

The next door neighbour has an ancient Astra (52 plate), still looks like new, we had one for a bit, 2008 vintage, no rust whatsoever, I think a lot is down to perception and people treat them as polar opposites, make allowances for VAG stuff and do Vauxhall down, a Golf is perhaps a better proposition in a lot of ways but I dont think they are quite as far apart as people make out.

Trouble is, VW is German and a bit premium, Vauxhall is an old British brand and a bit blue collar.

Had a few VW's over the years, bought two new and thought they were ok, but a bit overrated.

Mercedes used to be in a different league, but mainstream stuff has improved massively and Mercedes have dumbed things down a bit.

No Vauxhall fanboy but I think they get treated a bit unfairly and German stuff is celebrated based on past glories and a lot of issues swept under the carpet. I dont think my One Series is massively better made than our Fords.

Very much so. People get very caught up in this business, but I have often sat in premium cars and been disappointed by the quality and, similarly, sat in "cheap" cars and been impressed. The differences are pretty small now. "Normal" cars are now very, very good on the whole.

[Shakermaker]

ZX10R NIN said:

For the price of this R36:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I'd take one of the Insignia VXR everytime:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Oh dear.. that's got me thinking now.

I have been considering the Superb V6 as they are coming up cheap these days and I haven't really got any issues with my current Superb, I just need to get something newer. But that Insignia VXR coming in budget, and in the right age bracket, throws up a quandry. I guess I'll have to do a test drive of a couple and see what happens

[greenarrow]

J4CKO said:

Test driver said:

J4CKO said:

Test driver said:

ZX10R NIN said:

For the price of this R36:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I'd take one of the Insignia VXR everytime:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Nope I’d take the R36 all day long. Vauxhall now owned by poogeot says it all. GM are trash.

VW's arent paragons in the reliability stakes, known a few people with Passats of this gen and they have had various issues, DSG, suspension, electronic handbrake etc.

I prefer the looks of these but dont think its going to be massively better than the Vauxhall, thats mostly perception based, only driven a 2.0 diesel and it was ok but not what you would call fun, a Mondeo is a better drive.

Seems like the prices are based on rarity and it being a bigger R32 rather than a sportier Passat.


Passat or something like this,

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Mercedes-Benz-E-CL...f:0

I have a clk 55 amg so know a bit about the mercs, lovely motors I’d have above a r36.

Vauxhall are not in the same league as either VW or Mercedes.

Not even the same sport.

The next door neighbour has an ancient Astra (52 plate), still looks like new, we had one for a bit, 2008 vintage, no rust whatsoever, I think a lot is down to perception and people treat them as polar opposites, make allowances for VAG stuff and do Vauxhall down, a Golf is perhaps a better proposition in a lot of ways but I dont think they are quite as far apart as people make out.

Trouble is, VW is German and a bit premium, Vauxhall is an old British brand and a bit blue collar.

Had a few VW's over the years, bought two new and thought they were ok, but a bit overrated.

Mercedes used to be in a different league, but mainstream stuff has improved massively and Mercedes have dumbed things down a bit.

No Vauxhall fanboy but I think they get treated a bit unfairly and German stuff is celebrated based on past glories and a lot of issues swept under the carpet. I dont think my One Series is massively better made than our Fords.

I know this thread is a month or so old, but this post is absolutely spot on. People like "Test Driver" trott out the same tired stereotypical Vauxhall hating views without them being based on facts. I went from a Passat to an Insignia via a Mazda 6 and I can tell you, the Vauxhall is just as solidly built as the Passat. The interior plastics are of slightly cheaper quality, but its a solid car and feels very tight at 91,000 miles, just as tight as my Passat did at the same miles. I had a B5.5 Passat too, which many say were better built than the ones that came after it. The Passat had more problems in the first year of ownership too.

The current Mercs seem nicely put together, but any difference between Vauxhall and VW I reckon is down to interior plastics. As for reliability, the JD reliability survey last year had Vauxhall higher placed than both Merc and VW.
Oh and I love the R36!!!

Edited by greenarrow on Friday 15th February 08:53

[ZX10R NIN]

+1 to the two posts above, as a few can confirm I rate Vauxhalls as viable alternatives to VW's etc.

[Test driver]

From my experience of driving them all Vauxhall’s have been terrible to drive, unreliable and far inferior to the competition.

Even priced cheaper with lots of extras sales are still poor and depreciation high; what does that tell you?

[ZX10R NIN]

Having driven a lot of VXR's & supplied a fair few I've found them to be as reliable as anything else out there & as a drive easily on par with an R36 for example, timing chain issues have affected both cars. The depreciation is down to badge snobbery & the car actually costing less.

[RDHR32]

Would love to know where those quotes for broken Mechatronics unit came from.

From first hand experience, is a nigh on £800 repair, and that is, if it is in a condition to be repaired. I had to have a brand new replacement from VW to the tune of £2470.

No signs of failure either. Slipped into to neutral randomly one day and that was that.