Passat or A6?

[clonmult]

I had a C5 A6 Avant for years, then middle of last year "downsized" to an E46 Compact. Turns out that it is way too small ... so back looking again.

Easy choice is to wait for another C5 A6 Avant (budget is likely a max of around £3k, depending on what I get for the E46), but thought I'd check out the B5 Passat Estate. Almost the same size (with apparently a larger boot), and generally more gadgets for the money.

I'm aware of the servicing requirements for the A6 1.9 TDI; anything to look for on the equivalent Passat?

[va1o]

You'd get into a B6 Passat for that money. Might be worth considering as its a newer and more modern car.

[clonmult]

va1o said:

You'd get into a B6 Passat for that money. Might be worth considering as its a newer and more modern car.

I've seen a few of them, but they tend to be over 200k on the clock (the prior model tend to be around 100-150k), also with the 2 liter engine. A mate had said that when they moved their company fleet from the older 1.9 PDI to the newer 2.0 that they were worse on fuel and tended to need more maintenance.

But if one comes up, it'll be worth considering. The head unit would be a pain, as I'm wanting to take my old Alpine over (original IDA-X100, still has a better iPod/iPhone interface than the current models).

[colin_p]

They are exactly the same cars mechanically if you get a 1.9 TDI.

I've had both and prefer the Passat which is indeed bigger inside than the A6.

[greggy50]

£3k I would be getting a B6 Passat or a Ford Mondeo myself both are decent cars for the money prefer Mondeo myself as a better steer but Passat still a smart looking motor today and the 1.9TDI is pretty bulletproof (unlike the 2.0) only issue is a lot of 1.9 tdi are of a low specification like the S.

My dad owned a 1.9 TDI S B6 Passat and then a 58 Mondeo 2.0 TDCI Zetec (company cars from new) and personally we both preferred the Mondeo and found it was more reliable (Passat needed a gearbox and turbo and electronic handbrake issues) but think we got unlucky).

Something like this would be ideal

Passat
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Mondeo
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[Adrian E]

We've had a mid-90s Passat estate and a 2004 A6 Avant - boot space the Passat wins hands down - totally flat sides to the boot floor so loading it to the max is a doddle.

Our A6 was well specced 3.0 Sport petrol quattro but I'm guessing the fuel costs might be an issue?

If you must have the 1.9 soot chucker then an A6 Avant Final Edition with RNS-E would be worth looking out for. A quick browse of the classifieds reveals some real horrors in terms of condition though!

I'd buy on condition, whichever turns up first

[clonmult]

greggy50 said:

£3k I would be getting a B6 Passat or a Ford Mondeo myself both are decent cars for the money prefer Mondeo myself as a better steer but Passat still a smart looking motor today and the 1.9TDI is pretty bulletproof (unlike the 2.0) only issue is a lot of 1.9 tdi are of a low specification like the S.

My dad owned a 1.9 TDI S B6 Passat and then a 58 Mondeo 2.0 TDCI Zetec (company cars from new) and personally we both preferred the Mondeo and found it was more reliable (Passat needed a gearbox and turbo and electronic handbrake issues) but think we got unlucky).

Something like this would be ideal

Passat
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Mondeo
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Every B6 Passat within my price bracket in 40 miles is rather "leggy", seen a few around 170-200k. Personally prefer the look of the C5, although the interior on some is beyond bad (dubious fake wooden trim).

I do tend to do a fair few miles, in all sorts of traffic, so the 4 pot diesels do make a lot of sense - the old A6 at its worst was low 40s around town, up to about 55 on a run (did once see 60mpg).

I've been browsing and have occasionally considered the Mondeo, but something about it just doesn't feel right for me, despite it ticking all the boxes. I've also driven a couple of 407 Wagons - not quite as much space, but they do look indecently good, the ride/handling was also quite surprising and that panoramic roof would be awesome for the kids ...

The big surprise has been seeing a few later model A6s (C6?) in the price range. Last one had 140k on the clock. It looked immaculate, stupid amount of toys, but I'd feel a little paranoid driving something like that, although a colleague did take me out and about in his, and it did feel indecently good.

Anyway, ta for the suggestions, will keep on looking

[RobbyJ]

My wifes B6 Passat is a 2007 2.0 TDI 4motion with 61,000 on the clock. It was bullet proof till about 6 months ago and long story short I've spent a small fortune on it recently:

£1500 EPB fault, rear calipers replaced
£850 Wouldn't start, steering column and immobiliser replaced
£1750 Wouldn't start, all four injectors and injector loom replaced

It was a great car but I'm totally sick of it now because of both the cost and inconvenience it's cost me. Can't wait to get rid of it now!

[clonmult]

RobbyJ said:

My wifes B6 Passat is a 2007 2.0 TDI 4motion with 61,000 on the clock. It was bullet proof till about 6 months ago and long story short I've spent a small fortune on it recently:

£1500 EPB fault, rear calipers replaced
£850 Wouldn't start, steering column and immobiliser replaced
£1750 Wouldn't start, all four injectors and injector loom replaced

It was a great car but I'm totally sick of it now because of both the cost and inconvenience it's cost me. Can't wait to get rid of it now!

Ouch! I had the injector loom replaced on the A6, I think that was about £200. I can't recall what the problem was, but it was an educated guess from the local independent that it would fix the fault ... thankfully it did. In 5 years it had the A/C compressor fail twice - and that isn't a cheap fix (iirc £1k for the original Audi part, £700 for a refurb). All 4 discs and pads were done at about £500. I must have spent a small fortune keeping it running.

After having spent a few weeks looking around, driving various cars, I've settled on something that is maybe risky - Peugeot 407SW. Cambelt just done, full service history, 12 months MOT, there was random sensor fault that is being fixed today.

[greggy50]

Brave so very brave...

However I hope your 407SW treats you well nice looking car well equipped and handle a lot better than a Passat just hope they are more reliable than my mates 307!

[RobbyJ]

clonmult said:

Ouch! I had the injector loom replaced on the A6, I think that was about £200. I can't recall what the problem was, but it was an educated guess from the local independent that it would fix the fault ... thankfully it did. In 5 years it had the A/C compressor fail twice - and that isn't a cheap fix (iirc £1k for the original Audi part, £700 for a refurb). All 4 discs and pads were done at about £500. I must have spent a small fortune keeping it running.

After having spent a few weeks looking around, driving various cars, I've settled on something that is maybe risky - Peugeot 407SW. Cambelt just done, full service history, 12 months MOT, there was random sensor fault that is being fixed today.

Yeah tell me about it, my 5.0 V10 twin turbo RS6 has been far more reliable and cheaper to run, so my advice, get an RS6

[clonmult]

greggy50 said:

Brave so very brave...

However I hope your 407SW treats you well nice looking car well equipped and handle a lot better than a Passat just hope they are more reliable than my mates 307!

There are two at similar prices in the area; 12 months MOT and the recent major service are definitely what has helped my decision.

[clonmult]

RobbyJ said:

clonmult said:

Ouch! I had the injector loom replaced on the A6, I think that was about £200. I can't recall what the problem was, but it was an educated guess from the local independent that it would fix the fault ... thankfully it did. In 5 years it had the A/C compressor fail twice - and that isn't a cheap fix (iirc £1k for the original Audi part, £700 for a refurb). All 4 discs and pads were done at about £500. I must have spent a small fortune keeping it running.

After having spent a few weeks looking around, driving various cars, I've settled on something that is maybe risky - Peugeot 407SW. Cambelt just done, full service history, 12 months MOT, there was random sensor fault that is being fixed today.

Yeah tell me about it, my 5.0 V10 twin turbo RS6 has been far more reliable and cheaper to run, so my advice, get an RS6

At one of the more expensive services, chatting to the indy about an RS6 that they had in. It had suffered suspension failure (some clever electronic dampers?). They had to "borrow" some equipment from the main dealer to get it fixed ....

An old friend has a V10 diesel Touareg, he seems to think that is a practical every day commuter car. Says it hasn't cost him a lot to keep on the road ... but others I've spoken to say that they're a money pit.