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peterweedon
08-04-2009, 02:26 PM
Having failed to find a sensibly priced 1.9 130 A6 Avant I'm considering a Passat which seem to offer better value. I don't want to spend much more than £5,500 which seems to buy a 100,000 2004 Audi or 80,000 2005 Passat - both diesel, leather seats etc.

Is there a significant difference between the two that is worth the extra?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

Peter

jonjosar
08-04-2009, 11:26 PM
Having owned 3 passats before buying my A6, i had an 01 130, 03 100 and an 05 100 highline. All where commendable cars but hand on heart, they are not the same as an A6. It just seems a bit better put together. If i had,nt bought the A6, my second choice would have been a Skoda superb as they seem to offer quality that is well on par with any of the VW cars but more room and beter value, especially the higher spec,d cars.

paul b
08-04-2009, 11:41 PM
If you've driven the A6s by now, you'll notice the difference when you take a Passat for a drive. I sure did when I got in my work colleague's.

I can't comment on the Superb though, never been inside one.

peterweedon
08-04-2009, 11:57 PM
Thanks for the replies. I've been a passenger in a Passat but not driven one - yet. It certainly seemed big and comfy but I have no idea how it performs once behind the wheel.

Interesting observation on the Skoda. I did consider the Octavia due to positive reviews but the boot appears smaller than I need in an estate.

Peter

SW TDi
09-04-2009, 11:53 AM
I have an 03 Passat TDi Sport and a 53 A6 Avant TDi SE. Both great cars, but for my money the Audi is more refined and a better drive. Love them both though!

peterweedon
09-04-2009, 12:01 PM
I have an 03 Passat TDi Sport and a 53 A6 Avant TDi SE. Both great cars, but for my money the Audi is more refined and a better drive. Love them both though!

I appreciate that this is a subjective as well as an objective question but, in your view, is the A6 worth the difference?

Peter

SW TDi
09-04-2009, 02:51 PM
Guess it depends on how much you value the overall driving experience. At the kind of mileage that I buy cars (80-90k), I think the £1k premium on the Audi is worth it for the increased level of refinement you get.

peterweedon
09-04-2009, 03:05 PM
Guess it depends on how much you value the overall driving experience. At the kind of mileage that I buy cars (80-90k), I think the £1k premium on the Audi is worth it for the increased level of refinement you get.

That's the mileage I'm looking at too. My heart says Audi for the driving experience but my head says VW for the extra 20-30,000 miles I will get before the cambelt needs changing.

SW TDi
09-04-2009, 07:14 PM
To be honest, the first thing I do with cars of this age is get the cam belt, pulleys, tensioners and the pump done, regardless of what the history says. I'd rather spend £400 on my £5k investment and sleep easy for a few years!

Col
09-04-2009, 07:54 PM
I've had both, B5.5 Passat and C5 A6.

They are in effect exactly the same car. Some of the engines are different but all of the underpinnings are identical. Both of my cars have had exactly the same 1.9 TDI engine and both drive exactly the same. The A6 is much more nicely trimmed and sound insualted.

The thing is, if you get the Passat, you will always be thinking, "I should have got an A6." If your thinking it now you will think that later on.

paul b
09-04-2009, 08:57 PM
To be honest, the first thing I do with cars of this age is get the cam belt, pulleys, tensioners and the pump done, regardless of what the history says. I'd rather spend £400 on my £5k investment and sleep easy for a few years!
I'll second the above.

I bought my A6 on 34k, absolutely no need for a cam belt change you would think, but yes I changed it. Its for peace of mind, you never know if the car has been clocked.

Cost me about £170 for the timing belt kit parts and water pump, as I changed it myself. Well worth the investment.

SW TDi
09-04-2009, 09:35 PM
I don't suppose you will need convincing, but a mate of mine got himself a nice A4 Avant TDi (68k on the clock, "full" Audi service history) from a trader. It was a main dealer trade-in and all checked out out fine, but the previous owner had scrimped on the cam belt service before he shifted the car on and didn't get the pump done at the same time. The service book obviously showed a cam belt change at the correct interval, so my mate was happy that everything was in order. Imagine his delight when 10k miles later the pump failed, fell on its side and knackered his otherwise healthy engine.

peterweedon
11-04-2009, 06:49 PM
Well, curiosity got the better of me and I went for a drive in 140 BHP Octavia. The performance was superb and much better than anticipated.

I think the car would be great for a single person or couple with one child. But for a couple with two boys (12 and 8) and dog, I can hear the whining about inadequate back seat room now. Even a roof box would not rectify that.

Anyone else driven one?

Peter

ellaguru2u
12-04-2009, 10:20 AM
Well, curiosity got the better of me and I went for a drive in 140 BHP Octavia. The performance was superb and much better than anticipated.
...
Anyone else driven one?

Peter

I borrowed an Octavia 4x4 estate (cant remember which engine) and I was very impressed with power & roadholding but again it feels such a small car and the cargo area looks small....Its probably the same as an A6 but it just feels small.

Naseem
12-04-2009, 06:47 PM
I had the same decision, Passat or A6. I tried a couple of A6's and Passats. As mentioned earlier, the build in the A6 is much more refined. My expectant wife found the seats in the A6 much more comfortable.

Is it just me or do the leather seats feel much more better put together than a Passat. Like most other cars though, could do with better lumber support, nothing ever feels right for my bad back.

adamss24
12-04-2009, 07:47 PM
Is it just me or do the leather seats feel much more better put together than a Passat. Like most other cars though, could do with better lumber support, nothing ever feels right for my bad back.

The seats are better than the passats as the a6 have hard plastic backs where the passat has vinil backs ! Overall, the a6 is a much better car and it does handle really well for such a big car. Find a quattro and you will be smiling all the time.

SW TDi
13-04-2009, 10:23 PM
Agree about the handling - my A6 Avant SE has far superior handling to my Passat Sport.

Clinterous
14-04-2009, 09:36 AM
And the A6 dash is laid out much nicer and is more stylish.

clonmult
14-04-2009, 04:29 PM
Agree about the handling - my A6 Avant SE has far superior handling to my Passat Sport.

I don't think I'd ever say that my A6 TDi Avant particularly handles well, but it does have an incredibly good ride. As my partner has commented after the abortion that I owned with the name "Laguna".

Col
14-04-2009, 05:23 PM
I've had both and they handle the same.

Reason being, they have exactly the same suspension. As I've said above though, the A6 insulates you from the outside world better.

peterweedon
14-04-2009, 08:44 PM
Has anyone viewed this:

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PASSAT/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-21-25-42-51-55-62-144-240-4294966426-4294966886/advert.action?R=200830314943734&distance=158&postcode=RG7+6SX&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PASSAT&min_pr=5000&max_pr=7000&max_mileage=80000&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2004&vehicleRegLetter=

Two owners, last service was an independent. It seems a good price but it has been around for several weeks.

paul b
14-04-2009, 11:23 PM
Has anyone viewed this:

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PASSAT/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-21-25-42-51-55-62-144-240-4294966426-4294966886/advert.action?R=200830314943734&distance=158&postcode=RG7+6SX&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PASSAT&min_pr=5000&max_pr=7000&max_mileage=80000&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2004&vehicleRegLetter=

Two owners, last service was an independent. It seems a good price but it has been around for several weeks.
Looking at it, it seems to be a good example.

But I think it is over-priced. If that is worth £6k, then my A6 is worth £7k. But my A6 is not worth £7k in today's economic climate. I'd be looking to knock the price of that down. Also, 63k is on the button for a timing belt + water pump change, you need to know if this has been done already and when.

Looking inside, it isn't a million miles different to my Skoda Octavia. Audi interiors would knock spots of it.

peterweedon
15-04-2009, 11:11 AM
Timing belt but not the water pump was changed at the last service. There doesn't appear to be much flexibility on price.

It's a good 3 hours from me so I may see this at the same time:

This (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/AUDI+A6/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-21-25-51-55-62-240-4294966805-4294966807/advert.action?R=200912330802718&distance=145&postcode=RG7+6SX&channel=CARS&make=AUDI&model=A6&min_pr=5000&max_pr=7000&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2004&vehicleRegLetter=54)

The VW is an extra £350 but has 40,000 less on the clock.

paul b
15-04-2009, 12:50 PM
Timing belt but not the water pump was changed at the last service. There doesn't appear to be much flexibility on price.

It's a good 3 hours from me so I may see this at the same time:

This (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/AUDI+A6/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-21-25-51-55-62-240-4294966805-4294966807/advert.action?R=200912330802718&distance=145&postcode=RG7+6SX&channel=CARS&make=AUDI&model=A6&min_pr=5000&max_pr=7000&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2004&vehicleRegLetter=54)

The VW is an extra £350 but has 40,000 less on the clock.
You'll jump into the A6 and instantly know why it is dearer.

Unfortunately the A6 will need money spent soon, the timing belt seems to be due again. You could use that as a bargaining tool, and knock £500 off.

Looking at the A6 again it has been serviced on the Longlife 20k schedule, I'd advise you and anyone to get it off that, go back to 10k intervals.

I'm not going to tell you which one of all of them to buy, its your decision, and your money. If you'd be happy with the previous Passat that seems like a very tidy and well cared for car, then that's all you want. :)

peterweedon
15-04-2009, 01:07 PM
Decisions, decisions.....

My heart says Audi, my head says Passat. The head is winning at the moment.

peterweedon
16-04-2009, 07:32 PM
Well, a friend very kindly let me take his 2004 1.9 Passat for a drive today. I thought there was nothing to separate the engine performance of that and the A6 but something bothered me about the handling. The steering was responsive until I came to an undulating bend when I lost confidence in the car's ability to grip the road. I wrote my 320DSE off in February on black ice so am still probably more cautious than I would have been but even so..........

Is there a handling difference or is that my imagination?

Clinterous
16-04-2009, 07:52 PM
Have you checked the kerb weights of both vehicles? I test drove a Passat a few years ago, and felt that the car was light and lively on the corners. My current A6 feels heavier and more predictable in the corners.

I think it depends on your driving preferences....I prefer a heavier more solid car for cruising as it always feels more planted. I had an Alfa 156 for a few months and hated it as it was so light and didn't feel solid.

If there is a significant weight difference between passat and a6 that might make a difference to overall feel, despite both cars sharing the same suspension lay out.

What part of the country are you in..I'm heading along the M4 next Monday PM if you wanted to meet and try an A6..

paulos130
20-04-2009, 10:56 PM
hi guys, im jumping in on your thred if you dont mind!

i have a 2003 passat tdi 130 sport estate manual, with 109k on the clock.

had it for six months, very very impressed.

I have been offered a 2003 a6 1.9 tdi 130 se estate with only 80k on it

its an auto though - anyone have experience of this engine g/box combo?

ive not seen the car yet, so dont know all the details.

is it likely to have cruise? have that on the passat and its a must really.

interested in anyones thoughts

cheers guys

paulos

paul b
20-04-2009, 11:01 PM
hi guys, im jumping in on your thred if you dont mind!

i have a 2003 passat tdi 130 sport estate manual, with 109k on the clock.

had it for six months, very very impressed.

I have been offered a 2003 a6 1.9 tdi 130 se estate with only 80k on it

its an auto though - anyone have experience of this engine g/box combo?

ive not seen the car yet, so dont know all the details.

is it likely to have cruise? have that on the passat and its a must really.

interested in anyones thoughts

cheers guys

paulos
The Audi sounds like it has the dreaded gearbox seen as it is a non-Quattro auto. Search Multitronic or CVT using the forum's search box.

If you do decide to seriously consider it, give the auto box a good checking over. Insist you get the vehicle from cold, and if it struggles into reverse walk away immediately.

Other than that, they seem to be very solid and reliable cars *touch wood*.

peterweedon
22-04-2009, 01:16 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by peterweedon http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/applied/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=344196#post344196)
Timing belt but not the water pump was changed at the last service. There doesn't appear to be much flexibility on price.

It's a good 3 hours from me so I may see this at the same time:

This (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/AUDI+A6/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-21-25-51-55-62-240-4294966805-4294966807/advert.action?R=200912330802718&distance=145&postcode=RG7+6SX&channel=CARS&make=AUDI&model=A6&min_pr=5000&max_pr=7000&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2004&vehicleRegLetter=54)

The VW is an extra £350 but has 40,000 less on the clock.

You'll jump into the A6 and instantly know why it is dearer.

Unfortunately the A6 will need money spent soon, the timing belt seems to be due again. You could use that as a bargaining tool, and knock £500 off.

Looking at the A6 again it has been serviced on the Longlife 20k schedule, I'd advise you and anyone to get it off that, go back to 10k intervals.

I'm not going to tell you which one of all of them to buy, its your decision, and your money. If you'd be happy with the previous Passat that seems like a very tidy and well cared for car, then that's all you want. :)

Deal done. I bought the A6 for £5250 with 3 months warranty. 20,000 miles more than I would have liked on the clock but an 80,000 miler would have been another £1,000-1,500.

Now just have to sort out a boot protector so the dog can have a ride.