What car to choose

[ritzctr]

Joined the forum as looking at changing car (Clio 182 is a bit small for picking kids up now) and narrowed it down to either B5.5 Passat or A4 or A6 probably 1.8t as I don't do many miles but would like to mod it.

What are pros cons reliability things to watch for?

I know can pick up newer Passat cheaper but is for a reason?

Cheers

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[MalcQV]

Biggest problem with all those I can see (engine dependent there maybe others), is to check for water ingress. A not so good design feature allows drains under the bonnet in front of the windscreen to block and to fill a large 'receptacle' with water. At best if not noticed it is wet. Depending on the model it can cause electrical damage etc.
Fix in essence is to keep the drain holes free from leaves.
Search on the forum or indeed the internet in general. It happened/s to my previous B5.5 Passat and my current '98 A4. From about 1996-2005 on the Passat and A4 (ish). Affects the A6 too as it uses a similar platform I think.