To buy or not to buy 05/06 B6 2.0 diesel?

[zalek]

My V reg passat TDI 115 sport has ended its life in a quite spectacular car crash thanks to some idiot driver pulling in front of my car. Anyway, I got that unit with 89k and within 2.5 years done some 65k. It did had a problem with head gasket but all in all I was so very happy each time when I got behind the wheel (and I do that quite often).

So, now that I need another car I knew already it got to be VW passat. Having about 6k to spent I figured out I could afford B6 version. Well, after reading the forum I do not know what to think. I do really want to buy B6 and it has to be 2.0 diesel as I need that 140 bhp to get me moving on those roads.

Now, could I have some comments on what do you think would be safer option of the two (I do understand that there are not statistics so I'm only after your personal opinion). I plan to own the car for 2 years and do about 55-60k in it (mixed A roads and town with some high speed motorway runs as well). I have 6k to spent and come up with two options:

- could get 2.0 diesel 2005/2006 with 60-70k on the clock (perhaps 50k with bit of luck) or
- get 2008 (which I believe does not suffer the notorious problem with injectors?) with about 95-110k

Any comments wold be very very welcome - I do really want a passat but do not want risking to have to be faced with very expensive repair that, though happening to only minority of the cars perhpas, it's sounds to me a littlbe bit too a common problem. I am on the verge of starting to look for Mazda 6 (good power, low mileage and year for my 6k) and would love for people to convince me that B6 would still be as good option as the old B5.

[johnloaderuk]

Due to your price limitation have you considered a last of range B5.5, 05/55 reg, might get one on an 06 plate. A safer place to put your money than an early B6. The last of range Highline models can be had with the 130bhp engine and come with leather, parking sensors, climate control etc. The 130bhp 1.9 in the B5.5 pulls far better lower down the rev range than the 2.0 140 bhp in the B6, and is a nicer drive due to less revs being needed in everyday driving. The B5.5 Sport model also has the 6 speed gearbox.

Generally better to avoid the 05 to 07 plate B6 as many people have had expensive bills to keep them going. Having said that I had a 2005 one from new with the problematic BKP 2.0 TDI 140 engine and mine ran fine for the 146k miles I had it for, except for the fuel pump which had to be replaced.
The newer 2.0 CR seems to be problem free, but obviously cost more.

Beware of the Mazda 6 2.0 diesel as early ones had many expensive engine failures. A search on the internet will show you further details regarding this issue.

[manity]

hi i have a 170 sport on a 07 plate and i must say its the best car ive had so far. this problem with the injectors i expect for every 1 person that has had a problem there are a lot more who havent had a problem with them its just like any forum people write about all the bad problems but not many people comment on how good the car really is. my car has 95.000 miles and touch wood i havent had the injector issue.

[redrolo]

B5.5 if you on considering only Passat v. Passat. Also see the debate at:

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=110050

[zalek]

... i expect for every 1 person that has had a problem there are a lot more who havent had a problem with them its just like any forum people write about all the bad problems...

I absolutely agree but VW is for me a synonym of reliability and that is why I'm prepared to pay more for VW than some other makes. And those problems described with early versions of B6 are really going very much against it.

My previous passat had a problem with head gasket but you want find people complaining about it. It was just my bad luck and changed little in my perception of VW being reliable.

B5.5 if you on considering only Passat v

well, the reason behind passat is becuase it's VW that suppoused to be reliable. So for me it's sort of obvious choice as long as I can afford it. So it's more that I have not much of an idea what to go for if not the passat in terms of the power and reliability and chances of selling it 2 years later with some 60k more on the clock.

I'm not big fun of BMW but perhaps need to research them as well. I think 320 should be within reach and even with bigger mileage should still be relatively easy to sell on.

So I'm double disappointed with the B6 as I thought getting another passat will be a very straightforward thing. I will think of B5.5

[mauricedar]

stick to 1.9 tdi ! google blb engine failure. that will make your mind up! some 2.0 tdi's failing as low milage as 70,000mls

[godfried]

I'm not big fun of BMW but perhaps need to research them as well. I think 320 should be within reach and even with bigger mileage should still be relatively easy to sell on.

It is worth researching. I had a 320d (e46) and a 230d (e91) BMW and could not fault them from a technical point of view. The engine is superb and the overall reliability is very good. If you are not fussy about the run-flat tyres and uncomfortable (sport) seats in the e90 you can enjoy a fine car. If it is comfort you are after, Then I would advise you to stick with the Passat.

[redrolo]

How about the MGZT with the 2 litre Beemer diesel engine in it.... Just a thought

[Quatrelle]

How about the MGZT with the 2 litre Beemer diesel engine in it.... Just a thought

And cheap as chips (hate that saying, but it's true).

[DSG4ME]

How about a 300C with a Merc Benz 3.0D in it.