which spec should i get?

[t3rm3y]

Hello VW group.
my family has grown, and outgrown our hatchback, so we need an estate.
Partner has settled on a passat, and im tasked with locating one suitable.
I am not a car person though, we had a look at some S and SE specs at a car dealer, the SE just seems to have a bigger centre console/radio and the cruise control lever on steering wheel.
I'm thinking we have quite a low budget of £8000 but im hoping to find something which has done as low miles and as new as possible - so looking at 2010 onwards and as low mileage as can get.
What is main differences between the R, S, SE and highline spec?
R i assume is racing body kit, which is not needed, so if this has no additional benefits then i am thinking the S, SE or highline is what we need?
which is best for a family?
itll mainly be used for commuting but we do go away on weekends, or camping/ Christmases etc when have to use the additional boot space.
not fussed about fancy features as i see it as more things thatll fail/break.

any thoughts on best option for us?

[MDA123]

Highline is the best and if you want a B6 then 2010 is about the newest you can get as it was replaced with the B7 - very similar inside but a revised exterior. A little more expensive but with different trim levels.

[Rob69]

Worth looking at the Octavia estate instead, B6 passat of that age and budget may have the EPB problems and rust just about to blossom. Do your homework on the engines as well.

[RichardSEL]

10k miles or less per year? Then don't bother with TDi models as the economy gained is marginal over any other diesel disadvantages -- such as higher cost per litre.

Run a 2.0L tFSI here and although can only get max 42mpg lightfoot on a long run they have as stock 200BHP (more if you remap) Most come in the SEL fully spec-ed versions already as they were aimed at the "executive/rep" market. R-Line was a trim ploy with better looking front/rear and sill panels, S is basic, and SE a little less basic. You can see what you get in the various models' packages from the relevent model years' catalogues. I've only got '06, '07, and '08. But if you're planning on spending £8k then that should get you a CC. Check to see what you get offered for headunit and BT connectivity. Guess with family you'll need iPhone interface.

If you get lower specc'ed but later model, bet you end up adding "stuff" -- rear footwell lights, door puddle lights, etc. Even power folding mirrors were an extra to the SEL spec (so were fogs ) DRLs are standard on the CC

Investigate 4Motion. Stateside the fashion is 3.6L or 3.2L 4Motion -- fun as well as family estate

You'll have to do a spreadsheet of options vs models available in your area.
Get yourself a VCDS Autoscan if dealer/seller will permit prior to purchase. If they won't (been out to several new buys now) re-consider

Hope this wibble helps?

[vespa]

A Honda Seriously though, a late 2009 reg after SEPT on has most of the problems ironed out inc the EPB and the cambelt service interval on time increases to 5 years.