New Passatt or Mondeo?

[james_tiger_woo]

Agreed - both cars are "plentiful" but when put side by side, people are more likely to go with the VW - but again, that's my own opinion

My car's standard, but it's my own and not a company one, but it does have the premium of leather and parking sensors. Having previously had a Passat without sensors - it's a must....

[MalcQV]

Agreed - both cars are "plentiful" but when put side by side, people are more likely to go with the VW - but again, that's my own opinion

Maybe, can't argue with that as we are all different

My car's standard, but it's my own and not a company one, but it does have the premium of leather and parking sensors. Having previously had a Passat without sensors - it's a must....

If buying new then the VW may win for me over the Mondeo purely on depreciation, though if I am honest I would choose a different car completely.

[chrisvrscrx]

Jeez have you seen how many passats are on the roads!
Most with standard wheels..... partly because the tyres are extortionate otherwise and out of company budgets.

The Mondeo estate is a very good looking car....... the saloon looks like the old escort from the back IMHO.

They are a bit similar.

[Pauloz]

They are a bit similar.

I meant this old escort.... i'm not old enoguh to remember that

[Bloater]

Maybe, can't argue with that as we are all different



If buying new then the VW may win for me over the Mondeo purely on depreciation, though if I am honest I would choose a different car completely.

So which car would that be then??

[james_tiger_woo]

Maybe, can't argue with that as we are all different

Vive la difference

If buying new then the VW may win for me over the Mondeo purely on depreciation, though if I am honest I would choose a different car completely.

I actually wanted the Octavia VRs (TDi), but I needed something comfortable with normal suspension..... (And I couldn't find one - oh, and the Passat was £3k cheaper)

[MalcQV]

So which car would that be then??

New car? Practical, good build quality and reliable (the latter is what I believe[d] the Passat to be) probably a Honda Accord.

[Bloater]

I thought about the Accord as well, but that along with the Avensis, don't interest me now. They are "old" boys cars, no excitement. They do everything they are supposed to do, and do it well. But living in the world of roundabouts in Milton Keynes, neither of those two has the fun element that the Passat has.

I guess it comes down to what you want from your car, I want some fun. Perhaps once I'm in my 50's I'll go back to uber reliable Japan again.

Bloater

[JBlues]

Hi Darren,

I got a 2.0TDI 140 Sport Saloon in Sept 2005 and this has had many electrical problems mainly linked to the parking sensors, folding mirrors and keyless entry system. The Passat (when it works) is an excellent family car and is mechanically sound. I am replacing mine in September this year so have started to look at what is on offer. The Ford Mondeo (IMHO) looks the part and in Titanium X guise (comparable to Sport prices) is better kitted out. The pundits love it....or at least love Ford's advertising budget....! I am now looking to replace mine with either a Passat or Mondeo Estate with the possibility of the Pasat CC and Tiguan coming into the frame! As I understand it the B6 Passat as we know it will be facelifted next year, probably from April / May onwards. This usually means that VW will change the spec of the current cars prior to this 're-launch'.
I am guessing that this will take place from May 2008 given that they are currently discounting SE models until March 2008 after which the new specs are likely to be announced. You can expect maybe a 'free' upgrade to an RCD500 radio on the Sport given that they have the new Radio/Nav/Hard Drive units on offer a great expense but nothing much more! VW may even offer the two new Common Rail TDI units (available in the Tiguan) at the same time though this is all purely conjecture on my part.

Based on the fact that I am essentially looking at a load-lugger my head says get a Mondeo for sheer size and kit. However, I am very interested in getting the 4-motion version of the Passat and I really like the Parking Brake and Auto Hold on the Passat which I would actually miss. Auto Hold is now standard across the Passat range - they put the price up accordingly. So this lot is really not much help to you at all other than to say, keep an eye on the VW website from April onwards and make sure you get long test drives in both cars!

[Bloater]

JBlues - Interesting take on what may or may not happen. I'm up for a replacement by September, and have asked elsewhere about a kit upgrade on the current Sport model.

I have also compared the Mondeo, Titanium X but don't understand why you think its better specced, I thought it was comparable. Its a similar cost, but residuals will be lower, approx 38% after 3 years, as opposed to 41% for the Passat.

I'm seriously considering moving slightly higher up the chain, to the New A4, very well specced car for the price, I believe. Any thoughts?

Bloater