New Passat - Any good??

[Gixxermonkey]

Considering a few cars at the moment, just starting a bit of research. Top of my list are:

VW Passat Tdi, 140 or 170ps version, possibly DSG
Audi A4 Avant Tdi, DSG
Volvo V70 2.4D of some variant

Just wanted your thoughts on the quality of the new Passat. A casual glance through the this forum shows a few unhappy guys with problems. Are these isolated cases or is there a general quality / reliability concern.

My current ride (Golf Tdi PD130) hasn't missed a beat in the last 4.5yrs, never had such a reliable car. Would like to think that an 06/07 Passat would be the same.

Any comments appreciated.

[RickT]

Your best setting a price tag first and taking it from there as the cars you listed have a few K between them

However... have a look at these first and report back

VW
http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-...5&P=WM&SP=FAST

Audi

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-...5&P=WM&SP=FAST

The Un-VAG car.... Volvo...

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-...7&P=WM&SP=FAST

Cheers

RicKT

[AndrewT]

My advice would be to think very carefully before you take the risk with the Passat. If budget is not too much of an issue and you don't need the extra legroom - go for the A4.

I've had more problems with this car than any other I've owned in 16 years - including Citroen, Vauxhall, Ford, Rover and 2 Audi A4 Avants.

I might have been unlucky, but it is all the nice to have extras with the B6 that have caused the grief. The Audi may be a lower spec but it might be the better bet in terms of ownership. Hope this helps.

[Gixxermonkey]

Thanks for the feedback.

[Eshrules]

i would suppose its all down to personal prefernce at the end of the day, i cant believe that passats are a generally poorly made & unreliable car. surely...if they were, they wouldnt be such a prime choice for businesses/fleet rentals etc etc. given the choice though, mine would be the A4 every time, i guess those four rings just appeal a little more.

[lil_elvis2000]

I've only had my passat a short while (two months) and it has already got several problems.

Locks, Heater, door latch, radio - all issues. All expensive issues. I've never had this much problems with Ford, GM, Mazda, Honda. Come to think of it - my passat has more problems then all the previous cars put together.

Drives nice - but I'm waiting for winter to pass and sell it and ride the bus instead. I hate it that much!

[Bandy]

I had two A4s before my current 2005 140TDi Sport DSG and so far I would have to say that I have made a bad switch! The build quality is worse, the DSG is not as effective as the Multi-tronic and I have had bad starting probelms which has meant that it has been in garage three times in three weeks!

[Jaspercat3]

I have owned 2 Volvo V70 2.4 Ds. Steering and suspension on country roads poor (kept grounding mudfalps on hilly bends on A roads!). Steering like trying to naviagte a shopping trolley. Despite body size, cramped legroom for rear passengers. I am over 6' 3'' tall.

Just taken delivery of Passat 140 DSG Diesel Sport. Seems very good so far (1 month). Lots of room, very comfortable, steers well. Gearbox excellent. 140 passed our Holden Hill test (From bottom at 60 mph to top in 6th gear accelearting gently with 5 adults.)

Radio/CD a bit basic.
Standard Headlights - not bright enough on dip in country - need to put Xenon bulbs in, as we did with the Volvos.
Reversing light (we live in the country) doesn't spread the beam wide enough.


Hope this helps?

Will post for information on changing front headlight bulbs.
Otherwise very pleased, and averaging good fuel economy.

[RickT]

Xenon bulbs.... dont bother.... go for a HID/xenon kit..

See my most on another forum for a bit of info.. and the amount of cash i have spent trying to get the look before turning HID

http://www.audi-forums.com/b6-forum/...highlight=PIAA


And also my NEW HID's.

http://www.audi-forums.com/b6-forum/...highlight=HIDs

Cheers

RickT

[Jaspercat3]

Thanks