2004 A6 or VW Passat?

**peterweedon** · 08-04-2009,02:26 PM

Having failed to find a sensibly priced 1.9 130 A6 Avant I'm considering a Passat which seem to offer better value. I don't want to spend much more than £5,500 which seems to buy a 100,000 2004 Audi or 80,000 2005 Passat - both diesel, leather seats etc.

Is there a significant difference between the two that is worth the extra?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

Peter

**jonjosar** · 08-04-2009,11:26 PM

Having owned 3 passats before buying my A6, i had an 01 130, 03 100 and an 05 100 highline. All where commendable cars but hand on heart, they are not the same as an A6. It just seems a bit better put together. If i had,nt bought the A6, my second choice would have been a Skoda superb as they seem to offer quality that is well on par with any of the VW cars but more room and beter value, especially the higher spec,d cars.

**paul b** · 08-04-2009,11:41 PM

If you've driven the A6s by now, you'll notice the difference when you take a Passat for a drive. I sure did when I got in my work colleague's.

I can't comment on the Superb though, never been inside one.

**peterweedon** · 08-04-2009,11:57 PM

Thanks for the replies. I've been a passenger in a Passat but not driven one - yet. It certainly seemed big and comfy but I have no idea how it performs once behind the wheel.

Interesting observation on the Skoda. I did consider the Octavia due to positive reviews but the boot appears smaller than I need in an estate.

Peter

**SW TDi** · 09-04-2009,11:53 AM

I have an 03 Passat TDi Sport and a 53 A6 Avant TDi SE. Both great cars, but for my money the Audi is more refined and a better drive. Love them both though!

**peterweedon** · 09-04-2009,12:01 PM

Originally Posted by SW TDi

I have an 03 Passat TDi Sport and a 53 A6 Avant TDi SE. Both great cars, but for my money the Audi is more refined and a better drive. Love them both though!

I appreciate that this is a subjective as well as an objective question but, in your view, is the A6 worth the difference?

Peter

**SW TDi** · 09-04-2009,02:51 PM

Guess it depends on how much you value the overall driving experience. At the kind of mileage that I buy cars (80-90k), I think the £1k premium on the Audi is worth it for the increased level of refinement you get.

**peterweedon** · 09-04-2009,03:05 PM

Originally Posted by SW TDi

Guess it depends on how much you value the overall driving experience. At the kind of mileage that I buy cars (80-90k), I think the £1k premium on the Audi is worth it for the increased level of refinement you get.

That's the mileage I'm looking at too. My heart says Audi for the driving experience but my head says VW for the extra 20-30,000 miles I will get before the cambelt needs changing.

**SW TDi** · 09-04-2009,07:14 PM

To be honest, the first thing I do with cars of this age is get the cam belt, pulleys, tensioners and the pump done, regardless of what the history says. I'd rather spend £400 on my £5k investment and sleep easy for a few years!

**Col** · 09-04-2009,07:54 PM

I've had both, B5.5 Passat and C5 A6.

They are in effect exactly the same car. Some of the engines are different but all of the underpinnings are identical. Both of my cars have had exactly the same 1.9 TDI engine and both drive exactly the same. The A6 is much more nicely trimmed and sound insualted.

The thing is, if you get the Passat, you will always be thinking, "I should have got an A6." If your thinking it now you will think that later on.