2008 Passat or S40

Ra1ph

Wife is in the market for a new car after her Avensis was stolen recently.

Budget is 16-17k for 2008 Diesel Saloon

We have been looking a a few 2008 Highline Passats but have not found a decent one in within budget. The few that were in budget weren't in great condition.

So now she is thinking, about a dropping down to a Comfortline Passat or a Volvo S40.

Just wondering what you guys think whether to go with the VW or the Vovlo?

Thanks

bazz26

I have a S40 but it is way smaller than a Passat as the S40 is based on the Ford Focus which is from a class below the Passat, so if she needs alot of inside space or a big boot then go for the Passat.

Spec on the S40 is very good, SE trim is the minimum you should be looking for but just take note that Volvo servicing and parts are pretty expensive even compared to VW prices. When buying my S40 I test drove a Passat Highline but wasn't that impressed with the quality or support of the half leather seats. Found them very firm and the leather looked very fake and shiney. Fit and finish in the S40 is very good, no rattles or squeaks from the cabin and sound proofing is also very good.

J77

bazz26 wrote: »

I have a S40 but it is way smaller than a Passat as the S40 is based on the Ford Focus which is from a class below the Passat, so if she needs alot of inside space or a big boot then go for the Passat.

Spec on the S40 is very good, SE trim is the minimum you should be looking for but just take note that Volvo servicing and parts are pretty expensive even compared to VW prices. When buying my S40 I test drove a Passat Highline but wasn't that impressed with the quality or support of the half leather seats. Found them very firm and the leather looked very fake and shiney. Fit and finish in the S40 is very good, no rattles or squeaks from the cabin and sound proofing is also very good.

+1 on the space issue and getting at least SE. It'll be tougher to sell it on without leather seats.

I actually think the highline passat feels better quality than the S40 SE. Friend has one and I love having a drive in it. I think you face a big drop in quality if you buy any other spec than Highline.

I faced the same situation when I was buying my 2006 2.0d S40 SE. Couldn't get a highline good enough for the right price.

You could get something less generic for the money.

Here is something nice for the money that is worth considering

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A6/2.7-TDI-/201016197735269/advert?channel=CARS


If your looking for a smaller engine an 06 maybe 07 520d is a good idea for the money. Here's an example.
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520d-SE/201023198370288/advert?channel=CARS

An a4 wont disappoint.
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A4/1.9-TDI-/201033199206735/advert?channel=CARS

_Kaiser_

A4 is a lot smaller in the back seat/legroom area than the Passat. I looked at a 06 one when I was in the market and in the end decided on the 06 Comfortline Passat in the end.

If getting a Passat though try and get one with the newer Common Rail as opposed to the PD engine, also make sure the timing belt has been done if there's a lot of mileage on it.

Ra1ph

Thanks for you replies,

On done deal we were looking at Highline Passat that we discovered had finanace owned. We told the seller that we woulds buy only if we made a cheque out top the finance company for the amount owed on the car, needlees to say he never got back to us.

We were a few hours from buying a 2008 Honda Accord EX model which we saw on Done Deal also, when a Cartell check returned that the car was a Cat D write off in England. €35 well spent!!

We ended up getting a 2008 Highline Passat, 30K miles, bought from Volkwagen deal up the North. VRT was €3523.

Happy

grantk2

Hi Ra1ph,

Are you still happy with the 2008 Passat?

I have my eye on an estate model at a good price from a VW dealer, but after reading whatcar website reader reviews, seems to be a lot of problems with them?

Would you still recommend it?

Cheers