used car choice

cantdecide

I think I’m buying a ’06 Passat 1.6 Comfortline. I’m a huge car nut with particular interest with VAG cars so please don’t berate me for my choice. I know they’ve proven to be less than reliable unfortunately but I am happy to chance it for the following reasons

• I think they’re a great looking car (It’s a set of OEM 25mm springs away from really looking the biz IMO).
• It’s a low mileage/ full dealer history pristine Irish car (not a Done Deal “pristine”- it’s actually pristine).
• Great price from a source I’ve been very pleased with in the past.
• Would be the second newest of my 16 cars (19 vehicles) at time of purchase.
• Good spec
• It’s one of the easier cars to re- sell.
• Right colour for the model (dolphin grey).
• Suits my needs (I also like practical, grown-up cars).
• €3k less than the diesel equivalent which I can’t afford/ justify with my mileage.
• It’s at the part of it’s life where if I decide to bugger off to Oz, it’s realistic sale price should cover the remaining loan after a reasonable amount of time
• Mainly because it has a 12 month Mapfre warranty which means 12 months respite from the average of €240/ month of maintenance and repairs for bangers for the last 2 years.

My question is are there any other factors to consider. For me, the €7k+ is a huge amount of money for a car and since virtually all of it will be borrowed, I want to have 100% knowledge of what I’m really getting myself into.

R.O.R

cantdecide wrote: »

I think I’m buying a ’06 Passat 1.6 Comfortline. I’m a huge car nut with particular interest with VAG cars so please don’t berate me for my choice. I know they’ve proven to be less than reliable unfortunately but I am happy to chance it for the following reasons

• I think they’re a great looking car (It’s a set of OEM 25mm springs away from really looking the biz IMO).
• It’s a low mileage/ full dealer history pristine Irish car (not a Done Deal “pristine”- it’s actually pristine).
• Great price from a source I’ve been very pleased with in the past.
• Would be the second newest of my 16 cars (19 vehicles) at time of purchase.
• Good spec
• It’s one of the easier cars to re- sell.
• Right colour for the model (dolphin grey).
• Suits my needs (I also like practical, grown-up cars).
• €3k less than the diesel equivalent which I can’t afford/ justify with my mileage.
• It’s at the part of it’s life where if I decide to bugger off to Oz, it’s realistic sale price should cover the remaining loan after a reasonable amount of time
• Mainly because it has a 12 month Mapfre warranty which means 12 months respite from the average of €240/ month of maintenance and repairs for bangers for the last 2 years.

My question is are there any other factors to consider. For me, the €7k+ is a huge amount of money for a car and since virtually all of it will be borrowed, I want to have 100% knowledge of what I’m really getting myself into.

1.6Fsi's are pretty reliable. Coils packs can cause issues but it's a simple and fairly cheap fix. MY06 cars are still plagued with the niggly issues like hand brake button failure, steering column sensor etc. any of the general faults that affect all Passat's of that age - just can't remember the rest at the moment.

thirtythirty

I think Passat's have re-invented themselves (for the better). In particular, the newest model are prob my favourite saloons.

What sort of mileage you looking at? For whatever reason, passats always seem to have high mileage. However keep in mind that the "break-in" point of VAG engines tends to be 50-60,000 miles (new t-belt required), and apparantly that's when they're at their best. So if you're looking at 90-100,000 mile cars, that's kinda like 40,000 miles from the engine's best point, and not actually towards end of life as you might think with many other cars.

As for your purchase, I would be of the school of thinking that when you spend that much on a car through loan, you want the highest spec you can get for that money. Mainly because A)aside from the car itself, it's a nice feeling of "money well spent", you are less likely to get bored of the car and will keep it for longer, and C) re-sale! No one wants a super high mileage base-spec motor, but many people won't mind super high mileage high-spec.

As for the colour, I think dark colours suit the passat better actually. Blue and black. That's personal opinion of course, but I personally always think of bogger-mobiles with blacked out windows and dodgy side skirts when I think of silver Passat / Bora / A4's!

So therefore, I think you should buy,

This

or, if you can find another G

This would definately be my first preference - look at that interior!

(silver version of the above)


You might find lot's of extra info on http://vagdrivers.net/forums/index.php?

Stevie Dakota

Sounds like you have made up you mind and know what you want.

A pal had a 1.6 that they wanted to burn, engine cut out at speed on the M50, power steering and brakes went, very scary. They hated the car.

Family member has a 1.6 that apart from a handbrake recall has been 100% reliable.

Hopefully you will find a good one.

Zubeneschamali

cantdecide wrote: »

I want to have 100% knowledge of what I’m really getting myself into.

A dull family saloon which is slow, doesn't handle, isn't economical, isn't very reliable and isn't well equipped.

But you knew that before you posted, so I'm not sure what else anyone can say.

cantdecide

R.O.R wrote: »

1.6Fsi's are pretty reliable. Coils packs can cause issues but it's a simple and fairly cheap fix. MY06 cars are still plagued with the niggly issues like hand brake button failure, steering column sensor etc. any of the general faults that affect all Passat's of that age - just can't remember the rest at the moment.

Thanks. I can worry about those another day, tbh. I've had plenty to be broke about in the last two years besides my worst run of bad luck in a decade of driving. I just want to get ahead once.

spottyelephant wrote: »

I think Passat's have re-invented themselves (for the better). In particular, the newest model are prob my favourite saloons.

What sort of mileage you looking at? For whatever reason, passats always seem to have high mileage.... As for your purchase,..you want the highest spec you can get for that money...So therefore, I think you should buy,

This

or, if you can find another G

This would definately be my first preference - look at that interior!

(silver version of the above)

Well at least 'mine' has only 76000 km with 12 months warranty etc. from a main dealer for the €7.5k ish so I'm pleased enough with the deal.

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

Sounds like you have made up you mind and know what you want.

A pal had a 1.6 that they wanted to burn, engine cut out at speed on the M50, power steering and brakes went, very scary. They hated the car.

Family member has a 1.6 that apart from a handbrake recall has been 100% reliable.

Hopefully you will find a good one.

I hope so too. The reviews are very much mixed

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

A dull family saloon which is slow, doesn't handle, isn't economical, isn't very reliable and isn't well equipped.

But you knew that before you posted, so I'm not sure what else anyone can say.

Thanks

unkel

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

A dull family saloon which is slow, doesn't handle, isn't economical, isn't very reliable and isn't well equipped.

But you knew that before you posted, so I'm not sure what else anyone can say.

My thoughts exactly. No redeeming features at all unless you love the look and / or are a huge VAG fan. 'Felt spec it!

On a more serious note - OP, if there's a chance of you emigrating in the near future, is it wise to buy a car now with a loan? Why not buy a banger until you know where you stand futurewise?

cantdecide

unkel wrote: »

My thoughts exactly. No redeeming features at all unless you love the look and / or are a huge VAG fan. 'Felt spec it!

I have a very broad interest in cars and motoring in general. I've had a very eclectic motoring history. I tend to favour German cars in particular. Within this, I tend the favour VAG cars. No car is perfect and this car is no exception. I can understand anyone not liking a car but I'll never understand why they always get an extreme view. There was always an irrational anti-BMW sentiment and now there seems to be an equally strong irrational anti-VAG camp too, IMO.

unkel wrote: »

On a more serious note - OP, if there's a chance of you emigrating in the near future, is it wise to buy a car now with a loan? Why not buy a banger until you know where you stand futurewise?

I'm working in construction and I've been driving bangers for 3+ years now because of the fear. I'm ******* badly broke over them. I've had nothing but heartache and constant expense for three years. I have literally been spending new car payments on various heaps of crap for three years and enough is enough.

Having stayed in gainful employment for the recession thusfar, I've decided I want a decent car on the basis that if I have to, I can get out of it without much problem. This car suits that brief. My intention is to continue my life here if possible. I don't have much interest in emmigrating unless necessary and I feel at this stage it won't be necessary.

In other words, I just want to get on with my life and stop living for tomorrow.

Anan1

cantdecide wrote: »

I have a very broad interest in cars and motoring in general. I've had a very eclectic motoring history. I tend to favour German cars in particular. Within this, I tend the favour VAG cars. No car is perfect and this car is no exception. I can understand anyone not liking a car but I'll never understand why they always get an extreme view. There was always an irrational anti-BMW sentiment and now there seems to be an equally strong irrational anti-VAG camp too, IMO.

I'm not anti-VAG for a second, but i've driven a Passat 1.6 and it's as dull as ditchwater. I think what's confusing people is that you're proposing to buy a prime example of car-as-appliance because you're an enthusiast. I have to say, i'm confused too.:)

cantdecide

Anan1 wrote: »

I'm not anti-VAG for a second, but i've driven a Passat 1.6 and it's as dull as ditchwater. I think what's confusing people is that you're proposing to buy a prime example of car-as-appliance because you're an enthusiast. I have to say, i'm confused too.:)

I'm driving a 323F with the engine light on. Before that, it was a 95 316i with 200k on the clock (that had probably just 70 ish BHP left). Before that it was a B4 legacy with a knackered gearbox. Before that it was another Passat that had had a rough life. Before that, it was my beloved A6 2.8 quattro sport where I literally didn't have the money to fix and had to sell it for €900. Absolute knackersville.

I can think about another top spec car when I can finally manage to get off my knees. For now, I just want a car that will function, will appeal to me on some level and give me some kind of financial certainty.

cantdecide

Anan1 wrote: »

...i've driven a Passat 1.6 and it's as dull as ditchwater...

Also, when you're used to 165 bhp on two wheels, all cars feel slow.

Zubeneschamali

cantdecide wrote: »

For now, I just want a car that will function, will appeal to me on some level and give me some kind of financial certainty.

On that basis, I'd rather have an Avensis: less likely to break and cost you money.

And I hate Avensisseses.

cantdecide

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

On that basis, I'd rather have an Avensis: less likely to break and cost you money.

And I hate Avensisseses.

12 months warranty is an eternity when you haven't had one on a car in 7 years.

I'd die before I'd buy a tinny Toyota. My rattly dash tinny Mazda has finished me with Jap cars for now.

Anan1

I put a friend into a 1998 Legacy 2.2 estate auto for €850 late last year, it recently passed its NCT and everything works. Wouldn't that beat a 2006 Passat 1.6 for €7k on all fronts bar crashworthiness? It certainly would for me.

cantdecide

Anan1 wrote: »

I put a friend into a 1998 Legacy 2.2 estate auto for €850 late last year, it recently passed its NCT and everything works. Wouldn't that beat a 2006 Passat 1.6 for €7k on all fronts bar crashworthiness? It certainly would for me.

I really didn't want to get into this debate.

I'll buy it. I'll want these wheels for it. I'll want to lower it. I'll want to get those dings out and that bumper painted. I'll be back and forth to the garage trying to get that suspension rattle sorted. I'll be pricing that stereo for it. I'll be trying to get that seat tear fixed. It'll be then that the head gaskets will go, probably just after I come back from holiday.

I've had this crap for years. I'm trying to break the cycle of bangers that break me

Zubeneschamali

Whereas with the Passat, you'll borrow a lot to buy it. You'll drive it. You'll hate it.

You'll change it within a year.

cadaliac

I understand where you are comming from. I too am sick of cars breaking down on me and being broke from month to month because a car was robbing me blind.
The offending car was a Passat.
I sold it.
Happy days.
I went the bangernomics route last August (I had to get married and stop shelling out €500 per month on repayments). Not to mention repair bills, which were also monthly. :mad:
I now have a car that cost me very little to run and does NOT break down.
People are telling you that this particular Passat is NOT reliable. I would listen to them, espically if you are concerned about getting a good car.
If you thought you had repair bills before, brace yourself.

As I said, I know where you are coming from but it also seems that you have had some bad luck with cars in the past and need a bit of a break.

In this case I would get a car that won't breakdown all the time. (i'm suprised your Mazda is breaking down).
As suggested, an avensis will fit the bill, even if just for one year. You won't have to borrow much either.
Bangernomics should be your friend for one year at least.
It would kill me if I borrowed and the car I borrowed for started breaking down also.