05 1.6fsi Passat Vs 1.4 Golf. first car purchase?

neildyr

Am going to buy either one of these in the next couple of weeks. my budget is about 5k. I have found a few of each around the 60k miles range at my price range. Passat (newer Body shape)2005, / 2005 golf MK5

I am swaying towards the Passat (newer Body shape). I much prefer the interior IMO and I want a saloon more than a hatch back. However I would not be put of buying the golf either if its just the better car at the end of the day.

From what I have read the 1.6Fsi Passat is a bit of a dog engine wise and also that the 1.4 golf cannot pull its weight either. This is not a big deal to me or SHOULD IT BE ?? I am not a fast driver and smaller engine's = lower road tax and insurance for me, (Fuel Costs? I dunno). Will be primarily using in and around Dublin etc. So any one with experiences with either, could you share your two cents worth. Be honest. I want to be as informed as I can whilst making the decision on the day after test driving each.

Also any know'n problems with either I should Look out for. Manufacture defaults, funny noises, things to be replaced that dealer wont mention.

All/any help and knowledge extremely welcome. Thanks for taking time to help.

kirving

You mentioned that the smaller engine means lower insurance. I'm not sure about a Passat or Golf, but I'm looking at cars at the moment too, and a 1.8 S40 is about 30% cheaper than a 1.6 Focus. (I think I checked and a 1.4 Focus was dearer too)

Obviously tax will be higher, and possibly fuel costs too, but just do a good bit of research into insurance as a more powerful car may actually be cheaper insurance wise, meaning you have more options when choosing your car.

neildyr

Thanks. I suppose the test drive will reveal all once undertaken.

Besides the obvious tax and insurance and probably a bit more fuel I can live with. The thing is I am/will be unaware of future possible expense's the Passat will garner.

Cheers

sebastianlieken

I have an 07 golf and dad has an 08 passat, Interior wise... I prefer dad's car. It's a nicer place to be for long journeys etc. Driving wise... we both prefer my car, it's lighter and more agile, built for corners more than cruising.

I don't think you should be too concerned with the engines that are in either car - They're going to be similar enough as far as power/weight ratio is concerned anyway. neither will be overly sporty but that's fine - if you wanted a sports car you'd be looking to buy a sports car. Both cars will pull their weight adequately and at the end of the day - you'll spend most of your driving hours driving sensibly, so why not go for the car that's more pleasant to be in. I'd go for the passat.

colm_mcm

Consider the jetta 1.6 too. Not as complicated as the passat and while its basically a mk5 golf its technically a more recent model and you wont feel as bad