Which car?

mark2912

I'm looking at buying a new car (2nd hand), torn between the Toyota Corolla Hybrid Saloon or a VW Passat.

I currently have a 2010 VW Golf 1.2 petrol, so personally would prefer the VW brand. However, the Corolla seems to be working out better financially with insurance, tax etc as its only a 1.8 petrol hybrid, whereas all the Passats I'm looking at (2018 or newer) are all diesel with either a 1.6 or 2L engine. My current insurer (Boxymo) won't give me quotes for the Passats that I look at (likely because of engine size), but will quote me for the Corolla.

I would prefer VW as the specs and trim levels seem to offer more than those of Toyota, but again the increased costs of running are putting me off at the same time.

Just wondering if any experts on here know much about either of the cars, and could put me right?

TIA

Mark

User1998

Theres a few problems I’m seeing.

Firstly me personally I wouldn’t be picking one over the other due to tax/insurance costs. Tax is like what €20 more per year in the 1.6 Passat? Fuel costs will be the same , and insurance costs should also be similar plus or minus a few hundred. Your spending like €20k so a couple of hundred euro per year shouldn’t even be in the question IMO.

Secondly was it an online quote for the Passats or did you speak to an agent? In my case I could only get quotes on some cars if I called.

And thirdly, if you are with Boxymo I would assume your doing less than 15,000km a year. What type of driving do you do? Would a diesel be suitable for your commute?

mark2912

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119031003#Comment_119031003

Firstly, yes they were online quotes I got for the Passat.

I live in the city and definitely wouldn't do 15,000km a year. I rarely do long distance journeys so I don't need a diesel as such, but the majority of the Passat only seem to come in diesel.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119031302#Comment_119031302

I’d definitely avoid a diesel. The DPF will be blocked before you know it and you’ll have all sorts of trouble. 1.4 TSI are nicer to drive and will suit your driving style much better

AMKC

At OP you definitely want a petrol or electric even. How much are you willing to spend?

Is a saloon the only type of car you would consider or are you interested in hatchs and SUVs too?

Xidu

Go EV, cost vs diesel is way better