Passat or Saab?

mikedragon32 · 10-08-2006 08:39PM #1

I've started to look around for a new car and had pretty much narrowed my choice to a Passat as I can afford a 06 reg'd 1.9 TDi.

However today I saw a very nice 05 reg'd Saab 9-3 1.9 TiDs with a much higher level of specification and a lot of options for about the same money.

The thing is, I was talking to the dealer in the garage where I saw the Saab and she (yeah, I know) suggested she could do me a good trade in on my current car which would almost match the value if I was to sell privately.

Does anyone have any thoughts on which they might choose? I guess beyond all the ideas about trim, specification, options etc. I wonder about depreciation and resale two years down the road.

junkyard · 10-08-2006 09:33PM

I wouldn't buy either of them they're both sh*te as far as I'm concerned, I'd buy a Ford Mondeo before I'd buy either one. What about a Toyota Avensis, I know they're not the most exciting car on the market but you won't get the trouble the Passat will give you. The Saab is only an Opel Vectra in wolfs clothing. You should consider a second-hand BMW 530d if you can afford the road tax, a fantastic car to drive and a handsome car to look at but make sure you get the right spec. i.e. leather interior and M-tech bumpers etc.

crosstownk · 10-08-2006 09:45PM

Of the two I'd go with the Passat. I've heard about lots of problems with them but I've 50+ of the new Passat on fleet and (so far) they've given no serious trouble. The Saab, if it gives bother down the road, will cost more to repair - parts can be expensive. The Passat will have a 2 year warranty.

But junkyard is talking sense about the 530d - sweet car.

cantdecide · 10-08-2006 11:54PM

junkyard wrote:

I wouldn't buy either of them they're both sh*te as far as I'm concerned, I'd buy a Ford Mondeo before I'd buy either one. What about a Toyota Avensis

----your sarcastic comment here----

passat would have better resale. it's the better of the two overall IMO and it's a fine car by any standards. speccy passats are hard to come by which is a shame. would you consider parting with a superfluous organ and getting a sport model. they are just to die for.

(i wouldn't push you away from the 530d either though)

junkyard · 11-08-2006 12:45AM

VW haven't made a decent car since the mid nineties ffs, the sh*te they're churning out since then doesn't hold its money. There are a few loyal supporters out there (a bit like the Alfa brigade) who think that when they're cars fall apart that it was just a fluke or must have been due to overuse or that the owner is being punished by the VW or Alfa god for something they did. When will people learn that they are being ripped off by these companies who are selling inferior products with inferior parts time after time. Don't get me wrong I own seven VWs myself and I adore my GTIs but that was a time when they built quality. It seems a terrible shame that the same people who built the Beetle can hold their heads up high and say they build a successor to this great car. What a load of bo**ox, instead of bringing Seat and Skoda up to the standards that VW used to be they dragged the VW name down to the gutter. Such a shame.

Preset No.3 · 11-08-2006 02:10AM

Ok, a 530D is a nice idea. HOWEVER, its the high rate of roadtax! I like the Saab, I had a 93 for about a year and never had a problem with it. Where was the 93 you were looking at? Faichney Ringwood? I like the '05 tdi sport that they have. Only thing I would say against the Saab, is not to hold on to it for longer than 2 years. The value really drops then.

HungryJoey · 11-08-2006 02:28AM

junkyard wrote:

VW haven't made a decent car since the mid nineties ffs, the sh*te they're churning out since then doesn't hold its money. There are a few loyal supporters out there (a bit like the Alfa brigade) who think that when they're cars fall apart that it was just a fluke or must have been due to overuse or that the owner is being punished by the VW or Alfa god for something they did. When will people learn that they are being ripped off by these companies who are selling inferior products with inferior parts time after time. Don't get me wrong I own seven VWs myself and I adore my GTIs but that was a time when they built quality. It seems a terrible shame that the same people who built the Beetle can hold their heads up high and say they build a successor to this great car. What a load of bo**ox, instead of bringing Seat and Skoda up to the standards that VW used to be they dragged the VW name down to the gutter. Such a shame.

Give the VW basing a break Ey ? You're always at it tbh. And some of you're comments are straight off radicilous regarding VW and other car manufacturers that do not meet you're standards. I am basing this comment off alot of you're posts towards VW which I will strongly dis-agree with.

**Not meaning to sound so snotty

Hj

Big Balls · 11-08-2006 06:56AM

Junkyard how much more SH1TE are you gonna plough into this thread?

A Ford Mondeo?????? Better than the new model Passat!!!!!!

VW haven't made any decent cars since the mid 90s.

VW don't hold their value

And what, Ford's do?

Have you even sat in the new Passat? Looked at the finish of it? A good friend of mine sells those BMWs you rave on about (I love BMWs) and they had a new model Passat for sale in his dealers and he thought it was a lovely car.

Mike - the 1.9 engine is quite underpowered as it's not the 130 bhp or 150 bhp one. The 2.0 TDI is much more refined and powerful but the VRT jumps again.

Big Balls · 11-08-2006 06:59AM

junkyard wrote:

There are a few loyal supporters out there

VW Golfs are the No. 2 seller in the country you fool.

Big Nelly · 11-08-2006 08:19AM

junkyard wrote:

I wouldn't buy either of them they're both sh*te as far as I'm concerned, I'd buy a Ford Mondeo before I'd buy either one. What about a Toyota Avensis, I know they're not the most exciting car on the market but you won't get the trouble the Passat will give you. The Saab is only an Opel Vectra in wolfs clothing. You should consider a second-hand BMW 530d if you can afford the road tax, a fantastic car to drive and a handsome car to look at but make sure you get the right spec. i.e. leather interior and M-tech bumpers etc.

junkyard wrote:

VW haven't made a decent car since the mid nineties ffs, the sh*te they're churning out since then doesn't hold its money. There are a few loyal supporters out there (a bit like the Alfa brigade) who think that when they're cars fall apart that it was just a fluke or must have been due to overuse or that the owner is being punished by the VW or Alfa god for something they did. When will people learn that they are being ripped off by these companies who are selling inferior products with inferior parts time after time. Don't get me wrong I own seven VWs myself and I adore my GTIs but that was a time when they built quality. It seems a terrible shame that the same people who built the Beetle can hold their heads up high and say they build a successor to this great car. What a load of bo**ox, instead of bringing Seat and Skoda up to the standards that VW used to be they dragged the VW name down to the gutter. Such a shame.

God that cr*p cheered me up on a dull Friday morning in the office. What a crock of s**t. Anyway back to talking sense. What is the Bhp on the model of the Passat you are buying? some of them can be abit underpowered but nothing major. I swapped from a 1.6 Primera to a 90Bhp Passat and it was alot better than the Primera but you would notice on the motorways(which I drive on alot for work) when you where at 120Kmph she was lacking abit and the revs where pretty high

I swapped it for the 130Bhp and this car is great, takes off like a rocket and great on motorway(cruise control helps as well). Make sure if getting Passat to get comfortline, what extra's are included? mine is UK import so has all the bells and whisles on it. Which are handy for long drive. Was in Killarney two weekends ago and Galway last week and the Comfortline is needed, the 90Bhp was baseline and after a drive to Kerry once you would notice it isnt very nice on the rear area!! haha

Know a few people who have bought Saab and one bloke that is looking to buy one, one mate of mine got one and the whole engine practically fell out of it after 4 months, Saab fixed it for him but took ages to fix. Think the guys in garage said bill to Saab was close to 4K:eek: Saab's have a smaller fan base so thats why you will prob get better trade in but you will lose alot more on resale value. Again whats the Bhp on the Saab? is it UK import?

Did you look around for a 05 Passat Uk Import? you will be surprised at all the extras the UK models have. I give it 2-3 hours before someone on here mentions Skoda but would never buy one themselves

And to finish off on.......Mondeo??? lol classic

maidhc · 11-08-2006 08:37AM

My grandfather has an 06 Passat that has to date been troublefree (not exactly a noteworthy achievement...). I'd take a Mondeo anyday though, they are a better car IMO.

Junkyard is entitled to his opinion, and the guy by all accounts knows a lot more than most here about cars.

Sizzler · 11-08-2006 08:39AM

junkyard wrote:

I wouldn't buy either of them they're both sh*te as far as I'm concerned, I'd buy a Ford Mondeo before I'd buy either one. What about a Toyota Avensis, I know they're not the most exciting car on the market but you won't get the trouble the Passat will give you. The Saab is only an Opel Vectra in wolfs clothing. You should consider a second-hand BMW 530d if you can afford the road tax, a fantastic car to drive and a handsome car to look at but make sure you get the right spec. i.e. leather interior and M-tech bumpers etc.

FFS ! Are you having a laugh? A poxy Mondeo over a Passat? Superior? I dont think so ! Have a look at a 97 Mondeo now and have a look at a 97 Passat and see which one is looking the better? You can be guaranteed the mondeo is a junker and once it reaches 5 yrs old the value drops quicker than a brassers jockies.

To answer the OP's quandry, if you can afford the brand new Passat mate I would seriously consider it, sweet car. Much better to have a 06 than a 05 Saab I would have said. Its down to personal taste though, not everybody here is going to agree with your choice whatever you go for, so do what makes financial sense and also, which car gets you giddy..

Big Nelly · 11-08-2006 08:45AM

maidhc wrote:

My grandfather has an 06 Passat that has to date been troublefree (not exactly a noteworthy achievement...). I'd take a Mondeo anyday though, they are a better car IMO.

Junkyard is entitled to his opinion, and the guy by all accounts knows a lot more than most here about cars.

I was waiting for your usual "Buy a Skoda". To be honest I have drove a Mondeo and found it had a cheap interior, looked old and drove like a dog.

fletch · 11-08-2006 08:48AM

I'm very much a fan of Fords....absolutely love the way they drive but I'm with the guys on this one....having sat in my Uncles '06 Passat Sportline with full leather there really is no comparison, the Mondeo is due for replacement pretty soon and you can see why.

Smiley101 · 11-08-2006 09:07AM

I drove a new Passat recently. Nice looking car but I don't like them.
Noisey cabins
Very poor rear view
Hate the way have you start it...had to take out the manual to find out
Hate the electronic handbreak....would hate to get stuck on a hill

Much prefer the Volvo S40. Nicest car on the road I think

unkel · 11-08-2006 10:28AM

The Passat is modern looking, reasonably priced and very popular in Ireland. It will keep its value well. The Saab (basically an Opel Vectra) is overpriced, although the FIAT diesel engine is excellent. It will depreciate steeply, especially after 2 years

The Mondeo was the class leader when it came out, but it is aging now. It will depreciate very quickly once its successor is out. The Avensis is very dull, but reliable and it will keep its value well. A Skoda Superb is bigger than any of them and probably the cheapest to run too. Other alternatives are a Mazda 6 or a Volvo S40 (cleverly marketed as being in this class although it is really only a Ford Focus). Then there's the French cars, but I'd better not mention them or junkyard will have a fit

Preset No.3 wrote:

Ok, a 530D is a nice idea. HOWEVER, its the high rate of roadtax!

You have to keep it in perspective though! Tax would only be about €500 more on a 530d compared to a VW/SAAB 1.9d for a year. That's only a fraction of the depreciation of either car

Generally, nearly new BMW 3-series and 5-series are overpriced in Ireland, but you might consider importing a say 3 year old 330d / 530d from the UK

Big Balls · 11-08-2006 10:34AM

maidhc wrote:

Junkyard is entitled to his opinion, and the guy by all accounts knows a lot more than most here about cars.

Maybe so but the above is not opinion it's drivel and bias.

Anyone who says a Mondeo is a superior car to the Passat needs their head examined.

el tel · 11-08-2006 10:42AM

Wouldn't consider a SAAB period, they are troublesome GM junk with the constant potential for major problems and major bills. The Passat is a much better car although if I was looking for a newish car in this bracket the Toyota Avensis 2.2-D-4D would be my choice.

maidhc · 11-08-2006 10:55AM

Big Balls wrote:

Anyone who says a Mondeo is a superior car to the Passat needs their head examined.

Why?

I still have a 1995 one which has done 170k miles and cost practically nothing more than filters and oil in that time. It has aged well except for the bumpers cracking on the slightest impact, but you can replace them with spurious ones which should be better (I riveted mine together for the moment as my sister is learning to drive in it!). The mondeo does depreciate, but trading in any D segment car isn't fun... e.g. to go from an 02 Avensis to an 06 requires 20k.

The interior of the new Passat (Comfortline upward) is far nicer than the current mondeo. As regards a piece of machinery however I find the Mondeo far more appealing, even if the design is 6 years older.

tred · 11-08-2006 11:25AM

Big Balls wrote:

Maybe so but the above is not opinion it's drivel and bias.

Anyone who says a Mondeo is a superior car to the Passat needs their head examined.

Actually most of the so called experts would. But they would be comparing the mondeo to the previous version of the passat. When the new mondeo comes out the end of this year, it will beat the daylights out of the passat..wait and see!!!

Big Balls · 11-08-2006 11:53AM

So the current model Mondeo is a nicer car and more reliable than the last model Passat? Better engines? As nice an interior? As solid a car? Better residuals?

None of the above.

The Mondeo may handle better but rep mobiles/taxis don't need the best chassis available.

Maidhc I'm sure there's someone out there with a great Lada that has served them well, it doesn't mean they're great cars.

Neither of these cars are going to set the world alight but the overall better car is the Passat.

There's a lot of Ford Vs VW bashing on these boards, mainly people saying how great Fords are. Yesterday someone tried comparing the Focus ST with the new Golf R32. That's what you're up against - not to mention the predictions that the new Mondeo "will beat the daylights out of the passat..wait and see!!!". The same person probably said the same about the new Focus when the new Golf was came out.

Sizzler · 11-08-2006 12:33PM

LOL Big Balls, Im with you on all of the above

mikedragon32 · 11-08-2006 12:46PM

Bloody hell... what have I started?

To clarify a few of the queries, the Passat won't be brand new, I've a couple of ex-demos in mind in a couple of VW dealerships.

I guess what generated by quandry was seeing the 9-3 in the (Fiachney Ringwood, as one poster correctly guessed) forecourt. It did indeed have an impressive level of spec.

To answer Junkyard, it's not just my decision and I personally wouldn't like an Avensis and my wife hates Fords (she used to have one). Neither of us like BMW particularly, much less a big engined one!

The Passat was arrived upon while we were researching used A4/A6 models and we realised for the same money as a 1 or 2 year old A4 you could have a new model Passat with more equipment.

I think in the cold light of day and having thought about it last night, the Saab is indeed just a Vectra (albeit a NICE one), and we know that it would probably be more expensive in terms of running costs.

Someone mentioned the Octavia, which is indeed a nice car, but the finish isn't up to much we've found. I personally think that even with leather upholstry the interior is far too plastic looking.

Thanks to all for the advice, it's greatly appreciated. Glad I didn't mention the Alfa 156!!!!

unkel · 11-08-2006 12:55PM

mikedragon32 wrote:

The Passat was arrived upon while we were researching used A4/A6 models and we realised for the same money as a 1 or 2 year old A4 you could have a new model Passat with more equipment

Sound logic. The A4 might be nicer looking / more stylish with a great interior, but it is just a Passat underneath. You can't go far wrong with buying a new model nearly new Passat diesel. Are you going for a 2.0TDI? DSG?

mikedragon32 wrote:

Glad I didn't mention the Alfa 156!!!!

Note that no one else did either. The war would have really started had that happened

Mc-BigE · 11-08-2006 01:01PM

a nearly new passat with 2.0 diesel engine and leather interior would be very nice choice.
question is there a 170bhp 2.0TDI passat coming out on the market?
now thats worth looking into.

junkyard · 11-08-2006 01:05PM

Tbh I'd sooner buy a quality second-hand car than any of the above "rep mobiles." I've been buying and selling cars for nearly 30 years and it may be a surprise to some of you that I make a living out of buying and selling the right cars. I can't afford to make the same mistakes that some of you seem to make time and time again. If you don't want my advice or help feel free to ignore me but If I can put someone on the right track as regards buying the right car its all free. Generally any car that I've bought for myself over the years I either made money on it after a year or two or at worst, broke even. Sure, I've made mistakes too, I recommended some makes like VW in the past only to be left holding the baby when the sh*t hit the fan, I supplied Renaults, against my advice I might add, and ditto, troublesome cars that nobody wanted down the road. So to recap, if I've found a car that I was happy with I'll sing its praises but if I find a car that's not I'll tell tales on that too. I think I an being extremely fair by all accounts.

maidhc · 11-08-2006 01:34PM

Big Balls wrote:

So the current model Mondeo is a nicer car and more reliable than the last model Passat?

Yes.

Big Balls wrote:

Better engines?

Yep.

Big Balls wrote:

As nice an interior?

Unless you have a black dashboard fetish, yes.

Big Balls wrote:

As solid a car? Better residuals?

None of the above.

Definately as solid, residuals unfortunately not. Although as I said above, all cars in this class depreciate like crap in the first 3 years.

Big Balls wrote:

Maidhc I'm sure there's someone out there with a great Lada that has served them well, it doesn't mean they're great cars.

Many people have put intergalactic mileages on mondeos, and have been very happy. In fact I have never met an unhappy mondeo owner/ex-owner. Some are on boards even.

pburns · 11-08-2006 02:39PM

Ride/handling-wise the Mondeo's a great car & Fords are pretty reliable these days. They're common as muck tho', a real sales rep car and about to be replaced. I respect 'em but wouldn't buy one.

Agree with Junkyard about VWs being overrated (don't get me started about the dealers!) but I reckon he's older & richer than most here & his tastes are more 'wine & cheese' than 'beer & crisps':D

The Passat would be a safe buy but you get bad VFM with VW. Also, I think the lardy-arsed Passat neets a high spec/big wheels to look right.

A 530d might be a great car but a 320d might be a more sensible alternative. Even that's gonna be way more expensive though and the new model looks like a Nissan Almera. If you could stretch to it perhaps a Lexus 220d or A4?

bacon&cabbage · 11-08-2006 10:16PM

I own a 14 year old SAAB 9000 LPT with 237000 miles on the clock :eek:
Only trouble I ever had for the last 7 yrs was a DI cartridge failure.......

Saying that I'd still go with the Passat, the SAAB looks much better but I think the VW will be more reliable and get you a better resale later on.
GM have managed to really screw SAAB up since they took over :rolleyes:

unkel · 12-08-2006 12:56AM

bacon&cabbage wrote:

I own a 14 year old SAAB 9000 LPT with 237000 miles on the clock :eek:

That's pretty decent for a FIAT based car

Big Balls · 12-08-2006 04:19PM

Maidhc simply replying "yes" to questions isn't suffice. At least try and defend the MIGHTY Mondeo.

Ford did NOT produce better engines when the last model was out. Ford only a matter of years ago thought 115 bhp in a diesel car was enough power - VW - and I'll go further - and say VAG, were producing diesels with well over 200 bhp back then. Ford did/do not have better engines in their Mondeos compared to a Passat, even in 1999!!!

Ford have never, ever, produced a car with an interior nicer than any VW. A Lupo is screwed together using more expensive plastic.

As for Junky, these cars we are talking about do not appreciate. Full stop. The type of cars you mention have nothing in common with the above.

Passat or Saab?

Comments