Another question for the car buffs - especially VW

[slugger]

I posted a while ago about us buying a new (used) car soon. I've not purchased since then but have stepped up our hunt for a new car in earnest and think we have decided to go for a VW Passat estate. It's got plenty room in it for golf clubs or skis and pram at the same time.

I would like to get nothing less than an SE model, but i've discovered a good deal on a low mileage SEL model. It's a 2007 plate and has a DSG gearbox.

I'm interested to know more about the gearbox and if there's any common gremlins with them. Also anything else to look out for?

Any help much appreciated.

 

[viscount17]

not a buff, so can't vouch for anything here

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=58098

 

[Redwood]

Slugger,

Having recently, well about a year ago, bought a Passat Estate (not a DSG admittedly) the one thing I would look out for is who the previous owner was.

We were told it was an ex fleet car, and the name on the V5 seemed to verify that. Upon digging, I found out that the name on the V5 was a cover company for Avis car hire.

I've not had any problems with it, but was a bit miffed at the dishonesty of the garage (a VW dealrship).

Something to look out for anyway if you are going for something around 6 months to a year old.

 

[slugger]

not a buff, so can't vouch for anything here

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=58098

Thanks for that... we'll be buying a manual then!

Thanks for the replies. I think our car will end up being on an 07 plate. I'm amazed at the good value prices available for what is surely a high quality car. We're in no immediate rush so i'm going to take my time and make sure we get the right one.

How did you go about finding out who the real previous owners were?

I'd be taking issue with the dealership and expecting something in way of recompense. They probably bought it very cheap at an auction knowing full well that if they divulged the ID of the previous owners, they'd be less likely to sell it on.

 

[Redwood]

Slugger,

It's something that VW dealerships do quite often (not deceiving their customers that is) but taking back cars from companies that have been used as fleet cars, and then selling them on.

I found out purely by chance on the VAG forum. Someone had the same issue with the same previous owner name, but apparently theirs was a bit of a dog.

Make sure you see the V5 before you put pen to paper, and if anything isn't as it seems, or they've told you, then question it.

Also, I'd explicitly ask what the history of the car was in terms of whether it is ex-fleet or hire car. That way they cannot argue the case that they didn't withold the information on purpose, should the issue arise.

 

[Tommo21]

Okay, got a 07 passat estate and having owned about 6 in the past, two of them estates, I’m your man.

There is very little difference in the S to the SE, chrome trim round the windows, arm rest, all four windows are electric and a 6 CD player. The S model still has aircon cd player and the like but only front electric windows.

The 140 HP model…it should say 2ltr TDI on the back, pulls like a train, but can go through front tyres if you’re not gentle. The 105, just TDI on the back, still treks along and you can get them much cheaper. I’ve had both and after a while the 105 does the job just fine. The 140 or 170 sport versions have stiffer suspension and the interior is top notch with steering wheel controls and some nice trim. But I found the sport model, yes had one of them as well, a little harsh at low speed.

If you phone VW they usually give out service info if you tell them you’re buying one and want to check the history. If not, then drop me a PM of any VW or Audi reg and I’ll get it checked for you no bother.

If your going for a clean high mileage job, as long as the cam belt has been done, around 80k for the new models and the service is up to date it will still go to the moon and back.

If the service history is stamped “long life service” then all the better IMO as the expensive but good synthetic oils these days will last 20k easily. It’s the same in the Audi’s by the way. Oh, the electric hand brake takes a bit of getting used to.

Cheap road tax, great on fuel at around 45 50mpg, and not bad for safety and insurance.

Room……….have a party in one.

 

[RGDave]

As much as I hate to admit it, the Passat (in it's most recent form) is a great car with excellent reliability.
I owned VW group cars before my 6-year obsession with Japanese cars (so in the mid-90s) and they were all terrible, I kid you not.

I've not heard of any problems with gearboxes on new Passats.
Just make sure everything is AOK with the service history.

When I buy a car, I go for one at the higher end of asking prices, every time. Seriously, the cars get priced high because they are spotless and have the fully stamped book etc.
You have to be careful (as ever) not to get caught out.
My theory is that independent dealers pay more through the trade for good stock and they know an expensive-but-worthwhile deal when they see one. They price it high, I haggle a bit (but not get silly) and everyone wins. Better to pay £500-1000 over the odds for a decent car.
As for main dealers....um....rarely get cars this way.

 

[stevek1969]

Had wanted a Passat for while but HID didn't like the electronic handbrake as she'd just past her test, fair point . Even tho a bit miffed i went for a diesel Jetta and boy do i love this car it has a bigger boot than a Passat ,great on diesel ,good running car and pulls like a train, has been a god send in this weather absolutely superb in the snow.
Back to the Passat the service engineers who come in to my work have the estate version and rave about them they started doing removals on the side ther's that much room.

 

[matt01]

hi

i have the estate 07 with the auto gear box,this is a great car and the handbrake can be of putting but can over come that and when you do is a very easy to use,it was still great to us in this weather that we have just had just put the gears across and use like a normall car,as for space,i did a golf trip had 4 golf bags and 2 trollies and small bags in the back and still had room

a good all round car

 

[Smiffy]

hi
a good all round car

Seconded.
When I was in the company car scheme I had one as a "demonstrator" for a short while. I normally run the cars for six months and then they get sold on. I don't normally mind.
The Passat was the only car I didn't want to hand back.
Loved it

 

[slugger]

ok... passat estate is still on the list. it did have the list all to itself, but i've now doubled it. I was at a couple of garages looking last night and i've now added the Seat Altea XL to my possibles. It's just so comfy inside and has a very versatile interior, the same engine choices as the passat but for around 3-4k cheaper, maybe even more considering the spec you can get. I know they are different cars, but they're not too different in what their capabilities are.

There's even 09 plates available for the same as an 07 plate passat.

Anyone got any experience of running one?