andy_w

Hi All, As mentioned in another thread, I've just joined as considering buying a new vRS Estate TFSi ... which looks like it will work out at around £18-19k with a few decent options. Our local VW dealer has a delivery mileage 09 Passat Sport 2.0T estate for £14495, which seems a very good buy! Any thoughts on how the Passat compares to the vRS, and also which would make the better buy? cheers, Andy

Not quite sure what you mean by " as you live in Greenock, that's another reason probably not to have one" ? I haven't had a FWD car since the mid '90s when I had a 306Xsi ... since then I've had a 200sx, 2 Imprezas, an Audi S4, an M3, and currently a Boxster and BMW 130i, so I'm more than happy having rear wheel drive and living in Greenock. Actually, it's the fact the vRS is FWD that's probably the biggest negative for me ... if it was RWD, I would already have one ordered! I haven't driven a vRS yet ... only read the many good reviews in mags like Evo and Performance Car and on the web, but I can't help thinking the reviews are comparing it against other FWD hot-hatch type cars, and that being used to RWD and 4WD I'll find it a disappointment. Actually, we had a Passat TDi (prev shape) about 5 years ago. It lasted about 6 months before we swapped it for another scooby ... it was so bad, it's really put me off both FWD and diesel engines ever since, so I'm wary of making that mistake again. However, this will be the family car and given our budget, compromises will have to be made - at least I'll still have the Boxster for fun!

This is the dilemma we've currently got ... the car is to replace my wife's BMW 130i M sport, which is a great car with a great engine - it's just not big enough! Now, ideally we would just swap into a bigger 330i Touring, but they are expensive and not many about 2nd hand - certainly not under £20k! We test drove a 320i Touring, and as you rightly say, underwhelmed is the word - the 2.0 4-pot was lacking in grunt and sounded very ordinary ... so it's got to be at least a 325i and preferably M Sport. So, for around £18k we can either get a 3 year old 325i M Sport Touring or a brand new vRS estate - in exactly the colour we want and to our spec. The other thing counting against the BMW is that the boot isn't exactly massive. BTW, another question ... the 2.0 TFSI engine in the latest vRS - is it different to the pre-facelift 2.0 TFSI? All the reviews I have seen say it's the same engine, and the brochure quotes the same 200bhp ... but the salesman at Henrys yesterday told me it's a new engine, and actually puts out nearer 215bhp ... is that ******?

I live in Greenock and work in Glasgow.

Thanks. I think if we do go for the vRS we'll just order the colour and spec - Race Blue, rear parking sensors, heated seats, leather, silver roof rails, sunset glass etc. On the options, any opinions on must-have options? I'm undecided on Maxidot and MDI, and also the spare wheel. Also, still debating whether to go for the new vRS or a 2nd hand 3 series touring - probably a 325i M Sport, or 330i if I can find one for the right price ... anyone had or driven both as a comparison? cheers, andy

Hi, Just joined as we are thinking of replacing our BMW 130i M Sport with a new vRS Estate (petrol). Ideally, I would like Race Blue, but been to the dealers today and told it'll be a 3 month wait. I was offered one in stock at another dealer for immediate delivery, but it's anthracite grey - haven't seen one of this colour ... anyone got any pics they could post? cheers, Andy