Hi All

I'm new here so go easy on me!

I've got a Passat Sport Tdi at the moment but its not the most entertaining drivers car. It's the tiptronic one which is nice but takes the edge off the performance.

I'm looking to chop it in for something smaller and more fun and I'm really torn between a Fabia VRS and an Ibiza Cupra Tdi. I prefer the understated Fabia's looks (have you seen those domed out Ibiza wheels!?!) but the TDi 160 engine in the Seat is quite appealing...

First question is, if i went for the Fabia with a remap it would probably spank the Ibiza anyway but what do you guys do re: insurance. Everyone on here seems to have a remap but which companies cover remapped cars with a 25% power increase. Does it whack your premium? And does it affect reliability?

Second question is, depreciation........

I'm really keen on chopping the Passat in but i'm getting offered stupidly low part ex values on mine. The cars not 2yrs old, average milage, but I'm only getting offered roughly 50% of the cars cost new!?! I always thought VAG figures were pretty good especially the diesels. At these figures i cant afford to change. I've only had prices from Skoda dealers so far - is this normal when part exing against a Skoda or is my car worth so little? How do Skodas stand up depreciation wise?

I'm gonna try Seat and see how they compare but i have the Fabia on the brain now like an itch i cant scratch.

Cheers in advance

JP

buy an Octy!

isn't the passat being replaced soon? If so that wont help p/x values that much. Going from a passat to a furby will be a shock in size, maybe the new octi would be a better bet, also it does have the newier engine.

Try playing the dealers off each other, maybe even say your interested in another marque and they can offer this.

Have you tried with a VW dealer again the new polo GT-TDI? Smae engine as the furby and ibiza.

Dont forget the cost of the furby is alot less than both ibiza and the polo.

In terms of insurance, Liverpool Victoria are quite popular as they only charge for mods which change the engine size. However, there is some doubt about whether this is still the case or not. Quite a few of the other companies will cover remapped cars, but it will likely sting the pocket

In terms of reliability, I don't think there's any real issues (maybe your clutch will wear out quicker ), however, you'll be saying bye-bye to your warranty (unless you have a friendly dealer who will fix things unrelated to your modifications).....

Chris

Jas stupid question but have you thought about chipping the Passat ?

Taa for the replies.

I really like the Octy - the VRS looks great but i need a TDi cos i cover 25k miles plus per year and there's no VRS TDi. I fancy the practicality of a small hatch too over a big saloon (my girlfriends Yaris hatchback is much better than the Passats boot).

I haven't tried a VW dealer about a Polo cos its way too expensive. The VW after sales customer service i've had has been pretty poor too :thumbdwn:

Chipping the Passat might be a possibility but i think the Tiptronic would dull that too.

And I just saw a silver Fabia VRS, never seen that colour in the flesh before, it looks fantastic....