Well guys it has been a while since my last chat on here (as you will see if you see my history). At last my dilemma has been sorted out. I was looking at a choice between a Superb and an Octavia.....I was all ready to go for the Octavia 2.0 TDI with DSG when the company who are dealing with my work on cars offered me a Passat at an extra

That's a lot of car for not much more money - cant say I blame you really

hope you like it.

Oh and goodluck for the little one in Nov

Traitor - stone him!

I looked at Passats too and they are lovely cars. Just couldn't afford that little bit extra.

Best of luck with your decision - I'm sure you'll really like the Passat!

I've been comparing Passat and Octavia recently and when I am ready to change my current car, it will be the Octy that I will buy. I test drove the 2.0 TDI Elegance (in both hatch and estate form) and also the Passat 2.0 TD Sport hatch. I found the Octavia handled better, braked better and had better visibility (even with the seat at its highest position in the Passat, I could see nothing of the bonnet - mind you being only 5'6" probably doesn't help!). The Passat was more comfortable and has a classier feel - I think it looks better too. It was a close run thing. Mind you I do have a soft spot for Skodas having owned 2 Estelles and a Favorit many years ago.

I also looked at the Octavia Estate & the Passat Estate as a new company car, both with the 2.0TDi. Could have had the vRS TDi but found the Octavia to lack space for our needs (mainly the front seats were too small/uncomfortable, and the rear seat area was too small for 3 x teenagers). The Passat 170bhp was beyond my budget but then found out that I couldn't add the extras I wanted due to a change in car policy (budget chopped by finance nazis).

Result:

Ended up ordering a Toyota T180 Tourer. It costs more , has more equipment/safety features and is more powerful. Can't say I understand how this has worked out financially but at least I'll have a reliable, well-equipped and comfortable car.

Enjoy whatever you choose.

I have to say I rather like the new shaped Passat. Certainly a lot better than the previous bland styling.

The only thing that would put me off is the saloon model.

Lots of nice spec you've got there though.

Really like the new Passat, my dad has an 06 1.9 SE saloon in that light blue colour that seems to be common . The decent spec Passat is out of my CC budget and I would need the estate which pushes them even further out of my budget!

Pics please Cluster when you get it.

Guys, thanks for the kind comments. Think I am glad no one has said it is a bad deal so far. In total i am paying £489 per month so I think I am getting a good deal. This doesn't include insurance or servicing so still got that on top as they were looking for £55 per month for maintenance!!

Well i am hoping it looks like the wall paper I have on the PC at the moment!! Also are there any good Passat forums on the UK side? Vortex is pretty good but very USA orientated...can't seem to see much in the UK that might cover newer Passats?

Still glad I have the old Octy though as it is always good for a quick sprint round the block!! I am just hoping this diesel is as good or better than the Toledo because the 110 BHP engine was excellent and probably one of my favourit non-tuned engines as this revs were always good and it could go if you pushed it hard in second and third....still a great car and the wife loves it too.

Cheers all! Hopefully some pics and a review around December/January time!!

I went through a similar exercise a few months back (when of course the 170 wasn't available, which meant no SEL TDI, no flappy paddles etc.), and I have to say the Octy won! Once I spec'ed up the Passat with a similar list of accessories, it worked out quite a bit more than the equivalent Octy, so it looks like you did get a bargain.

However, for me, the hatch, and the memory seats drew me closer to the Octy - OK, I lost electric folding mirrors, dual Xenons that turned round the corners, but equally, I didn't want a saloon car over 5m long either! Of course, I gain in other areas, and apart from Taxis, you see a lot less Octy's on the road than Passats.

The other thing the Passat could offer was the integrated child seats, which I wish were available on the Octy.

The only other Passat forums I've found are PassatWorld.com - neither are UK based, again another advantage to the Octy

Hi Cluster,

Try this site:

VWAUDI Forum

There's quite a lot of information about new Passats as this section seems to be the most active on the site. Just a word of caution, there seem to be a lot of unhappy new Passat owners on this site, but I guess you could find that anywhere.

New Passat - the list of problems grows! - VWAUDI Forum

What is the length and mileage limit of your contract on the new Passat? I was quoted £433 per month for a Passat Estate 2.0TDi (140bhp) Sport with metallic paint, no other extras. This is on a 4 year, 120,000 mile contract that includes maintenance but no replacement vehicle i.e. my company pay for a hire car if mine has to go in for repairs & I can't obtain a loan car. My employers cover the insurance cost, I simply pay them back for private mileage (10p per mile) and pay the Tax Man his slice.

This was £3 per month beyond my budget and my employer would not budge.

I was also put off the Passat because the local VW dealer said they do not offer loan cars whilst customer vehicles are being serviced. According to a couple of neighbours the local Skoda dealer is also very unwilling to provide courtesy cars so perhaps this is a trait of some VAG garages? The local Toyota dealer provides courtesy cars and the option of an office with free internet connection for business users who prefer to work from the dealership whilst their car is serviced. I don't know if it's Toyota policy but our local dealer employs hostesses to serve tea, coffee etc. in a comfortable lounge area and they also have a kids play area with PC/games. I have had BMWs and Audis in the past and have tried Mercedes dealerships. I have to say that the German marques could learn a lot from our local Toyota dealership.

Lead time on the T180 with extras? 7 days.

Quoted lead time on VAG cars with extras? 12 weeks.

I think the difference is because the Toyota is built in Burnaston, U.K.

Hope your car arrives soon and you enjoy many miles of happy motoring. Do keep us all posted.

The cost of mine on PCP is