Ok here is it then which of the following is the best for the price:-

Passat Estate TDi130SE with circa 100k - Ive seen many from

I wasn't a fan of the passat estate I drove.

The obvious question would be why aren't you considering an Octy TDI?

If you are determined to go VW then the Bora would probably get my money

Id definately be tempted to stick with the TDI130 engine... the 150 is totally different (and crap) to drive... i had a GTTDI 150 a few weeks ago, and it was much laggier than the 130, and i found myself revving the nuts off it to make progress... not nice in a diesel :thumbdwn:

Octy TDI - well it doesnt come with the 130TDI unit at this budget and correct me if Im wrong here the Passatt comes with dual zone climate control on every model - the Octy doesnt?

When I had the GT TDI 115 and clearly all Golfs/Leons/A3's will be exactly the same the front drivers legroom is tight compare that to a Cavalier/Fiat Coupe etc it is laughable and the problems it causes on long trips for me is cramp - I want total comfort to get out of the vehicle as fresh as is physically possible.

I don't know that the Octy comes with directly controllable dual zone CC, but mine definitely blows hot air onto my legs, but doesn't stuff up my nose like a plain single heater normally does. (Usually run with CC set auto, 18 or 19C, side cheese-cutters open & aimed at side glasses, and centres closed this time of year.

I think a Passat with the PD130 engine is a sound second hand buy.

Not all models have dualzone, but all from the SE above should have it, although lesser models may have had it specced as an option.

A colleague has just bought an 03 plate white Estate in SE spec PD130 with 95k on the clock for £4800. Bit of a bargain, its mint.

EDIT - sorry, I mean regular climate. Do any have dual zone?

No I mean that the p-assenger can set a different temp to the driver - hence the dual zone.

I think a Passat with the PD130 engine is a sound second hand buy.

Not all models have dualzone, but all from the SE above should have it, although lesser models may have had it specced as an option.

A colleague has just bought an 03 plate white Estate in SE spec PD130 with 95k on the clock for

Octy TDI - well it doesnt come with the 130TDI unit at this budget and correct me if Im wrong here the Passatt comes with dual zone climate control on every model - the Octy doesnt?.

The Octy Elegance has exactly the same climatronic unit that was used in B5.5 Passats.

It's not dual zone with separate driver and passenger temperatures but is very good climate control nonetheless.

For 5k you probably won't get a PD130 - they were available on 03 plate cars and on so it would have 100k miles to be that cheap - but the 110bhp TDI is a good engine.

Do any Passats have dual zone then? The SE estate of my colleagues does not.

Im not knocking the Octy but I think the looks of the Passatt (face lift) silver nose on say a Blue or Silver car look very good. And it must have the best looking alloys available on that model.

As for space size are the 5 series/Saab95 size boots?

DrZ, thats what I thought RE the climate.

And nowt wrong with a 100k miler on an 03. Proof of a motorway mile muncher. The 100k example I've sat in earlier this week was really fresh, the only wear being the bolster of the drivers seat has a shiny patch in the velour, shiny steering wheel, and thats it

Yes so many people dislike 100k cars but that = bargin 2nd hand prices for those in the know about how durable the modern cars are.

Also were being very environmentally friendly running the car for huge milages.

The Octy Elegance and the passat both use the same climate control system and as such neither is dual zone. Not at the sort of age you are looking at anyway.

I went from a fabia Vrs to a passat TDI se estate. Touch wood so far its been great.

I love all the little touches (vents lighting up, blue dials, arm rest etc) I think it looks pretty good, goes well enough and i have used the huge space much more than i thought i would.

My car has done well over 100k with FSH and all seems well. Not even any rattles.

It doesnt have dual zone just the normal climatronic which isnt all that cold with the a/c on and regassed....thats the only bit im not overly pleased with rest is

Adam

DrZ, thats what I thought RE the climate.

And nowt wrong with a 100k miler on an 03. Proof of a motorway mile muncher. The 100k example I've sat in earlier this week was really fresh, the only wear being the bolster of the drivers seat has a shiny patch in the velour, shiny steering wheel, and thats it

Mine was on 81k when it went after three years.

The interior was immaculate (or would have been if I'd cleaned it) and there were only a few stone chips in the paint , but it didn't feel quite as solid as it had been.

Still plenty of life left in it though

I'd go for a Bora or Octy TDI with that budget, best value for money to be had with those two IMHO.

The market doesnt like Boras thus you'll get much more for your money than you would going the Golf route.

Don't discount the SEAT TDI's either, again a Toledo will be cheaper than a Leon as midsized sedans don't fetch as much as the hatchbacks

My mate went to look at a Golf GTI on a Y plate some time ago, at a dealership. Ended up coming home in a Toledo V5 on a 52 plate with far less mileage for the same money. He loves it (he had a Civic Type R before but claims to have 'grown up' )

Has anyone thought about the 2.5TDI Passatt any experiances?

I'd be going for the Bora, although I think their odd looks are absolutely awesome. They look sooooo good with a set of big wheels on too!