WHICH ONE TO BUY?

[kent]

Hello all. I have a choice between Passat 1.8T Sport (Petrol) and 1.9T S TDI 100. They are both 2000/2001 and have covered between 60-70K. Which one would you guys recommend from your experiences and what is the pick up like in 100BHP?

[asta]

the 1.8 sport is a nicer equipped car and a good bit more powerful but reliability may be a prob compared to the reliable diesel unit. If your not fussed about the equipment and overall power and want to keep the car for a while then i would probably go for the diesel. Its not the quickest im sure but should pull ok.

[pritesh]

personally would take the 1.8T sport. i have one and its excellent. i have a tiptonic. again depends on the level of toys you want, miles you do etc. the T sport has more power but the TD would give better miles....but from a few recent posts...its not always the case. I get atleast 33-35MPG from mine...but thats cos i drive at a steady pace. I have not had major problems with mine and its a sweet runner with only 40K on the clock (a Jan 2002 model).

cant really comment on the pick on the 100BHP one but mine is smooth and brisk! best thing is to test drive both on the same test rd and speeds etc. and make an informed choice.

[A3Floyd]

Welcome to TSN

tricky choice you have there as they are both very decent engines. It depends what sort of driving you'll be doing but i'd be tempted to opt for the 1.8T cos it's a real gem of an engine. The 100bhp tdi is a decent enough engine and will be reliable but it wont stir any emotions imo. You'll need to be looking at the 115bhp upwards for some grins. Also bear in mind that the 20v 1.8T engine is one the most tried-and-tested engines around at the moment so i'd not be concerned about reliability with these.

Happy hunting, let us know how you get on.

[felixthecat1]

Hello and welcome. I had a 1.8T Sport and despite all the problems I had with it I would recommend it to you. When it worked it was lovely, great engine, reasonable equipment, nothing outstanding though and above all comfortable. If you're looking for a spirited drive though look elsewhere because even the Sport model with its uprated suspension and larger wheels still hates going around corners.

[kent]

Thanks guys. I will not be doing too much motorway miles. Its going to be used for family and around town with occasional motorway trip Approx. 600 miles a month. Also could you tell me the difference between sport and SE models? and is price of £7500 on 51plate reasonable with 47K on clock.

I do not want a sluggish motor and i do not want to spend loads of money always filling the tank. Guys, your advise is much appreciated and i promise i'll keep you updated

[DickPassat]

Forgive me saying it but you're looking at 2 cars almost at opposite ends of the Passat spectrum. That sort of money should get you a 130 TDI Sport which would give the petrol engine a run for its money performance wise and be miles ahead fuel wise. It may depend on your liking of diesels though so do get a drive in them if poss.

Dick

[pritesh]

the sport models come with:

sport front seats (but they not that different)

16" alloys

dash board trim is slightly different

Mine has heated elecy mirrors

i think the suspension is meant to be 'sporty' but as mentioned nothing different about it really.

you also get a 3 spoke leather steering wheel

[NunchukHamster]

Suspension is lowered 15mm.

Oh, and if it's a saloon, you get clear side-repeaters - woo-hoo! (standard on all estates)

[9969]

If I had the choice that you had I would go petrol rather than the diesel !

I have a 99 1.8T (petrol) - and I love it !

But it does depend on how you drive , and how far you drive

Diesel does give slightly better mpg - but looses on performance

Petrol gives more performance - but loses mpg

I don't do a lot of mileage in my car , city driving mainly ,with the odd thrash out somewhere on the weekend, but still get an average 36 mpg

[pritesh]

i thought the diesel gives its power lower down in the range? hence the reason they are quick off the line? I had a go in a chipped TDI (had something like over 240lbs /ft)...its was really rapid to say the least! on top end speed yes i think it does loose performance as the power bandwidth is situated more towards the lower end?? or not?

[pugboy]

No contest - the 1.8T sport is far superior.

The TDi100 is slow. No getting away from it. Its a Taxi.

The best, common model in the range is the TDi130 Sport. However these are expensive and if you only do 600 miles a month they are not worth the premium. Also what people forget is the diesels sound like tractors around town.

The sport model is the best spec and the suspension is ok. I used to have an SE Estate for work and it was useless on corners, but the ride quality was better so it depends what you want from the car.

£7.5k is a lot for a 4 year old rep mobile. Dont get carried away just, because its a VW. They are not that reliable and there are thousands to choose from. Considering the low mileage you cover I would advise buying a higher mileage ex lease car.

I find the 1.8T is great on fuel on the motorway (a high speed motorway cruise is 35mpg+), but it will struggle around town due to the sheer bulk it has to shift (mid 20's).

My wifes 101k 2001 (facelift) Turbo Sport cost us £3700 with a FSH and full MOT. I cant see the sense in paying double that for half the mileage.

In case you were wondering I think the Passat is a lovely motor for what it is (big, safe, comfy saloon) and my wife thinks its the best car ever.