26 replies to this topic

[Carvell]

Since passing my test I've pretty much only driven kit cars. That might sound exciting but I've never had a car I can rely on each morning. Currently I have a mpi mini and a £600 1993 Audi coupe. The mini is in need of body work and undrivable due to the engine bogging down. The Audi has MOT but needs more work than it's worth doing. What car would you buy with £5k. It will be my winter and long journey car. I would prefer higher spec cheaper car than a poverty spec expensive model. Mpg of 50ish. Big enough to fit skis in. Reliable and must not have known water ingress issues as I think I have offended water in a past life.

[sonikk4]

Passat TDI, either a 140 or 170. Big comfy and the 170 does go well.

[cal844]

Passat TDI, either a 140 or 170. Big comfy and the 170 does go well.

Theyre also bomb proof!

[Domneon]

Passat TDI, either a 140 or 170. Big comfy and the 170 does go well.

 

Had a turbo disintegrate on a 140

Was lovely up until then though

[Twincam]

Passat TDI, either a 140 or 170. Big comfy and the 170 does go well.

 
Had a turbo disintegrate on a 140
Was lovely up until then though

The original PD engines in the B5.5 were bomb proof (I've got a PD130 B5.5 Passat Estate and a PD140 B6 Passat estate) although don't bother with the 150BHP types as seen in the Golfs as they have common issues with the cams (or so I'm told). Check the recalls have been done on the injectors and on some (e.g. The BKP engine in the 140 Passats) had a common issue on the oil pumps giving up.

That being said, they're such nice cars, spacious, comfortable (the B6 is amazing for comfort) and reliable if you treat them well.

Another car I've had my eye on is the Volvo estates, bang for buck I see more goodies for the same price as opposed to a vw - or maybe look at a skoda?

[sonikk4]

I've had B5.5's Sport TDI's both brilliant with no serious issues. Racked up over 130,000 between them. Briefly had B6 before it was destroyed under me.

Currently running a B6 170 TDI Sport Estate and it's a beast. It had the recall for the injectors and loom and apart from a dead heater fan it's been a belter. Just turned 100k and selling it to my brother in law for 5k.

Passats CC next a 170 Sport.

[scaffers]

For £5k I'd look for an ex company car, bmw merc or Audi.

It will have been maintained to a high degree, full service history and one or two owners

.

[Twincam]

I've had B5.5's Sport TDI's both brilliant with no serious issues. Racked up over 130,000 between them. Briefly had B6 before it was destroyed under me.
Currently running a B6 170 TDI Sport Estate and it's a beast. It had the recall for the injectors and loom and apart from a dead heater fan it's been a belter. Just turned 100k and selling it to my brother in law for 5k.
Passats CC next a 170 Sport.

I've just churned over 132k on the B5.5 and still going strong as ever. I'm not one to hang about either - to the OP, a lot of people have remapped theirs to 165-170BHP (from 130bhp).

Can't go wrong IMO.

[AVV IT]

How about a Bini???.....


















........I'll get my coat!

[Carvell]

Are we talking about the 1.9 or 2.0 tdi? Had a quick scan looks like a lot of car for the price :)

[Carvell]

Also at what point does mileage become an issue? Realise the go forever but would you buy a 130k mile example?

[(philip)]

BMW 320D or Skoda Octavia Estate. You will get a lot of bang for your buck with the Skoda.

[Twincam]

Also at what point does mileage become an issue? Realise the go forever but would you buy a 130k mile example?

Mileage on the 1.9TDI I've seen over 250k frequently. Buying wise, I'd be looking for one as close to 100k as possible but if it's 130k and has fsh I wouldn't mind as much.

The 1.9tdi came on the b5.5, it was taken over to the b6 but became transverse and later updated to the 2.0tdi.

The 320D is another good suggestion, make sure the swirl flaps have been removed.

[Carlos W]

You can have the 170 remapped to over 200bhp, apparently they're not much good in the wet though!

 

I think the Skoda is a really good call, they share loads of parts with Audi and VW as they're all part of the same group.

[Twincam]

Ohhhhh and make sure if you look at the BMW saloons (just incase you find a saloon), I don't think the rear seats in the E46 saloon range go down. I know for sure the compact does as does the estate/touring, but the saloon doesn't.