Passat CC - how thirsty?

[offshore]

Decision made finally. I've gone with the A5 - mind you it was a hard choice, because the CC was a very tempting proposition.

I've put a deposit down on an A5 Sportback, 3.0 TDI, 7 Speed DSG.

It will be the first "auto" I've ever owned. Will post pics in a couple of weeks when I pick it up.

[GoLfMan]

Thanks for the feedback GolfMan. Do you have the A5 2 door or the Sportsback?

sadly neither mate

congrats on your purchase though!

[tryingavw]

Decision made finally. I've gone with the A5 - mind you it was a hard choice, because the CC was a very tempting proposition.

I've put a deposit down on an A5 Sportback, 3.0 TDI, 7 Speed DSG.

It will be the first "auto" I've ever owned. Will post pics in a couple of weeks when I pick it up.

as a matter of interest which car DROVE the best? i read a lot they reckon the a5 is brilliant but a bit boring to drive.

[Rocket36]

Can I ask a question... You were worried about the cost of fuel when considering the CC, but have spent an extra $30,000 - $40,000. Why the initial concern on fuel consumption?

[offshore]

as a matter of interest which car DROVE the best? i read a lot they reckon the a5 is brilliant but a bit boring to drive.

Actually the drive was quite similar.

Braking and turning dynamics, much the same. The main difference was in the power delivery. The Diesel was very effortless, massive torque on demand at any RPM (and potentially more with a chip). The 3.6 petrol had more urgency at the top-end on the other hand.

Both equally nice in their own way.

What clinched it for the A5 was the aesthetic and design stuff. The exterior paint, one of the best interiors I've seen, and the overall visual design.



I was also very keen on the design of the 19" Audi factory wheels, and probably would have put them on the Passat if I had gone down that path.

Fewer visits to Mr Shell is a bonus, but not the deciding factor.

[offshore]

Can I ask a question... You were worried about the cost of fuel when considering the CC, but have spent an extra $30,000 - $40,000. Why the initial concern on fuel consumption?

Hi Rocket. See my other post. It wasn't the deciding factor, but certainly a bonus.

I did crunch some numbers before deciding.

The initial difference is more like 20-25K (with the Audi discounts that are available at the moment). And don't forget the resale price will be higher, so over 5 years it's probably only going to be about $10-12K difference before the running cost savings are factored in.

I've estimated it to be about $1000 cheaper to run per annum (fuel and maintenance), so over 5 years, total gross price difference is as little $5K.

[Rocket36]

LOL!!! Your numbers don't make sense... You're factoring in the fact your resale will be higher over a 5 year period when it's a BRAND NEW MODEL and there is no way know knowing exactly wha the resale will be. I'm not saying the R36 resale is any better, but after 5 years for both cars you need to compare the percentages (not amounts). And I doubt there will be much in it at all!

You're budgeting is similar to that of the current government - "let's base it on the best possible scenario" when it should be based on the worst possible scenario. And you can't predict fuel savings given the fluctuating price of fuel, and ESPECIALLY considering diesel is tipped for a 20 - 30 % increase in the next two years. Anyway, that's your choice.

Interesting feedback about how it drives. I was considering an upgrade later this year or early next year to a low km 2009-2010 S5 but might look at the A5 3.0 V6 instead. Although I still have trouble getting past how all diesels sound like trucks (and yes that's based on driving recent models and yes it's my opinion and yes I know not everyone thinks that, but I do).

What colour did you go for? I reckon the Audis look best in White or Black - I'd get white.

[R34]

I don't understand the resale value thing that everyone gets hung up over
The percentages would be similar so I would rather loose 50% of $70k over 3-4 years than 50% of $90k
Does that make sense or am I looking at it wrong
What if you bought a Passat and wacked the $20k difference in the bank
After 4 years you'd have $35K + say $25k equalling $60k as opposed to $45k from the Audi sale (and a higher interest bill if financed)
Not knocking your decision mate but you seemed to be concerned about costs then bought on emotion (which is fine of course)

[Rocket36]

Yeah, agree with R34 on this. That's what I was trying to say.

[offshore]

LOL!!! Your numbers don't make sense... You're factoring in the fact your resale will be higher over a 5 year period when it's a BRAND NEW MODEL and there is no way know knowing exactly wha the resale will be. I'm not saying the R36 resale is any better, but after 5 years for both cars you need to compare the percentages (not amounts). And I doubt there will be much in it at all!.

I have used percentages and they most certainly make sense. I'll break it down for you.

Start with an estimate of a 40% residual value after 5 years which is reasonable for these cars.

....................Passat..A5
Drive away price: 70K 90K
Residual @40% 28K 36K
Net Cost 42K 54K

Thats a 12K difference.

This difference only changes by a grand or two whether you use a 35% or 45% residual for your estimation.

Obviously theres other variables like how well maintained the car is, and the mileage etc, but lets work on all these factors being equal.

Next, 3 years free service was on offer for the Audi. Couldn't get this for the Passat. The 3.0TDI doesn't require the timing belt replacement (uses a chain designed for the life of the engine).

Factor in the lower fuel costs of the diesel.

Put all this together and there isn't much of a difference in the total cost of ownership.

Interesting feedback about how it drives. I was considering an upgrade later this year or early next year to a low km 2009-2010 S5 but might look at the A5 3.0 V6 instead. Although I still have trouble getting past how all diesels sound like trucks (and yes that's based on driving recent models and yes it's my opinion and yes I know not everyone thinks that, but I do).

I know what you mean, and I have felt the same about most other diesels I've driven. This one really doesn't have the disel "tractor" feel at all. It actually reminds me of a chipped VAG 2.0T with a slightly lower redline.

On the subject of chipping, I've been reading up on the UK boards. Some of the guys have chipped the 3.0TDI to 220kw/600Nm, and are reporting it's as quick as the S5.

What colour did you go for? I reckon the Audis look best in White or Black - I'd get white.

Agree white looks good, esp on the S5.

Last car was white so I needed a change, went for a pearlescent dark blue. I'll post pics when it arrives.