VW Passat, Audi A4, BMW 3?

[MrVW]

I am looking to purchase a new car within the next 3-4 months. Criteria is:

- $80k max (for...)
- Sat Nav.
- Leather (easier to clean when you have an 8 month old son?).
- Foot down = very quick off the lights. Anything has to be better than my current 108kw Jetta!
- Easier to get baby in car seat compared to Sedan. I am a tall guy. Wagon?
- Elegant look.

Considered options:
- BMW 3 series.
- Audi A4.
- VW Passat (R36, of course).

Any advice?

[deano646]

I did exactly the same comparison and whilst all vehicles satisfy most of your wants there is only one that ticks all boxes based on your price range and the below comment:

- Foot down = very quick off the lights.

Plain and simply, you will not get an Audi or BMW for less than $100k (conservatively) than has ANYWHERE near the grunt and specifications of the R36. Unless you want to buy a 5 year old M3 or S4 or Merc C63 there really isn't a comparison.

The only other issue you will have is that they are not bringing any more R36's out as the current Passat is being superceded (with no R36 replacement apparently) so you will have to either buy a second hand one or be lucky enough to find a demo or new one somehow still at a dealer!

Goodluck with your search, if you can get into a R36 wagon you will not be disappointed.
Cheers

[Dr Block]

I am looking to purchase a new car within the next 3-4 months. Criteria is:

- $80k max (for...)
- Sat Nav.
- Leather (easier to clean when you have an 8 month old son?).
- Foot down = very quick off the lights. Anything has to be better than my current 108kw Jetta!
- Easier to get baby in car seat compared to Sedan. I am a tall guy. Wagon?
- Elegant look.

Considered options:
- BMW 3 series.
- Audi A4.
- VW Passat (R36, of course).

Any advice?

Have you considered the Lexus 1S250?

[deano646]

Have you considered the Lexus 1S250?

Will it be quick enough? The IS350 probably, but that will be more expensive obviously.

[MrVW]

I did consider an IS350. After checking one out at the Sydney Motor show, I concluded that the interior of the IS range wasn't premium enough for me. It seemed a little flimsy. I also a considered Mercedes Benz C300, however I think over 90 grand for 175 Kw/300Nm is a little steep. If I do increase my price range to the 90 grand mark, I will strongly consider a Jaguar XF (is Jaguar a swear word in this forum? Sorry if it is!), although I suspect it will be twice as difficult getting baby in and out of his car seat in a Jaguar!

I think deano646 has hit the nail on the head, of the German cars on offer in this great country; the Passat R36 is by far the best in terms of value for money and performance. I personally think it's the best in terms of interior design and quality also.

My question at this point is: are VW really not continuing with another Passat R? I have read articles stating that there will no longer be a Passat R, however my local VW dealer insists VW will be releasing a twin turbo charged 3.0L v6 Passat R, around a year after the first 2011 quarter release of the new Passat model. Who do I believe?!

[team_v]

Something from Skoda (Superb, Octavia RS???) as they are proving to be pretty good value for money and share the VAG engines.

[MrVW]

I have considered a Skoda Superb. I was really unimpressed to hear that the Superb's 3.6L V6 engine (same as the R36 Passat) has been detuned to 191kw, purely because a Skoda can't be faster than a VW (thanks VW!). Also, the front grill is too plastic and the multi function steering wheel is a little too boxy. Thanks for another good suggestion!

[team_v]

I have considered a Skoda Superb. I was really unimpressed to hear that the Superb's 3.6L V6 engine (same as the R36 Passat) has been detuned to 191kw, purely because a Skoda can't be faster than a VW (thanks VW!). Also, the front grill is too plastic and the multi function steering wheel is a little too boxy. Thanks for another good suggestion!

Maybe look at a second hand Merc then?
With the LCT in place you don't get a lot for $100k now.

[MrVW]

Maybe look at a second hand Merc then?
With the LCT in place you don't get a lot for $100k now.

A sad reality, indeed.

[balkanac]

for $80k you could pick up a nice 5 series 2-3 years old. I dont see why it has to be a new car. It will loose 20% value as soon as you drive it out of the showroom