Will I buy a Volkswagen Passat instead of a Golf?

Hi Paddy,

Thanks for the answer above (Which VW will i buy? 06/09) but i have another question: looking around i've realised that i can get a 2011 1.4 Petrol Passat Comfortline for the price i'd be paying for a 2012 1.2 Golf Highline. As the family is growing should i consider this?

I really like the Passat and the 1.4 Petrol would be ideal for me as although i drive every day, it's all city driving with only the occasional long trip outside Dublin. Anyone i say this too thinks i'm mad buying petrol as when i come to trade the car in up the line, no one will want a petrol car? I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks.

Brendan Cullen (Dublin)

Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

---

Expert answer

The arguement for petrol is growing Brendan. While everyone is fixated on diesel the petrol engines are getting cleaner and will come back into fashion. When it comes to fuel economy the gap between petrol and diesel is getting closer and in a lot of cases there is little difference between the road tax.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine in the Passat is more than good enough. So if you want a Passat then you could go for it. There could and perhaps will be less value in the petrol model later on, but if you keep it long enough suddenly this won't become that much of an issue and since you go low mileage then you could keep it for 5 or more years. 

Complete Car Adviser