Expert answer

Hi Pierce,

Prices for 2007 Passat diesels are currently hovering between the €10,000 - €14,000 mark, so expect a bid of around €10,000 if you're trading in at a dealer. Mind you, the high mileage of your car will knock that back a bit more, so don't be surprised at bids of below €10,000.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

Clearly mileage, condition, specification and history will play a big part in the value of any car. The 2007 Passat powered by a 1.9-litre TDI diesel engine fetches anywhere from about €7,000 to over €12,000 as there are so many different examples around.

Come back to us if you need to narrow it down a little.

Expert answer

Hi Bryan,

Trendline is a the most basic VW trim level, so it’ll be pretty bare inside, and lacking for ‘toys.’ Comfortline is a step up, and on a model of that age should include such things as climate control and cruise control, amongst other niceties.

Beware though — that 1.6 FSI engine was not the most reliable thing that VW ever made, so make sure it comes with a full and complete service history. As for servicing, generally a VW will indeed be more affordable to service than one of the premium brands, but if you’re interested in buying a BMW or Audi then you can bring your servicing costs down a lot by going for a good independent specialist rather than a main dealer.

Expert answer

Hi Shan,

Around the €7,000 mark is a good estimate. It'll depend on condition, equipment and which trim level the car is in of course.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

As is so often the case, the best answer here is ‘get a Golf.’ Or possibly a Passat. Or maybe a Volvo S80 1.6d. Any of those, if you can find them with a full service history, would fit the bill rather nicely. The Volvo is a great choice actually — comfy like an armchair, and can go 1,500km on a full tank of diesel. The Golf is probably the best value option — get one cheap, with the old 1.9 'Pump Duse' TDI diesel engine, and it’ll sit on the motorway doing 50mpg all day long, and it’ll be comfy too.

Expert answer

Hi Gillian,

With two small kids myself I completely understand your needs. Really, you're probably after something with a much bigger boot, but I assume you like the premium look and feel of the Audi. People in your situation would often upgrade to a bigger car in the same brand, say an Audi A4 or a compact SUV. I've taken a look through Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind and here's a list of potential replacements:

- Audi A4: way bigger inside and in the boot than your A3 and significantly more comfortable on the road. Your budget gets you a clean 2010 model saloon or Avant estate with a 2.0 TDI engine.

- Audi A6: much bigger again than the A4, but for the same money you'll get less equipment or an older model - you could afford the saloon or Avant estate though.

- BMW 3 Series: quite comparable to the Audi A4, though not as spacious inside and few Touring estate examples on the used market. Very efficient engines.

- BMW 5 Series: lovely car in same class as Audi A6, though your budget will probably mean a high mileage example. Insist on full service history.

- Honda CR-V: well made family SUV that was designed more for on-road than off-road use. Not all that common, but hugely spacious and reliable. Make sure you go for the newer model that has only just been replaced.

- Mazda6: I'm not sure if you're attached to the Audi badge, but this car is well worth a look. It's massive inside (especially the estate), good to drive, well equipped and reliable. Your budget gets you a low mileage 2011 example too.

- Skoda Superb: no kids will ever kick the back of your seat in this car such is its rear legroom! The boot is massive too and it comes with a range of different engine options. The 1.6 TDI is especially economical. You can afford a 2010-2011 saloon, though personally I prefer the Combi estate.

- Volkswagen Passat: there are a few 2011-2012 Passat saloons available for your budget and it'd be a sensible purchase in some ways. This car is still on sale now new. There aren't many estates about unless you go for the previous generation model.

- Volkswagen Tiguan: a good option, though supply is limited at you budget to 2008 versions. High driving position and spacious all-round.

If you'd like help narrowing your search further, please do come back to us. Also, with such a low annual mileage, it's worth seriously considering a petrol car if you find a well-priced one.

Expert answer

Hi Cristian,

Road tax on this model is based on the engine size. The Passat 1.8 has an engine capacity of 1,781cc, which means the annual tax bill is €636. This increased from €592 on January 1st this year following the Budget.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Assuming you're looking at the pre-2015 model and a 1.6 TDI engine, the timing belt needs to be replaced every 210,000km regardless of time. The exception is if the car has been used in a dusty environment, in which case the interval is 120,000km. That car is a long way away from that. 

The pollen filter should be changed at least every 60,000km or every two years, whichever is first.

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

First of all a quick list of possibilities we found on Carzone.ie that we would consider wise buys:

- Audi A4 - Good to drive and plenty about, though you'd have to look at 2005 - 2007 within your budget. Not all that spacious either.

- Audi A6 - Hugely spacious and comfortable, but again you'd have to settle for an older car with higher mileage, which could bring unexpected costs.

- BMW 3 Series - Most examples at this price are 2005-2007. Economical diesels and great to drive, but we'd worry about potential bills - and not as spacious as non-premium brands.

- BMW 5 Series - We'd be sorely tempted by this 2005-2007 model as it's such a great car. Seek out a low mileage example with a full service history and a warranty though.

- Citroen C5 - Comfy big car with decent specification and well-proven diesel engines. Not a huge number on the market, though at least you could afford a 2008 car.

- Ford Mondeo - One of the default options here. It's big, comfortable, good to drive and there are loads and loads about. Relatively cheap and easy to maintain too.

- Honda Accord - Relatively unknown here, but the 2.2-litre diesel engine is a gem and the car is very reliable and comfortable. Look for a post-2008 one to keep your tax bill down.

- Mazda6 - This is probably the car we'd put our own money on. Go for a post-2008 diesel example in a decent specification. It's spacious, well-equipped and great to drive. Reliable too.

- Toyota Avensis - Your budget might get you one of the last of the old models from 2009, though taxi drivers tend to snap these up as well. Make sure you check the history and mileage with Cartell.ie.

- Volkswagen Passat - Plenty about and it's a spacious and comfortable car, but there have been a few niggles with the electrics that'd steer us elsewhere.

There you have it. Come back to us if you'd like more help narrowing down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Liz,

Quite a different car, really. The S40 is quite compact and even a bit on the small side; the Passat is bigger and roomier, and arguably the better car on a long journey. The S40 does have exceptional safety levels on its side, though, and has a nicer looking cabin with better seats.