Poll: VW Passat or Volvo for $25k?

[RossMAN]

I am helping someone purchase a new car either through a credit union, CostCo auto or loss leader ad.

They have narrowed their choices down to:
VW Passat
Volvo

Must have:
Leather interior
Moonroof
Just below entry level luxury (no Acura TL since it's over $25k)
Brand new price of $25k or less

Which VW Passat or Volvo model/trim would you buy for $25k?

Please DO NOT turn this into a VW thread crap, thanks.

 

[vi edit]

TSX

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
TSX

Hmmn we never considered that model.

She isn't to crazy about the Accord redesign, thanks we'll check out the TSX.

 

[ElFenix]

can i turn it into a volvo thread crap?

 

[NutBucket]

I assume the Volvo is a S40?

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
can i turn it into a volvo thread crap?

No.

Constructive posts only please (yes I know that's a challenge for you but you'll manage).

 

[ElFenix]

well the volvo for that price is brand spanking new (unless you're getting the old mitsubishi model, which i wouldn't)

and the passat is really old

the cars aren't quite the same class, since the passat is much much bigger.

 

[RossMAN]

I think I'll e-mail her an Edmunds.com link comparing the Accord EX, Mazda 6, Acura TSX, Volvo S40 and VW Passat.

 

[BigSmooth]

The new (2004.5) S40 is nice, but it's not even available yet and when it is it will be tough to get a deal on it.

I'd go with a Passat over the old S40. I like the S60 but you'd have to get it stripped to get under $25K.

 

[krunchykrome]

Get the volvo. VW will break down. After 30-40K miles, all kinds of small problems will start happening. The engine is solid and will run for a long time, but the "car" itself will have many many problems. Go with the Volvo.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
I think I'll e-mail her an Edmunds.com link comparing the Accord EX, Mazda 6, Acura TSX, Volvo S40 and VW Passat.

they haven't reviewed the new S40 iirc. look like they only have a preview

 

[z0mb13]

I heard volvo resale value is like crap...

is this still true?

 

[vi edit]

Don't get me wrong, the Passat is a great car. We love ours, and my wife would buy another in a heartbeat. But, I think that the current gen Passat is getting a little long in the tooth.

I suggested the TSX simply based on the options that are standard on it. Power seats, HID's, sunroof, climate control, heated seats, ect. Awesome interior too. It's only downfall is that it's a high reving 4 cylinder. If you want low end grunt it's not the car for you. The V6 in the passat is a torquey little engine that works well in the car. It's certainly enough engine to get you moving easily. It's very quiet and smooth as well.

I can't comment on the Volvo because I haven't drove one. I do know that it's much much smaller though. Less head room. No back seat space. Ect. As Bigsmooth said, you can't compare them based on size.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Get the volvo. VW will break down. After 30-40K miles, all kinds of small problems will start happening. The engine is solid and will run for a long time, but the "car" itself will have many many problems. Go with the Volvo.

Meh.

70k on my Passat V6. Only thing I've done to it is replace one break bulb and the two headlight bulbs. Total out of pocket price - $20.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: z0mb13
I heard volvo resale value is like crap...

is this still true?

Possibly. They're still solid cars tho

 

[imported_vr6]

i would suggest the tsx or passat. But then i am biased towards VWs.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Get the volvo. VW will break down. After 30-40K miles, all kinds of small problems will start happening. The engine is solid and will run for a long time, but the "car" itself will have many many problems. Go with the Volvo.

Meh.

70k on my Passat V6. Only thing I've done to it is replace one break bulb and the two headlight bulbs. Total out of pocket price - $20.

You got lucky sir.

 

[CChaos]

I really like both the current Passat and the new S40 that's coming soon, but for that budget I don't think you can get the V6 4motion Passat or the AWD option in the Volvo. So, I'll say a loaded Mazda6s.

 

[RossMAN]

Thanks vi_edit and BigSmooth, I really value your opinions.

She may get the boring but sound choice, an Accord EX V6 automatic for around $23k.

Although it's ugly and boring, it's also safe and reliable.

 

[BigSmooth]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Thanks vi_edit and BigSmooth, I really value your opinions.

She may get the boring but sound choice, an Accord EX V6 automatic for around $23k.

Although it's ugly and boring, it's also safe and reliable.

The Accord does just about everything well. Although personally, I wouldn't call it entry-level luxury. The TSX would have more "luxury" features unless you really load up the Accord.

Edit: and if I were buying in this price range, I'd want to give the new Subaru Legacy a look, although that's not supposed to arrive in the U.S. until the fall.

 

[NutBucket]

The Accord could *almost* be considered entry level luxury these days. The interior is pretty amazing. An EX-V6 will have pretty much everything the TSX has and will be better to drive. The TSX engine won't be much fun for most drivers wheras the V6 will feel strong right off the line. Lest you forget, the TSX is a euro-market Accord anyway.

 

[EvilYoda]

I concur that certain Japanese models should be in the running, but between those two, the S40 seems to be the better choice.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

I own the current generation Passat wagon (the B5.5).

I have the V6 and think it's a great car. The only problem I had with it was the power seat control had to be replaced (warranty item).

Rides great. Going down the Mass. Pike at ummm... ticketable speed is nothing. You could drive at a hundred for hours and not notice it. They certainly do in Europe where the Passat is a very common car seen on the Autobahn.

The S40 is really not quite up there IMO.

 

[Aharami]

i would go with the passat cuz u get more for the money. the s40 is smaller and isnt as powerful as the VW. and the problems with VW are with Jettas and Golfs...the Passat line is a pretty solid line IIRC

 

[StageLeft]

Volvo, unless you want to be forced to learn how to work on cars.