406 hdi vs Passat tdi?

[RenoHuskerDu]

I don't want to stir up debate/emotions driven by brand loyalty, so please hold off with anything like that. I just wonder if anyone has experience with both cars. I need to buy one or the other within a year so I can teach my daughter how to drive on it.

I know that VW injectors cost 3 times more, even at dealer cost, and that the tdi motor is noisier. My cousin owns a good VW shop so I can get honest service from him, but then any VW parts required will cost double or more. PSA service is easy to find in France, and we have rock-bottom parts prices through our business 4x4 Dangel.

The Passat does one star better on euro ncap crash tests; four stars in 2001. That is a pretty strong argument for the teuton.

A 406 hdi can be found in France for quite a bargain, whilst the Passat requires a solid €2k more in general.

Anybody else have points to consider?

[Skanskar]

Whats the mileage on the cars mate?

[chopper1192]

The 1.9 TDi is a noisy old rattle-box, so is liable to sound tired and old quicker. The Passat interiors can tire out quickly, and they're lower geared than the pug.

That said the handling is more neutral and the boot better proportioned on the WW.

I'd really want to see the specific example of each car before making a decision like that.

BTW, don't read too much into the NCAP headline - the difference between 3 and 4 stars can be a single point, something as simple as an audible seatbelt reminder. Read the detail test data if that concerns you, but unless you're replacing every single 11 year old suspension, steering, braking and safety component for a new one I don't think it's a serious consideration over a decade on.

For me, it's easy - VW made vehicles for the Nazi forces in WWII, as did Auto Union and BMW (as well as aero engines and other military vehicles amongst them), and that alone is reason enough never to touch their products.

[RenoHuskerDu]

Ah yes, but I have german heritage (and a french wife) ... talk about a conflict of interest!

I'd be shooting for about 100k miles on the clock, and complete service records. You're right about the 1.9 having unpleasant NVH, and that is a factor!

[syncrofred]

*comments like this aint needed, deleted by john_h*. As to the cars, French electrics. Nuff said. You can buy a lemon of any mileage, at any price, from either maker.
I've had several VWs, have 2 Peugeots at the moment and wouldn't know where to start to say which is better. Good luck.

[john_h]

id say the biggest issue is insurance costs...check to see which is cheaper to help make a decision

[danthevan]

Dub

[syncrofred]

I am not impressed with your so called editing when I was pointing out that the remarks made by one of your senior members should never have made it into print!

[john_h]

Originally Posted by syncrofred

I am not impressed with your so called editing when I was pointing out that the remarks made by one of your senior members should never have made it into print!

i seen it as insulting and demeaning...rules of the forum, mods/admins word is final.

[syncrofred]

Chopper won't buy a BMW, VW or an Audi because they built stuff for the German forces. I am afraid that he is going to have to sell his Peugeot because so did they. When you live in, or are occupied by a military dictatorship you do as you are told and in Peugeots case, they did just that. VW btw, was just the name of a Porsche designed car. The actual factory and brand was started by us to help the German economy get back on its feet. Just thought you'd like to know.