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Quote: Originally posted by Gary H on 18/11/2012

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Quote: Originally posted by audicab26 on 14/11/2012

Quote: Originally posted by macquatic on 13/11/2012

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VW Passat Estate TDI SE 130bhp.

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Solid powerful workhorse and last for years if looked after.
Kerbweight -1395kg
85% - 1186kg     
Max towing weight - 1500kg

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Agree with the above. I am currently selling my Passat TDi Estate:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221151972577?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Weighed around 1520kg when I stuck it on a weigh bridge. I think due to the high spec? Tows our 5 berth van (1325MPTLM) with ease.

Nice example there mate!

Ive had one of these passat estates for the last 6 years and its been the best car ive ever had.

The maximum braked tow weight on them is 1600KG. My van is 1350KG MAM and i still get over 30mpg.

Mine had 120'000 mile on it when i got it and it covered that in the first 3 years of its life!!<img align="absmiddle" src="forum_images/smiley3.gif" width="17" alt="17">

It was a gamble when i bought it but one which has paid off big time! As long as you have a full service history with these, dont worry about mileage- within reason.

The only thing mine has had is a radiator, just after i got, 200 quid pattern afair from ebay <img align="absmiddle" src="forum_images/smiley36.gif" width="17" alt="17">, a 12 quid temp sensor and a battery! Apart from the usual consumables like tyres, CV boots and brake pads, thats more or less it and its now covered 165'000 miles!

Its still on the origonal factory clutch AND exhaust system for christ sake!
Mondeo's are a great car but i think you'l struggle to match the build qaulity and longetivity of the B5 passat, its a shame the same cannot be said of the later version!

I would have another one of these tomorow if i could find one with reasonable milage,

fantastic car in every way.

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Quote: Originally posted by audicab26 on 18/11/2012

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"I've serviced it myself" is meaningless unless the seller can prove he or she is qualified to do so.

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Quote: Originally posted by DaveCoaches on 18/11/2012

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I'd go for the Mondeo but try and go for a 2004 - 2007 model with the 130PS engine if possible.

Bear in mind that a tow bar could cost £500 so take that into consideration when comparing two cars. A lot of people get put off by the towbar as they think it means the car has had a hard life so it's not usually a selling point but it is a big bonus for you.

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Quote: Originally posted by Cledan on 23/11/2012

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If you buy a Mondeo watch out for the particulate filter not regenerating and, if it's got a dual mass flywheel, budget another £1000 to have it replaced at some point (soon).

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I agree with that partly but be aware that most cars these days are fitted with DMF's that can give trouble after 30'000 miles or 230'000 miles, its the luck of the draw not only applicable to a Mondeo.

My ole passat is still on the clutch and DMF it left the factory with 165'000 miles ago.

Alot depends on how the car has been driven by previous owners wether or not you have DMF problems! Drag racing starts and heat from clutch slip are the biggest killers of DMF's. A new one for mine can be got for about 300 quid.

Bloody useless particulate filters are also becoming very common now and again, if the car has been used on short stop start journeys they can also give problems and become blocked. A "forced re-gen" can cost about 200 quid and is only possible at a dealership unless you have the very expensive software required on a lappy!

Quote: Originally posted by Cledan on 23/11/2012

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Skoda Octavia would be my first choice with or without 4x4.
If you buy a Mondeo watch out for the particulate filter not regenerating and, if it's got a dual mass flywheel, budget another £1000 to have it replaced at some point (soon).
A Volvo estate would also be a good solid towcar and can be picked up cheap enough. The C5 is a nice car but becoming thin on the ground. The alternative choice that you may wish to consider is an MPV. Galaxy, Sharan, Alhambra, Multipla, Previa etc all are good for towing and should return 45mpg (diesel) in everyday use.

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