Originally posted by Dutch:
Guys, help me to make a decision. I am looking for a 2 years old used car. I have listed down this 3 models because they depreciate the most. Owning them as an 2nd hand is much better getting them brand new. They are all turbo charged, can easily boost them past 200 bhp with ECU change. And they are continentals.
2001 model can easily get for 85k to 95k they cost like hell for a brand new.
Which will you get and why?
Had driven all of them before. except for the S60 which is compnay short termed. Volvo N saab are very expensive to maintain.NOt much moddabliltiy..not like a passat. U can mod a passat ,the TIp is smooth & fuel consumption is decent. it feels well n has that conti beefy feeling. Saab 9-3 is light n very linear. u dun feel the turbo surge n frankly doesnt offer much feedback steering feel.all these cars unfortunately doenst offer much resale..so buying 2nd hand makes economic sense.U wud lose a lot if u buy new. Road tax is lower for passat as it is 1.8T. There are few workshops that specialised on VW, saab N volvo most of the time u hav to bring back to agents. But their service is ok lar. Maintenance is not so high as manual says u need to change oil once a year.depending on engine condition. FYI, one chip(stage one) on ur passat T will it from 150BHP to 204BHP!! like a new car!
If u like , u can meet up wz the passats owners grp n hav a chat wz them. Very likely they wud let u hav a feel of their car..of coz u must ry the stock one wz 150BHP..to have the stock feel. most of them hav SSBC, chipped,FMIC.Contrary to what certain bro here said, u CAN feel the accelaration of a passat becoz the torque is 210nm@1750rpm.
The S60 tends to float(surprise) at high speed n hard braking has lotsa vibes.
My 2 cents worth.
btw, the dash lights in the passat is a sexy blue at night..mmmm?
cheers