Should my wife trade in her Passat for a diesel version?

Should my wife trade in her 2008 Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI petrol for a more economical diesel car? My wife loves her Highline Passat, with 130,000km on the clock, but is wondering should she get something newer with similar spec (she's fond of the heated leather seats!). She uses it for work all around the county and also school runs etc for two young kids. What do you recommend?

Thanks

K C (Cork)

Feb 2014 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

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Expert answer

Hi Keith,

It really just depends on two things; her driving style and habits and what kind of condition the car is in. If it's in good nick, her average mileage is quite low and she's able to maximise the economy from that engine, you may just be better off spending a little bit of money getting the car thoroughly serviced and spruced up and sticking with it. If though her mileage is creeping up or you feel that the car is starting to age then it could well be worth trading in for a newer Passat. The current model is essentially the same car, but updated and re-skinned and the 1.6 TDI diesel gives it terrific economy.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe