Used Avensis or Passat for 25k a year?

I do on average 25,000km a year. Live in the country. I have a choice between 142 1.6 Volkswagen Passat (246,000km, €8,800), 142 1.6 VW Passat (180,000km, €9,500), 131 2.0 Toyota Avensis (198,000km €8,950) or 2012 2.0 Avensis (146,000km €8,000).

Advice welcome

James McDonagh (Curry)

Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi James,

OK, at 25,000km per year, you’re just about over the line for diesel to make good sense for you. Both the Passat and the Avensis are rugged, reliable cars so they’re both good choices. The Passat has the nicer interior and is more comfortable overall, and that 1.6-litre diesel is remarkably economical (we once drove from Galway to Glasgow, via Belfast, and back on one tank…).

However, the Avensis would have an edge on overall reliability, which, when dealing with cars of this sort of mileage and age, could be significant. I’d say, on balance, go for one of the Avensis, but carefully check over the history and condition of each car, and go for the one that’s the best in those regards, rather than mileage or price. Oh, and as with any four-door saloon with high mileage, check to make sure that neither has been previously used as a taxi. We recommend Cartell.ie for a full history check.

Read our Toyota Avensis reviews

Read our Volkswagen Passat reviews

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe