VW Passat or BMW 530d with my €10,000?

I have about €10k to spend on a car; should I buy a 2.0 TDI Passat (07-08) or a BMW 530d (04-05)? I do a lot of driving and really would love a BMW but I'm worried about problems that may come with big mileage.

John Woods

May 2011 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi John,

I can see why you would want to go for the 530d, but don't. There is no such thing as a cheap BMW and buying a used one like this can be very costly. They become moneypits when they get older and this means that the servicing costs will be hugely expensive. When things go wrong, which they will, you will be left with a massive bill. Also, since that car would be taxed on the old system, you will have over €1,300 per year in road tax.

The Passat might not be perfect, but you are likely to be getting a car that will be much cheaper to run. I hate to rain on your parade with regard to the BMW, but if you are on a tight budget they are the wrong car to buy (I am a former owner so can vouch for this) so perhaps the Passat, while not as sexy, would be a more prudent choice.

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