Passat or Insignia? Help!

Hi guys

Very close to changing, but caught between 2010 Volkswagen Passat Highline with the 1.6 TDI engine or a very good price on a 2009 Opel Insignia 2.0 diesel CTDi. I have seen your review of the Insignia regards a creeking plastic interior. The Insignia is the better looking car but would Passat be better overall?

Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)

Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

---

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

It sounds like this choice is down to personal opinion. The Passat has a better reputation for reliability, though the Insignia is not too shabby on that front. The creaking interiors affected early cars and you should be able to quickly check for it on a test drive.

We agree that the Insignia is a better looking car, though the Passat Highline has a great specification. Countering all that the Insignia's 2.0-litre engine is more powerful, if louder and less refined.

In summary, we'd probably go for the Passat, but regret it every time we see a good Insignia!

Best of luck - let us know how you get on.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D