passat 4 motion

[marcus_374408336]

Hi, I am relatively new to caravanning and have read some good reports about the passat 4 motion for towing. What are peoples 'real life' experiences of these cars, are they as good as the magazines make out ? I like the idea of four wheel drive without the bad image of a landrover/jeep. I would be looking at a second hand vehicle perhaps in the £10k - 15k range.

Thanks

 

[Ian_5040589]

Hi Marcus,

Welcome to caravanning!

I have a 2003 53 plate 4Motion sport saloon. I've had it from new and its covered 29000 trouble free miles. Service costs are low and other than having a new cambelt at 4years old there have been no other bills - its still on the original tyres.

Towing wise its heavy enough to tow our 1500kg Swift Challenger (kerb weight is 1693kg) with max tow of 1700kg. Its solid when towing and has plenty of pull (130bhp tdi engine) - although its best kept in 5th gear rather than 6th on the motorway.

Fuel economy is excellent - upwards of 55mpg solo and 30-35 depending on conditions when towing.

Its very comfortable on long journeys.

The 4 wheel drive is excellent in snow and on sticky surfaces - we've not got stuck on any field yet!

The boot size suffers slightly as the 4motion workings are under the boot floor, hence its smaller than a "normal" passat. If you can, go for the estate rather than the saloon.

All in all its an excellent car, hence I've kept mine for more than 5 years and have no intention of getting rid!

Your only problem might be getting hold of one as they do seem few and far between.

Good Luck!