Which vehicle to get and why 2004 VW Passat or 2003 Jeep Liberty?

Question

The 2004 VW Passat- 43,000 miles, great condition, 4Motion $16,995 Me and my fiance both love the style and feel of the car

The 2003 Jeep Liberty- 20,000 miles, 4X4, Sport package
$14,995 We like the idea of an SUV

We are torn between these two, any input from actaul owners would be valued. I know these are two very different vehicles but I can logically find a use for either vehicle. I drive alot about 300 miles a day, for my sales job, so comfort and quality is important. If it breaks down I dont work!!!

Answer 1

VW has become alot more reliable in the last 3 years or so. Anything from 02 or newer I wouldn't go for with VW.
My parents have a 03 passat with 4Motion and it is a great car. They have had zero problems with it and there is 90,000+ miles on it. the all wheel drive is one of the best available out there.
But, if you are getting a jeep, I wouldn't get a girly one like the liberty.

Answer 2

Well, I can't say anything bad about the Passat it looks like a fine automobile. We have two Jeep Libertys, 2002 and 2006 and have had no problems at all with them- we really like them. The '02 is a 5spd and the '06 is a 6 spd.
So, I'd take the Libby it has only 20k and the Passat has 43k.
Although, that isn't a terrible deal on the Passat and it probably gets better mileage too.
I have to say, we bought our first Jeep in 1999, and I was shocked at the quality- I was expecting ythe Jeep of yesteryear, but found a drumtight, nice handling vehicle. That was a Cherokee- the Liberty looks like it could've been made in Germany- and it was in fact designed by DahmlerBenz. The body panels fit very well and it is very quite and smooth driving.
Another note about the Liberty- it has one of the highest ground clearances of any SUV, not important to some, but you can definately take it where the Passat will not go.

Answer 3

I would not do either. The Volkswagen is a very nice car, but they are not reliable. A 2yr old Volkswagen has as many problems as an 8yr old Toyota. And, you are looking at one that is out of warranty, and has the added bonus of a complicated and very expensive to fix AWD system. VW's are also expensive to fix in general, often requiring specialized tools and software that only the dealers and specialized shops have (read expensive $$).

The Jeep is nothing special in it's class. They do at least have average reliability, but they do not really hold their value all that well. The 3.7 V6 underperforms, and the ride never really feels settled. The interior appointments are not all that high quality, and do not fit together that well. For 2003 the transmissions have been more troublesome. It will get about 15-18mpg, and owner satisfaction has not been great.

In your price range, a Toyota Highlander (2002+) would be a good fit, as would maybe a Lexus RX300 (2000+, especially if it is certified). You could also do a Subaru Forester.

Answer 4

THE VOLKSWAGEN! The Volkswagen is by far more reliable, as well as less expensive. You will spend a tremendous amount of money on gas alone if you choose the Jeep. The Jeep Liberty gets HORRIBLE gas mileage. My mom only kept hers 5 months because it was so bad on gas. And God bless anyone who rides in the back seat of the Liberty. If they are the slightest bit prone to motionsickness they in trouble. Believe it or not you will have equal if not more room in the Passat, and it will hold its value better over time. I almost bought a Passat myself, the 4motion is awesome you will enjoy the security it provides and the handling. One last note, the Jeep sits up higher and thus you have the whole roll over thing to consider. Compare them both on www.edmunds.com they have owner reviews for new and used.

Answer 5

I had an Audi A4 Quattro (same as 4 motion) which is almost identical to the Passat (like a Taurus/Sable are). It was a very unreliable car. It would have been cheaper in the long run if I would have purchased it brand new and had factory warranty. The liberty really isn't fuel efficent or incredibly reliable either. They lose value quickly. pick up a Consumer Reports magazine and do some research before you spent thousands of dollars.

Answer 6

I would not recommend it. If you are buying a use Passat from those years make sure the timing belt had been done at 100K miles. But you will seriously be in for a rough time with this purchase. Expect numerous oil leaks, power steering fluid leaks, WATER LEAKS leading to electrical damage, expensive repairs on certain parts since they are German manufactured, premium gas and also synthetic expensive oil changes. If you can keep up with everything, the car will be good. They just develop so many spontaneous issues after some time. I would get a Honda or Toyota.

Answer 7

Passats are very expensive when it comes to repairs. Although there's no car that feels better and gives you a better ride. The Jeep Liberty will be an issue if gas prices are a concern. I guess you'll have to consider the long or short term consequences. Good luck!

Answer 8

LIBERTY !!!!! There is a diesel Liberty that gets great milage alot of power and a great ride..........