Which car would you buy?

Question

I really want a Jaguar but the budget wont stretch to it. So I'm looking at a VW Boro or a Passat or maybe a Saab 95. Which would you recommend? Do you have any experience with any of these cars? Or can you recommend a similar alternative?

You will not only earn points for helping me, you will earn my eternal gratitude :-)

I should have added; It will be a family car which will also be used for a fair amount of commuting. I care a lot more about reliability and economy than about appearance.

Budget details for those who asked. I dont know how helpful this will be because I'm in the UK and prices vary wildly. I am prepared to pay between £5000 and £8000 in UK prices.

If it is any help, my last car was a Saab Griffin with I was utterly in love with until some %$£"er drove into it out of a blind alley and reduced it to 'parts'.

Answer 1

JAGUAR is my first choice,but the older models before they became a ford.
then a Land Rover discovery
then a Saab

Answer 2

As your budget will not stretch to the new improved Passat I would actually recommend the Bora. It's a nicer drive, a more reliable car and will hold it's price well. It drives more like a Golf as well. I work in the service dept for a VW dealer in the UK and this is definately one that we see in less. Buy from a main dealer to get the 12 months warranty and breakdown cover. You can be assured that the car will have undergone a 'multipoint check' that will have highlighted any major issues. My sister just bought a Golf from us and they did a service on the car, put new pads on and filled the tank up with fuel. Now there's service!
I know that VW have suffered with issues in the past, but I have to say that over the last 2 years I have seen most of these issues rectified. They have also introduced more warranty assistance on certain items over 3 years old.

Answer 3

Most people think a Jag is a high dollar exotic. Consider this: Jag owners will take care of the servicing needs like oil changes and the like. Jag owners have the $$$ to keep the car in top shape. (Lord forbid having it jump started at the country club) Look for a used Jag from a reputable DEALER, not individual. It usually will have a dealers warranty and have all the systems tweaked to showroom performance and new tires, etc. Stick with 1994 and newer. Prior to that they were an electrical nightmare. The one my wife drives is a 1997 XJ6. I bought it in 2002 (5 years old in showroom shape with warranty) for $17,450. And that was tax, title and license. In the last 5 years I have had to replace one cylinder coil for $85 from Autozone. And my wife is a sassy lassie with a classy chassis. I drive a Ford pickup and a Ferrari 400i. Jag 25 MPG and has never failed.

Answer 4

Try an Audi A4 (same engines as the VW Passat) but body is a bit more stylish. Not sure how much you have to spend - I have had the 97 shape A4 and now a 03 - they are such lovely cars.

Answer 5

Do you want to save between ONE HALF AND TWO GRAND?

I would highly recommend a Skoda Octavia (please do not laugh)
They are reliable, built like tanks and they go like stink especially the turbo diesels.

I will tell you why I recommend them. October last year I had a
Skoda Fabia vRS. I know that this is too small for what you want but I reckon they are better built than VW.
As good if not better interior build quality than BMW. So there you go.
Look beyond the badge. Enquire about a 24 hour test drive.
I am a Skoda nut. And will never have a VW again

I am deadly serious about this-they are beautiful cars

Answer 6

Penny. I agreee with Davie b. I've always driven VW's, had both the Bora and Passat. Both equally good motors. I now drive the Skoda Fabia VRS, traded down from my Octavia. Ifyour not bothered about names, then go for the Skoda. Exact same parts, better build quality, and if you go for a VRS model, they actually come off the Audi TT production line.

Skoda's are brilliant.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

I was going to say get a Volkswagen Beetle, but since it's going to be a family car and it may be a little tough to get children in and out of the backseat in a 2 door car, then definitely go with the passat! Volkswagens are lovely cars! I've had 2 Volkswagens so far, and as far as I'm concerned VW will the the only brand of cars I ever will buy!
Good Luck car shopping:)

Answer 8

Passats are nice. Your mentioned your budget, remember none of these cars are maintenance free. I would recommend a low cost maintenance car and also a car where the insurance costs are low.
What I mean by low cost maintenance is a car that's not going to cost you $80.00 for an oil change, muffler that's not going to cost you $300.00,etc. Well I guess the Jag is out of the question.

Answer 9

Jaguar would be the better car, it looks beautifull and drives much better...Depends what Jaguar your going for and what your budget is

They start from

X type
S type
XJ
XK

I brought a 2003 Jaguar XJR last year, and it looks and drives beautifully Performance is very good...Im going to exchange this year for a XKR (2004 or 2006 model) as i want the Coupe version...I get about 21 mpg overall

If budgets the case than i recommend these 2 models, as they have smaller engines and are more fuel economical

X-type

http://www.jaguar.co.uk/uk/en/x-type/highlights/highlights/introduction.htm

or S-type

http://www.jaguar.co.uk/uk/en/s-type/highlights/highlights/introduction.htm

Answer 10

i worked at vw in the breakdown dept the passat was one of the cars that least broke down but if they do their technicians are second to none they are dedicated thats all they do
so if you get a vw make sure you get the cover, you can get vw breakdown assistance to do anything for you
i hope this helps
ps make sure you join up 24 hours before you need them

Answer 11

As i don't know what kind of budget you have? but look at a vw phaeton , now there is a well build car, otherwise ? well, i have a 20 year old mercedes w124 , lovely car, all modern cons, still in style, no rust , and classic insurance, good ones are still out there and can be had