Volkswagen Passat

Passat Buying Alternatives

Few cars compete, but there are cheaper options if you lower your sights

Auto Express Car Reviews

July 2002

No other family saloon has the same class as the VW Passat, and fewer examples on the road make it more desirable than 'common' Vectras and Mondeos. But if you can't afford the VW and don't want the more mainstream Ford or Vauxhall, our four alternatives offer reliability and comfort without the premium pricing.
Nissan Primera
A Primera won't impress the neighbours, but Nissan's family offering is still a good package. Excellent build and proven reliability mean it should be a hassle-free ownership prospect, and a superb chassis makes it a much better driver's car than its modest looks suggest. The GT version has great handling, but even the lesser models perform willingly.
Engines: 1.6, 1.8, 2.0-litre petrol; 2.0-litre diesel. Years: 1996-2001 Prices: GBP2,650-11,000
Honda Accord
A slow seller despite being above average in nearly every respect, the Accord is one of the most underrated cars on the market. That means canny buyers can benefit from a supremely comfortable cabin and generous equipment levels that make mid-range Passats look stark by comparison. Beautifully engineered and incredibly refined, the Honda is an excellent used purchase.
Engines: 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 3.0-litre petrol. Years: 1998-present. Prices: GBP4,650-17,500
Renault Laguna
It does not have the build quality of the VW, but the Laguna is among the most comfortable cars in its class. A replacement last year means values of the outgoing model have plunged and the earliest 1994 cars now cost silly money - GBP2,500 buys the best. Avoid base-spec cars and early diesels; aim for at least RT models with electric windows and air-con.
Engines: 1.8, 2.0, 3.0-litre petrol; 1.9, 2.0, 2.2-litre diesel. Years: 1994-2001. Prices: GBP1,500-10,000
Mazda 626
Being anonymous can pay off. And while the 626 will never set pulses racing with its looks and average chassis, it's one of the most reliable and well built cars of its size. If you want a motor to do everything you ask of it with the minimum of fuss, the Mazda can't be beaten. And because it's seen as a bit boring, it's cheaper than most of its rivals.
Engines: 1.8, 2.0-litre petrol; 2.0-litre diesel. Years: 1997-2002. Prices: GBP3,600-11,500