What large, petrol models would you suggest for a young family with children?
A relative of mine is interested in buying a 2012 Volkswagen Passat Bluemotion 2.0 TDI DSG with 69,000 miles for under £5000. What other large, petrol, automatic models would you suggest for a young family with children? I'm concerned about the DSG. Is this DSG gearbox one of the ones that will cause a lot of problems? A petrol car would be more suitable than diesel for 10,000 miles a year use. On a 2012 model with 69,000 miles, will expenditure on the car increase a lot from now on? Thank you for your assistance.
Asked on 27 November 2020 by Hondafan
Answered by
Andrew Brady
I think you're right to have your concerns. The DSG gearbox used with the 2.0 TDI engine is more reliable than that paired with small petrol engines, but it's still at an age that it could go expensively wrong. You're right that a petrol would be more suited to 10k a year, especially at this end of the market. We'd recommend a Honda Accord. They're pretty rare (most buyers of cars like this want a premium badge) but very reliable. Also consider a Toyota Avensis – they're nothing special to drive, but ultra-dependable. Also consider SUVs like a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.
Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you.
Choosing a child seat can be a quite baffling experience – there are so many sizes, types, brands and price points available that you might not know where to start.
How to choose the right child seatSimilar questions
I need to buy something with a few more seats but worry about all the negative coverage of diesels. What do you recommend?
I currently have a Volkswagen Tiguan that has been okay on a mixture of short trips and towing a caravan. We've never experienced any DPF issues, but since the emissions fix we have noticed the car regenerating...
We're trying to choose a reliable, used, automatic, five-seater SUV or estate for £12-16k. It can't be diesel and needs to be able to manage a family of 5 on motorway trips (so boot needs to be at least...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Impressively quiet and strong i-DTEC diesel engine. Feels well built and reliable. High refinement and comfort levels. Lots of underfloor boot storage.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Hugely practical and robust, refined and quiet on the move, excellent diesel engines, especially the 2.0 D-4D, very reliable.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
1.6 i-DTEC is punchy and efficient, massive boot and a spacious cabin for five adults, superb build quality edges the CR-V into premium territory.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Practical with a good boot and plenty of rear leg room. 2.5 hybrid with 2WD or 4WD available. Five year warranty. Proving very reliable.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
