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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.
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