Buy 2007 Mazda 5 for $7,000 or 2012 VW Passat TDI for $26,000?
 

So which vehicle would you buy and drive for the next 10 years, the Passat TDI or the Mazda 5? The 2007 Mazda 5 gets 19 City and 24 Highway only for $7,000 compared to the 2012 Passat TDI which gets (Kelley Blue Book tested) a real-world average of 29 City and 51 Highway for $26,000. The Mazda 5 has 80,000 miles on it where as the Passat TDI would have 100 miles or under being brand new. The Mazda 5 also needs new rear shocks and a rear brake and rotor replacement. The Passat TDI also comes with 3 years of free standard maintenance and a 60,000 mile warranty compared to the Mazda 5 which has maintenance costs but also has a warranty at 20,000 miles. With driving an average of 15,000 miles per year over the next 10 years which vehicle would you choose to buy? And why would you choose it over the other?

I'm quite sure with 80,000 miles that the Mazda5 needs more than rear shocks and rear brakes. Those are items only required to pass a safety. With those miles it would also need: spark plugs, coolant flush and fill (i would put in a new thermostat as well), new transmission fluid, PCV Valve. While you are changing the plugs, you might consider installing new ignition coils as well (otherwise after another 30,000 miles you may have to replace them, so do it now while they are there). Clean the throttle body and MAF. I would also flush and fill the brake fluid as well as the power steering fluid. Throw in some fuel system cleaner for good measure. Change the engine oil. Re-set the ECU by disconnecting the battery after all above work is done.

You will also be going thru a few rear shocks with the Mazda5, as apparently, for some reason they eat rear shocks.

The only negative thing i can say about the Passat is that parts must come from Germany. If you get that car, make sure you have some kind of arrangements for a car during the long waiting period! If you can afford it, buy it. You will save at least $1,000 on gas each year.

The Volkswagen Passat TDI, because the '07 (and '06) Mazda5 just isn't a good vehicle.

If you do get the Mazda5, you will also want to spend some money to change the factory alignment to stop the toeing. Take a look at the tires, I will bet that they are not wearing evenly and that the inside edge is worn. Or they are brand new tires that were put on to hide the uneven wear issue.

For what it's worth, I would take a Honda Civic over the Volkeswagen Passat.

In regards to "UseYourNoggin's" comment about shocks: DO NOT REPLACE WITH MAZDA SHOCKS. Use something aftermarket, like monroe or whatever. Most aftermarket ones are better, and come with a lifetime warranty. (I have replaced my rear shocks *3* times. Twice on Warranty and once myself with Monroe. So far so good).

Aside from this, tough comparison, two entirely different vehciles at totally different price points. But that said, I would stick with the *5* as the sliding doors for me are essential with kids to prevent fixing some other cars paint job for dings!

On the flip side, about the 10 years thing. Buying a mazda 5 for $7,000, then buying another newer used one every 3 years, you are still ahead financially, and you minimize the risk of hitting major problems as you'd get rid of the vehicles faster.

Used Mazda 5 depreciates much slower than a new Passat which you'd lose big $$ the day you drive it home.