u/MiPa117

I’m currently driving a 2010 Passat B6 Variant 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW, 6-speed manual with around 307,000 km, and I’m very happy with it, so I’m not looking to replace it anytime soon. I’m still maintaining it properly and doing some OEM+ retrofits, and I’d like to keep it for quite a while longer.

Still, I’ve been thinking about what could eventually replace it. I do quite a lot of long-distance/motorway driving, so I’m mainly interested in comfortable and economical diesels. I’d also prefer another estate/wagon because I’ve become very used to the practicality of the Passat Variant.

The cars currently on my shortlist are:
VW Passat B8 Facelift Variant (2019–2023) — preferably a 2.0 TDI with at least 110 kW. This seems like the most natural successor to my B6 and probably the safest overall choice.
Škoda Superb Mk3 Facelift Combi (2019–2023) — preferably a 2.0 TDI with at least 110 kW. It’s probably the most practical option because of the huge interior and boot, while mechanically being closely related to the Passat B8. A stronger 2.0 TDI would also be interesting if the right car came along.
Škoda Octavia Mk3 Facelift Combi (2017–2020) — 2.0 TDI 110 kW. Cheaper, lighter and probably the most economical option. My main concern is whether the reduction in sound insulation, interior space and motorway refinement would make it feel like a downgrade after owning a Passat.
Audi A4 B9.5 Facelift Avant (2020–2024) — preferably a 2.0 TDI. This would be the premium alternative. I like the interior, build quality and overall refinement, although it’s noticeably smaller and less practical than the Passat or Superb.

So basically my shortlist is:
Passat B8 Facelift Variant 2.0 TDI
Superb Mk3 Facelift Combi 2.0 TDI
Octavia Mk3 Facelift Combi 2.0 TDI
Audi A4 B9.5 Facelift Avant 2.0 TDI

I’m deliberately keeping the comparison around roughly the same vehicle class rather than including something like an A6, which is a class above and comes with a different level of purchase and ownership costs.

At the moment I’m leaning mostly toward the Superb Mk3 Facelift or Passat B8 Facelift, with the A4 B9.5 being the more premium alternative and the Octavia being the more economical one.
For people who have owned or driven several of these, which would you choose after a Passat B6 Variant if the priorities are long-distance comfort, reliability, fuel economy, cargo space and reasonable maintenance costs?
When the time eventually comes, I’d rather buy a well-maintained example with a documented service history than prioritize the lowest possible mileage or maximum equipment.

Hi everyone,

I have a 2010 Passat B6 Variant 2.0 TDI CR (103 kW) with around 305,000 km.

A few days ago I started hearing a clicking sound whenever I turn the steering wheel left or right while the car is stationary or moving very slowly (for example when parking). The click happens once during the turn and I can also slightly feel it through the steering wheel. It really seems like it's coming from the steering wheel or steering column rather than from the suspension.

The steering feels completely normal otherwise. There are no warning lights, the horn, cruise control and multifunction steering wheel buttons all work, and the car recently passed its technical inspection with no issues found on the suspension or steering components underneath.

Has anyone experienced something similar on a B6? What turned out to be the cause in your case, and is it something that should be repaired immediately or can it safely be driven until it gets worse?

I've attached a video with the sound.

Thanks!