Is the VW Passat SEL worth it?

amandasf

Trying to decide if I should get the SE w/ Tech or the SEL. It does not seem to be much difference to justify almost $3k more. Would love to hear thoughts if the SEL is worth it. This is the first car I am buying (previous have been leasing) and also curious if the SEL will hold its value or if in 4-5 years the SE w/ Tech will be worth the same price as the SEL. thanks!

Mr_Shiftright

I think this is a very subjective thing, because you have to decide if the extras you get with the SEL are worth it TO YOU. Whether they are worth it to me is somewhat irrelevant.

Here's a CHART OF DIFFERENCES BY TRIM LEVEL for you to look over.

Basically my advice would be that unless you are going to really enjoy and use the majority of the extras in the SEL, then go for the SE.

No doubt the SEL has some nice appointments and features. Some people like leather and wood and gadgets, some don't.

As for resale----yes there will be a higher resale for the SEL, but don't expect it to be in the same increment of $3,000.

kyfdx

I agree with Shifty. In 4-5 years, an SE/Tech will probably be worth about $500 less than an SEL, if that. So, you really have to want/need the options on the SEL.

Nothing wrong with it, if that's what you want. You can take the "worth" thing all the way down to buying a Chevy Spark, at the extreme. Get what you want, as long as you can afford it.

amandasf

Thanks, guys!  We can afford the SEL, and other than power folding mirrors (narrow garage at our house) I don't need the other features, but my husband liked the look of the real leather/wood. 

the link you you posted does not have the SE w/ tech level- the tech adds a big difference from the se and gives the same lighting and rims as the sel.