I was given the option to acquire a 2012 VW Passat SE with 58K miles at a minimal cost.
Just have to spend a few hundred to fix the bumper and remove some dings in the doors.
I am tempted but have some reservations as I am not familiar with the reliability of VW's.
Being a European car, I imagine maintenance costs to be higher and more frequent than my trusty ES300.
Just looking under the hood, I know it's gonna be more work to do any maintenance if I can even do them.
If not, I will have to take to an indy. Even oil changes are gonna be more work as I have to get under the car to remove the oil filter.

PROS:
1. Stereo. I do like some of the updated features on the VW like Bluetooth phone and sound connectivity.
Also has SD card for MP3 useability
2. 6 air bags - Side & head air bags
3. Useable Cup holders. haha
4. Larger cabin
5. Looks is subjective but I do feel that the VW looks better.

CONS:
1. Acceleration sucks. Its real sluggish at the start but gets ok as the car starts moving
2. Brakes make a thud when braking hard. Just at the beginning.
3. unknown maintenance and reliability concerns.

My concern with my ES300 is that with 190K miles, I fear there may be issues with the transmission in the near future.
I can keep it but want to sell one of my cars as I don't want to pay for more insurance than I have to.

Let me know your thoughts on which to keep.

TIA