Passat for family car (instead of A4)

[Ars4]

try as much as I like the RS4 is out, as is the A4 station wagon for a family of 4 plus labrador and occasion 16ft boat tow

so how is the 2.0turbo passat 2005-2011 year model?
would love the R36 or even the 3.2 but she has declared we are changing vehicles to save on fuel economy (2001 Outback)
will the 2.0T be ok for occasional tow

A mate has a 1.8t 2012 and reckons no probs to tow a boat to the wharf

how reliable is this vintage passat? I get scared after hearing his 2012 model has been recalled twice for gearbox issues?
buying a used imported one should i be worried?

what else ticks the boxes, economical, family 4, budget under $21k roomy but still have a bit of power for passing and the occasional boat tow
I dont think the diesel is viable but open to suggestions

[spooln]

Towing a boat....diesel all the way. Most passats are fwd so not ideal boat ramp material.

[beeker]

You ask for allot of features for the budget. Ideally an A4 or better still a A6 Quattro 3.0TDI would suit, but as the budget doesn't stretch perhaps one of these?

We get them as rentals in Europe from time to time and they are much more roomy than an A4.

Skoda Octavia Combi 4X4 2009
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/skoda/auction-638785593.htm

[Ars4]

Thanks for the skoda. Had not thought of those bug the tick the boxes
Was under the influence if a couple of quiets before. I see some c 6 a6 an avants for $25k. Would a 2006 model have electrical issues?
As the only car for a family of 4 plus Labrador could I do better? Seems good value

[beeker]

For something different, we quite like our Touareg 3.0TDI. 600kms around town, and 1000ks on the open road.
You'll get a high km'er for that money'ish.

[GorGasm]

Lol buying a new car to save of fuel... Derp logic right there.

[Edit]why did I come in this thread, now I want an R36 >_<[/edit]

[pooek9]

I think that's great logic. Same logic I use... I have a b7 avant and does well as a daily with the ability to tow. Does get  thirsty towing a car but for the number of times it gets used to tow compared to being a daily driver its not worth getting a diesel wagon or x5/toerag/cayenne