Our other car is a diesel passat 1.9 115 bhp sport estate. NOT what I would have chosen but we were offered it by a friend so cheaply it seemed silly to pass it up.
It does over 50 mpg and goes very fast from 0 rev's lots of low down torque. I struggle to find a design fault with it, it is a seriously capable car.
I am blissfully happy with my 2.5 from greg and can't believe I am allowed to have it again. I had the passat (now my wifes car) for 6 months.
I was blissfully happy with my 2.3 as well.
Not sure how to advise, you have had a 2.5( good heating remember? and goes just fast enough for the wife) and have a 2.8 so maybe you want to try something else as you have had experience of both.
Ive not had a 2.8 but if the 2.5 packs up I might look for one.
I don't like the shape of later Fronteras.
I am dreadful at making decisions and sometimes don't decide but let circumstances decide for me.
Even when I have decided something I go through agonies as to whether or not it is the right thing to have done.
Good luck
