Practical, reliable family wagon
Nothing.
A fantastic practical family vehicle. Very economical, but with quite a lot of power.
It's extremely comfortable.
I will be keeping this car as long as it lasts, which will probably be forever.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st August, 2011
Great, quality built car with a fantastic engine and ride
Front door would not close unless slammed. Needed a new latch for $550.
Frustrating road noise. Replaced tyres with quality quiet running tyres. Perfect now!
Otherwise it has been great.
Silky smooth engine. Performs well. Will accelerate quicker and vastly smoother than any 6 cylinder Commodore or Falcon. (I have owned both.) Solidly built, gives you a feeling of safety and security, particularly in the wet. Very comfortable and fun to drive. Comfortable leather seats, basic stereo that has very good sound quality.
We bought the car from an elderly guy who has owned and maintained it from new. It was a real score.
It will return 9 - 9.5L/100km, pretty good figures for the performance. I managed 7L/100km on a hour long highway trip.
No rattles, smooth, quiet ride, just a bit of a lumpy idle at the moment, which I will address at next service.
We love the sun roof, and the A/C is very cold. The vents do blow hot air though when the A/C is not on, it is a little annoying.
Great car, only use it on weekends though.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd June, 2011
Exciting luxury
Wood trim goes crappy and needs replacement.
Entire front end suspension re-build.
CV joint.
I love this car.
Being an 18 year old, purchasing an 'old man's car' was an unpleasant idea, however after spending little funds, the car looks and feels (at least on the outside!) like a youthful car.
With BUCKETLOADS of performance and responsiveness for a small V6 engine, I love it. The sounds from the exhaust, the solid drive feel and handling is superb, just love it!
Be OVERLY proactive in the maintenance department, but worth every cent!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th October, 2010
Great looking car, but you need lots and lots of cash to keep on the road
Where do I start?
1. Water pump and water pump housing were replaced (dealer used super glue to fix the housing and refused to admit shonky work!!)
2. Leaking oil from head gasket (and I'm still leaking oil from somewhere??)
3. Control arms and tie rods changed x2.
4. Air conditioner not cool at all, but now fixed.
5. Sunroof failure (replaced and now starting to play up again).
6. Rotors replaced.
7. Turbo reconditioned.
8. CV joint replaced.
9. Coolant housing replaced.
I have always loved this car, but am now seriously considering switching over to a boring Toyota (much more reliable!). Unfortunately I have put too much money (to date approx $13,000 AUS of my own money, and approx $5,000 of the dealers money under the warranty contract) into this car to let it go for a ridiculous low trade in price, considering I paid $14K with insurance.
I cannot keep up with the costs involved in keeping this car on the road. My wife drives a Jetta 07 diesel, and we too have had some issues with that car as well (though very minor).
The power window control in my Passat is now coming loose off the door, and the seat upholstery is now starting to rip in places, but I think it's wear and tear for a car that is now 12 years old. I wish I could be more positive, because this car is a sweet ride when cruising with the sunroof open. Has lots of give on the freeway (but at what price)?
I get approx 500 km's to a full tank in city driving, and approx 640 km's when on freeway.
Only positives are that the car still looks very stylish for a 12 year old vehicle, and keeps well compared to newer competitive model vehicles (people are always surprised when I tell them how old the car is).
I don't recommend that you buy a Passat!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 24th January, 2010
Excellent value for money as a used car purchase
ABS control unit - fix was cheap ($250).
Tie rod ends - replaced with aftermarket ($70).
Passenger side lock - replaced with used spare ($90).
PVC tube replacement ($60)
Oil cooler gasket ($10)
Fuel line to the injector rail ($50)
Despite known problems (ABS, tie rod ends, door lock), it doesn't cost much to look after thanks to aftermarket parts. Do NOT shop at VW for parts!
All this car needs is regular quality oil changes.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th December, 2009