Faults:

Engine light comes on about once a month on average, and it is very expensive to fix the problems that it indicates.

Strange rattling and squeaking noises coming from the suspension when turning the steering wheel or going over bumps. Mechanic has replaced control arms, but that still did not stop these noises.

Cruise control and door locks do not always work, especially in humid weather.

General Comments:

The car is reliable and continues to get me everywhere I need to go without a problem, despite these constant headaches with the engine light and suspension noises. The ride is very bumpy because of the tight suspension. But the car also has a lot of cool features, like an adjustable motorized sunroof.

Faults:

Too much.

Costly oil pump with even more costly labor. Included in this there was also the oil filter housing. $1500.

Sunroof, don't even bother getting it fixed because it will just fall apart once you replace it.

Timing belt, I don't talk about this anymore.

Blinkers stopped working, turned out to be the flasher and $100 later.

Locks, it started with not being able to lock the car from the drivers side door, now I can't unlock or lock from that or the hatch lock. I can only unlock or lock my car from the passenger side door.

Power window, I can't roll the driver side rear window up or down from the driver controls. BUT, I can roll it down with the child lock on from the back seat.

Tiptronic had to be replaced.

Now I can tell that the transmission is going and power, what power?

Last week the oil light started flashing again, which happened when the oil pump went, and the check engine light has come on.

I've taken this to numerous dealerships to be looked at for trade in and the most I can get for this vehicle is $2500. WOW, what a great investment.

Not only does this vehicle have major mechanical problems, the part cost is salt to the wound and the labor is a hot poker.

My '68 Volvo that starts on it's own runs better than this car.

General Comments:

Bottom line, I wouldn't sell this car to my worst enemy.

Faults:

Both rear door locks quit working around 7000. Lumbar support broke in driver's seat, one little cable broke when it was very cold out. The dealer says I have to replace the entire seat for around $700. The power steering pump was going out so replace it around 72000. Tie rods had to be replaced at 85000. The splash guard that protects the engine keeps falling off. Every time I take it into the dealer for an oil change, they zip tie the splash guard on instead of using the appropriate disposable screws.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable. Its had a few problems, but has never left me stranded.

It gets great gas mileage, 30-33 around town and 37 on the highway. On a couple of trips to go snowboarding it averaged 42mpg.

The 1.8L 4 Cyl turbo engine is great for gas mileage and power when you need it.

I find this car very comfortable to ride in, especially on long trips. I am 6'3" and this is the first car I have to move the seat up toward the steering wheel.

Faults:

Electrical problems: 1) hazard lights controller malfunction; 2) power window motor failures; 3) car lighter power source not operational after two years.

Mechanical problems: 1) defective charcoal canister led to engine choking after fueling - component should act as a vapor pressure relief, but was allowing liquid to enter system; 2) recall on front steering tie rods - items fixed free of charge 3) After 105K miles the nipple on the turbo relief valve failed (minor repair, but important to maintain turbo). 4) Absurd replacement of underneath plastic cover - quick oil change vendors did not have the disposable plastic replacements and led to cover dragging and causing me to replace at cost of $350. I did not replace it the second time (not really needed unless under snow conditions or flooding conditions); 5) Cabin filter needs replacement - gives bad odor at 90K miles; 6) Air condition not as cool after 70K miles and putting freon has not helped; 7) the key-less entry controller does not last and costs $40 from the dealer (about $20 on ebay). 8) Poor cup holders

Maintenance costs: I have not totaled all expenses, but a quick rough estimate maintenance cost has been approximately $800 - $1000 a year for the last 4 years of ownership.

General Comments:

The above things are what I have experienced from my car in the negative sense. On the other hand:

Electrical Benefits: Cool looking dash, windows open and close with key, great sound system.

Mechanical Benefits: Great handling, smooth ride, excellent comfort on long drives, and fun to drive, nice performance from the 1.8 Turbo, great anti-lock breaking and handling saved me from one major accident.

When compared to my 2002 Ford Taurus company car, I still prefer the Passat. The Taurus did not give the comfort, the enjoyment, or the security that the Passat gives.

My advice if you want to own a Passat is to buy a used Passat from one of the dissatisfied owners, find a good local VW specialist, and maintain your car. From an engineering standpoint, the VW Passat outclasses many of the cars from the ‘99 vintage, but it is very apparent that VW has to learn a lot and I hope they have since about service, ergonomics, communication, and reduced maintenance costs.

All and all, I might buy another VW Passat at the right price. After finding a VW mechanic at $65 an hour I am a lot happier. VW service charges $90 and hour. Ford charges $85 an hour so you don’t save much there and believe me my ‘02 Ford Taurus pays lots of visits to the dealership, but their service is better. Even with 105K miles I still love driving my Passat and it is still "fun to drive". Keep up with the maintenance and the car will last. Another piece of advice, if you like to change cars frequently then this might not be the best car for you, but if you like keeping a car for a while, then take care of your VW and it will take care of you.

God bless,

Israel Silva.