Faults:

At 6,000 miles, in-Cabin air-filter seal leaked, sending gallons of rain water into the cabin. Ruined carpet, electrical harness, gear selection indicator, and more. One month in the shop to repair. Repair covered under warranty

At 48,000 miles, ECT sensor failed, sending engine to high temps, almost overheating. Repair covered under warranty.

At 52,500 miles (3 1/2 years old), heater core failed, taking the heater box with it. VW would not assist with repair since the warranty had expired a whole month earlier. Cost to repair $2000.

General Comments:

The car is tight, and I like all the bells and whistles, but I am very turned off by VW's "inability" to assist me with the heater core repair. They could have had a loyal lifetime customer if they had stepped to the plate with some help, even if only some fraction of the total repair. Now, I think I'll be shopping at Acura or Lexus for my next car.

Faults:

Monsoon radio stopped working 3 times.

Six pairs of low beam bulbs have blown.

Dealer's Svce. Dept. never has real answers; only shrugs and guesses.

General Comments:

Monsoon radio stopped working 3 times in total: In year 1 dealer rebooted; in year 3 dealer rebooted; in year 4 dealer stated they 'could not' reboot again and I would have to buy a new radio which was no longer under warranty. I am on my sixth pair of low beam bulbs in 3-1/2 yrs. and the length of time until they blow now is increasing shorter. The dealer has replaced 3 sets and independent auto shop had replaced 2 sets and I, with latex gloves on, have replaced one set.

Before replacing current set, they lasted TWO days and both blew at same time???

Faults:

Daytime running lights have both gone out at one point - a common problem I see on lots of Passat's driving around - this is an obvious problem that VW should admit and fix or offer discounted replacements.

Thermo-coupler went bad - was replaced under warranty. Then a few months later, started having problems with the transmission slipping into low gear, but revving really high rpm's, especially from stops - took to dealer four times and got a new part each time having to do with electronic controls (transmission & electronic control units, etc) only to question mechanic enough to have him go back to thermo repair - wound up being a loose wire!! Fortunately, VW U.S. allowed dealer to extend warranty as it all started at 49,500 and was fixed by 52,000 and they covered it until fixed - lucky it happened before 50k.

- just took in for the 65k check (at a local shop) and one of the axle boots had broken open - wound up replacing one of the independent wheel axles. As with some other minor repairs, I got the standard response that hurts your wallet..."for most other cars, this wouldn't be so bad, but VW costs $xx more for this.." because I guess the parts are hand-made in Munich or something.

- VW dealer repair costs too high - I take it to a trusted local shop (CarX) who keeps it running fine, since then maybe coincidental, but need for repairs has been minimal.

General Comments:

I've had a testy relationship with this car, but we're still together. I think the good has outweighed the bad.

- has had mechanical issues that overall haven't been big deals, but incompetent local dealer resulted in several xtra trips and aggravation.

- since staying away from dealer it has run much better, only one odd repair so relationship has improved as it has aged.

- I'm very pleased with the fit and finish, haven't had any radio problems like I see elsewhere, no coil problems - but mechanic said that happens a lot more on the GLS models than the GLX's.

+ It gives superb performance with great pickup at all speeds, nice stable ride even at 73,000 miles, just glides on the Xpressway, and comfort of seats (got a bad back) + heated are great. Co-workers still impressed by inside looks, has leather etc. So altogether make it worthwhile overall. I'm crossing my fingers - plan to keep it till it dies or comes back to kill me in the wallet. But I bought it off Ebay for a great deal so I feel like I'm getting solid value right now.