1989 Volkswagen Passat GL estate 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Spacious, but expensive, boring and unreliable

Faults:

Engine management unit failed at 105,000 miles; car kept stalling as idle speed was set too low.

Power steering perpetually leaked; several attempts were made to solve this, but were not successful.

New master cylinder required at 110,000 miles.

Bumper fell off at 120,000 miles. No rust; apparently the mounting screws had 'worked loose'.

Replacement clutch at 125,000 miles.

Electric mirror motor replaced.

Two window cranks snapped.

General Comments:

Loads of space for passengers; the roomiest car inside I've ever had.

Luggage space good.

1.8 engine sluggish and acceleration leisurely.

Expensive to buy and insure for its class.

Certain parts were expensive for this car compared to other VW cars.

Boring car; too much black plastic inside.

Instrument illumination at night was poor.

Liked the electric mirrors, but electric windows would have been useful too.

Car was quite rattly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2003

1989 Volkswagen Passat GT 1.8 Petol

Summary:

Good solid German battle cruiser

Faults:

Starter Motor packed up at 126000

Changed clutch at 141000

Slight wear on drivers seat

Nothing in terms of engine trouble, or running gear.

General Comments:

Still like the car, not really anything special though.

Reasonably good styling and looks for its age.

Sports spoiler and alloy wheels make it slightly less plain.

Fuel economy is not great, the best the on-board computer has displayed was 36.6 MPG and that was across Germany on the autobahn.

Acceleration adequate around town, but nothing to write home about.

Top speed is reasonable, seen 130mph and I've held it at 120mph solid for distances in excess of 100 miles before, still feels confident at speeds, but wind noise is annoying.

A strong well build piece of German machinery. It has put up well with some serious automotive abuse.

Good cabin space, boot is of fair size however spare wheel takes up too much space for my liking.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th November, 2002

1989 Volkswagen Passat CL 1.8i petrol

Summary:

Reliable, quality estate car

Faults:

The temperature sensor failed.

The lambda probe failed.

Various dashboard lights failed.

General Comments:

Despite minor faults, all were easily fixed.

There is plenty of space and lots of legroom for all occupants.

The car is very quiet and very comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2001

1989 Volkswagen Passat GT Saloon 1.8i petrol

Faults:

I bought this car second hand from someone who I think must have thrashed it a bit. Therefore I have had suspension problems, new water pump, new airflow management system (the old one was tweaked), new brakes all round, CV joints.... Dear oh dear!

General Comments:

Despite all the above, the Passat is a wonderful car, I just wish mine was one of the good examples! It is surprisingly frugal, extremely comfortable and engaging to drive. If I thought that the service bills wouldn't keep adding up I'd hang onto this one. Take heed from this cautionary tale, if you do buy second hand (privately) get someone to look the car over who really knows their stuff - it could save you hundreds of pounds.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 31st December, 1998

27th Jun 2001, 06:23

I have a 1989 passat estate doing 100+ miles per day. I did have a vehicle inspection by a reputable (supposedly!) company (not the AA) and still had in excess of £1,000 within a few months of purchase. Apart from that the car drives well, is resonably economic and you can carry a horse in the back! Unfortunately with rapidly increasing maintenance costs I may have to send this one on it's way.