Faults:

Erratic idle at 170,000.

Reconditioned engine at 189,000.

CV joint at 196,000.

Some exhaust and brake parts required for mot test.

No other faults.

General Comments:

This is my first car and apart from expensive parts its great.

Great fun to drive and although a bit sluggish at low speeds, its great on country roads and motorways/highways.

Its also well built.

For example even after 200,000 miles at anything from 30 to 100 miles per hour nothing squeaks or rattles!

Fuel economy is good to, 42miles per gallon at best.

I highly recommend this car if your looking for a great family/executive car that take high mileages well.

You might think its to old now, but find a low mileage one and it will last.

This particular model was built around 1988 - 1993, before a face lift in early 1994.

Faults:

The head gasket needed to be replaced at 160000 miles.

Indicator switch has failed twice.

It has otherwise been very reliable. Maintenance costs less than £300 per year despite very high mileage (20000+ per year).

General Comments:

This model has plenty of space - it is one of the largest in its class. It is also very versatile - the rear seats can be laid flat in seconds.

Performance is fine, and fuel economy reasonable (30-35mpg on open road).

It is very well built, and shows few signs of age - virtually rust free.

Overall, I have been extremely pleased with the Passat estate, and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and spacious family car.

Faults:

In three years I have had to buy a new exhaust.

General Comments:

This car is severely abused. It was bought as a carrying box for windsurfing and sailing gear. It has returned my neglect with total reliability. It does not win many points for performance or handling but has almost no rust having been left on the beach most weekends. Our other car is a 3 series BMW and there is no doubt which one is going first.

Faults:

Nothing I wouldn't expect from a 20000 mile/year car.

General Comments:

Excellent car, starts first time, does 42mpg on a long run, 35mpg thrashing up & down the motorway - which it does every day.

Loads of room in cabin and boot.