Faults:

Thermostat, and a leaky rocker cover gasket. Cheap and easy fixes.

Air con stopped working, never bothered to get it fixed.

Driver's door handle felt flimsy sometimes but did not break.

Everything else was wear and tear during the time I had the car - brakes, exhaust, oil changes, etc.

General Comments:

A brilliant car and a huge improvement over the previous model, which was regarded as dull but still a decent car. This car, although redesigned from the ground up, inherited the old car's mechanical reliability and functional interior, laid out logically.

I bought it confidently at only a couple of years old with low mileage and history. Silver paintwork shined brightly. Most were silver, for some reason from the late 90s onwards this was a very popular colour for a lot of cars. It was clearly looked after and I continued to look after it for many years and it served me well. Spent quite a lot on maintenance, which was not always cheap, but was worth it in the end. Never once broke down on me (a flat battery aside, that I should have changed before it got too old).

As mentioned before, the interior was laid out well and was very comfortable. SE model means most things were electric. To drive, the 1.8 petrol engine gave good economy and performance, and the gear change was slick and involving. Handling was predictable as any front wheel drive car however; not very exciting.

Overall it was a very good car that I only traded last year for a newer Passat, but after nearly 20 years and almost 200,000 miles, I think I got my monies worth out of it. Still a popular sight on the roads in the UK; if you see one of these older shape Passats in good condition with history, then go for it - it still feels very modern and it's a great everyday car to drive.

Faults:

All suspension arms replaced (rattling when I bought it)

Mass air flow meter replaced.

O/S rear door lock locks and unlocks with central locking as it pleases.

Air con compressor (bearing collapsed)

General Comments:

This is a largish family saloon that would comfortably carry four large blokes anywhere. also capable of returning 50+ mpg better on fuel and quicker top end than my previous car 02 bora tdi 130.

Faults:

Air conditioning malfunctioned at 12,000 miles.

Passenger seat became immovable at 16,000 miles.

Brake pads were replaced at 25,000 miles and again at 43,000 miles.

Clutch wore quickly and needed a major repair at 30,000 miles.

General Comments:

Aside the minor faults mentioned above, the Passat was a very reliable car.

The best thing about the Passat was its solid build quality and superb reliability.

I also appreciated its comfortable interior and big boot.

Cost a reasonable £15,000 and held its value well.

Private retail value was £8,000 after three years.

Ride and handling were smooth rather than sporty.

Faults:

Glow plug light kept flashing. (Still today.)

Near side suspension bushes knocking constantly. (Still today)

Viscous pulley bent forward at 124000 miles, new pulley, belt and fan fitted by dealer.

Alternator shaft bearing snapped a week later.

General Comments:

Apart from the disapointing customer service from VW, a brilliant car to drive.

Frugal and very, very powerfull. The turbo makes overtaking so easy.

The torque is impressive.

I will cry the day I sell it.