Faults:

Glove compartment lid started popping open over bumps.

Friction stays on two of the heater vents no longer work so the vent won't stay in the desired position.

Stop relay on the diesel pump has failed twice, immobilising the car both times.

Rear wheel bearing at just 52,000 miles.

Handbrake cable snapped at 30,000 miles.

Several build quality / trim issues including loose A-pillar trim, baggy footwell carpet and a passenger seat that creaks like an old barn door.

General Comments:

Not the bargain A4 equivalent it first appears to be. Beautifully trimmed interior makes it appear a class above rivals such as the Mondeo, but under the skin it's not really any better made at all, or at least this one isn't. Far too many quality and reliability problems for what in modern terms is still a fairly low mileage car.

Good points are the astonishing performance / economy compromise from the 130PS Pumpe Duse diesel, with 50 mpg regularly returned on a motorway cruise. It's a relaxing car too with comfortable seats, generally low noise levels and a good level of perceived quality from the choice of trim materials.

The number of faults and build quality issues have been very disappointing though, especially as these are supposed to be VW's selling points. My Mondeo was far less troublesome and held together better in the 3 yrs / 105,000 miles I had it, although did not perform so strongly, and wasn't so nice to just "sit in".

I would definitely think twice before going the VW route again. It hasn't been a bad car, but it hasn't met my expectations.

Faults:

Plastic engine cover worked loose and rattled.

Tyres wear unevenly.

Uses a fair bit of oil (a litre every 2,000 miles or so)

General Comments:

Does what it says on the tin. Functional and dull, but comfortable, economical and effortless motorway transport.

Midrange torque from the 130PS turbodiesel is very impressive, and combined with a 6 speed gearbox, returns a steady 46 mpg. A bit grumbly from inside the car, but not too bad.

Steering overlight and lacking feel. Soggy ride and poor body control even in Sport trim. Not a driver's car by any stretch of the imagination, and quickly feels out of its depth when hustled along a twisty road. Newer rivals such as the Mondeo totally outclass it in this department.

Interior mimics the entire car - inoffensive, slightly bland, but soothing and relaxing. Ergonomics are very good, choice of materials first class. Seats are "500 mile comfortable". Noise levels generally low apart from aforementioned grumbly engine.

Reliable save for a few niggles. Hopeless and exorbitantly expensive dealers. 46 mpg average, 51 mpg best, 38 worst (German autobahn, where it recorded an indicated 135 mph incidentally). Add in very low depreciation and it's not an expensive car to own. Even with 76k on it, mine is still worth over half its new value.

A review I once read said the Passat was a car to respect, but not to love. Spot on really. I'd have another though because it does what it does very well, but only as long as I can afford something fun for weekends.

Faults:

Tyre Wear - with the car being 4wd, I only got 9,000 miles out of the original Bridgestone Potenzas RE040s, but have switched to Michelin Pilot Sports and hope for better results.

Tracking adjusted at 24,000 miles because of the tyre wear problem.

General Comments:

The W8 Passat is a real performer with effortless power.

Seats are like armchairs with support all round - great for long journeys.

MPG figures are not so good with an average of 18.5mpg over the last 15,000 miles.

With only 300 in the UK expect the W8 to turn heads... especially when you 'launch' the car at traffic lights!

Faults:

New rear nearside shock absorber fitted at 3200 miles.

Two annoying rattles in dashboard, yet to be fixed.

Awaiting fitting of new front nearside shock absorber.

Intermittent sound on TV, now rectified.

General Comments:

Exhilarating performance!

Great to be different, only 300 to be imported to the UK.

Interior is well appointed, a feeling of comfort and security is felt.

Vast improvement in road holding over previous V6 Passat.

Fantastic value for money.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The engine is the cars greatest strength in that it is has power and economy. I cover 1,000 miles per week at speed of up to 80 miles per hour and regularly achieve in excess of 50 miles per imperial gallon (based upon miles covered and neck to neck filling).

The cars handling does not equal that of my previous car (Vauxhall Vectra) however there are a number of electronic devices that kick in if I get it wrong. One is called ESP which selectively applies the brakes on corners if I am about to go into a skid. This is activated most days particularly on roundabouts when I am overtaking vehicles that I would otherwise be stuck behind on a single carriageway.