Faults:

Constant DPF problems. That light just won't go away after a main dealer "re-gen" and eventual replacement. Expensive.

Exhaust and springs replaced.

ABS sensors.

Brake squeaky noise still not away after new discs and pads all round. Mechanic advises me the calipers need changed now as well (expensive).

Clutch a bit shaky on engagement.

Cosmetically the car is in good order and appeared to be looked after when I bought it last year, full history and all oil changes.

General Comments:

When this Passat is running right it is a good looking and comfortable car that is OK to drive and pretty economical (over 50 mpg on average). R-Line is a good looking spec, mine is dark grey with body-kit, looks nice. Spacious inside.

Electric parking brake was a pain at first, but OK now I am used to it.

But I bought a poor car that is clearly not up to standard. I did do my research and bought a car that looked good initially and had history, but it still gave too many expensive problems.

It is ridiculous the amount of money they want for these cars at higher mileage and 13 years old (over £3000), but that is all I had and what I had to pay.

I think I will sell mine soon, it has not been a great car. I know people like them and there are good ones out there, but mine was a dog even after careful checks and buying an apparently good example. Be careful with these older diesel Passat's! You are probably better going for a petrol version, though they are comparatively rare, most are diesel.

Faults:

The usual diesel issues; I haven't had any injector problems yet which seem to be common, but I have replaced the DPF and EGR valve at great expense. Clutch and dual mass flywheel also seem OK for now, I honestly think how you drive the car has a lot to do with keeping those parts healthy.

Front suspension renewed, and brake discs all round.

A/C re-gassed.

Cosmetically the car looks great, Passats from this time can rust early, but keep it cleaned and garaged and you should be OK. Cam-belt and oil changes as scheduled.

General Comments:

My white Passat in the R-Line spec looks great; the styling pack with this trim level really sets off this car's great looks. It is a great car to look at and travel in.

2.0 TDi performs great. Low range torque is impressive, the car pulls strong in all gears. You can also average around 50 mpg. Engine is a little noisy, but the car is quiet enough at cruising speed on motorways.

Interior is very nice, seats are great to sit in, and the car handles very sharp.

I have had it a while now and the mileage is getting higher so it is not worth much, so I will keep this car till the end; it has been reliable enough for me. Just be aware running costs with these cars can get expensive for poorly looked after examples, but find a nice one and you should be OK.

Faults:

Not much beyond the usual wear and tear. A/C will not work at all and there is some rust on the front arches.

General Comments:

A petrol Passat is pretty rare considering most of these are usually diesel. I bought mine privately and glad I went for petrol - reliable, smooth, and great performing. Only downside is it only does 38 mpg on average, pretty poor nowadays. Still, I am driving less so it is manageable and petrol is also slightly cheaper to buy than diesel.

S model is very very basic but the car still has electric windows and all the usual features from a 2009/10 car.

Very smart looking car in black with original VW alloy wheels.

Local VW dealer don't wanna know about older cars; in-fact they practically insulted me for driving an older car and tried to sell me a new one. I had such a cold reception at my dealer I complained - I recommend you find a trusted independent garage for servicing and repairs for any car this age. Almost certainly will be cheaper as well.

Comfortable, nice looking and great to drive, I love it, a fine car in every department.