Faults:

Exhaust blown.

All belts changed on the engine.

Handle on drivers door becoming lose.

General Comments:

This is most comfortable car in its class. It has good engine with plenty of power and it is tough as tank.

Recently I had a accident in which some freak hit me with Renault 25 directly from oncoming track (headlight in headlight).

I was parked and his speed was 80KM/H.

Nobody was hurt in my car, but in Renault 25 driver was severely wounded and pinched down in twisted car. Engine in of Renault was in the cabin of the car, and front left wheel was under the drivers seat. After accident I started the car and moved it across road.

On my car there was a great amount of damage, but not even the windshield was broken, and if radiator and battery was not broken I could get to my house with it. After that I bought another. And my heart is always in that car.

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.

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.

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.

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.