Faults:

Headlight switch faulty - replaced and fitted for very small cost.

Small coolant leak.

New water pump and alternator - wear and tear given the age and mileage those happened at.

CV joints and various suspension parts replaced.

Other general wear and tear - brakes, regular oil changes and timing belt changed at specified interval.

General Comments:

This was a VW Passat I bought at 5 years old in 1998. It looked very nice in metallic silver and being a GL model, it had decent alloy wheels and equipment. On the outside it looked more modern than similar cars at the time even though this was the older shape Passat with the big plastic front grille before the facelift in 1994.

This model stood out for several other reasons though - it was well equipped with electric everything and very plush interior, seats were very comfortable and the ride was above average. Generally the interior was a nice place to be. Fit and finish and the general feel of the car was good.

To drive it was also pleasantly surprising. Nothing to get excited about, but the 2.0 engine gave plenty acceleration when you needed it and economy was close to 40 MPG on a long drive. Handling was OK for a front wheel drive car with lots of grip (if you fit decent tyres that is) and the gear change was slick and involving from the 5 speed manual box.

To sum up, I have few negative things to say about this car; only positive. I think it was a very underrated car when new. I put serious mileage on this car with nothing much more than wear and tear and minor faults - which is more than can be said for some modern cars I've had lately that needed serious expensive repairs at a few years old and less than 100,000 miles. Whereas this old Passat done me good for 14 years and over 200,000 before I sold it off for scrap in 2007 - would have kept it, but economically it was not worth it. Would love another even today :)

Faults:

The radiator cooling fan stopped working. After some diagnosis and no help from the dealership, I replaced the defective unit for a total of $50.00, thus saving any future issues with having to replace the "head gasket."

General Comments:

This car is a very smooth performer on the highway, the seats are comfortable for long trips, and the gauges are large and easy to read.

Faults:

Where to start? Everything you can think of, it's the third engine in the car; front end keeps falling apart, turbo failed on it. Pretty much everything falls apart.

Gauges never worked. Took it in to get it fixed, never happened.

General Comments:

Don't ever ever get one. Parts cost a lot, same with repairs, and it drive like a brick.

Faults:

Transmission went.

Heater core went.

Heated seats quit.

Sunroof leaks.

ABS sensor quit.

Fan control switches quit.

Auxillary water pump leaked.

Camshaft broke and engine is no more.

General Comments:

When running this car is very peppy,handles well and is very comfortable.

Unfortunately the repairs far outweigh the happy running time. More has been spent on repairs than the car was worth.

Faults:

I had to buy some kind of Oxygen regulator for the car which cost me $300 Canadian, Also had to do some minor rust repairs. Handles froze on me during the winter had to oil them u.

General Comments:

Over I am satisfied with the car, not many real problems, compared to what the other users had to say. Overall I enjoy this vehicle.