Brrrrrilliant
Nothing.
This is a good car.. a very good car
The first VW I have owned, and I cannot wait until I can afford a TDi 130pd.
The comfort and handling is nothing short of brilliant, everything works and nothing rattles.
The attention to detail is superb.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th May, 2002
I'm 30 days from getting my new 01 Passat 1.8T
* Door locking system was in emergency mode (computer box) from day one. 3 door locks replaced, covered by warranty.
* Front brake pads replaced in accordance to the manufacturer notice.
* Front suspension replaced due to noise.
Even though I have had a few minor faults, I feel the car is reliable.
The 150hp feels like less. The fact that the 01 version has 170hp proves my point.
Headlights are way to weak for the Nordic winter roads.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th October, 2001
Shape of body is great and the car is very comfortable
The engine automatically speeds up when driving. This occurred due to a faulty water temperature sensor on the engine. There are two water temperature sensors on the engine, one for the dashboard and one for the engine control system. The dashboard display is held at 90C unless it goes above 130!! This is not a one off.
Automatic door lock problems with car alarms. Electric door locks let water in and cause all types of problems.
Faulty brake lights due to high impedance electric connections at the junction boxes.
Petrol tank display was faulty. Readings were all over the place.
Handbrake failed totally. Was totally replaced as it cannot be repaired.
Suspension has got very noisy in last year.
Governance of the engine went fault with regard to idle speeds. Engine cutout when the electrical load was switched on e.g. rear window heater!
Water leak in front of the car into the floor area.
Boot lock was faulty.
Very comfortable car, however the quality in production has taken a bad turn in this model. 1999, 2000 and 2001 years are not much of a improvement as the faults above have not been removed as the years have gone on on.
This is especially so for the door and boot locks, which there is no excuse for!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th August, 2001
Stay away from these cars (they don't make VW's like they used to). Bought a 98 Passat Turbo in mid 2002, and apart from depreciating a further 50% for what I paid, its given me nothing but problems. Like the poster above I have suffered from water leaks and also dodgy electrics, door locks problems (pathetic cable mechanism broke away from the handle, my 20 year old bmx had a better design!) and not to mention for a 150bhp turbo it handles like a pram.
Just to add a positive comment since it's mainly people with bad experiences who tend to come forward and make their voices heard. I've been driving our 1998 R-reg Passat 20V SE Auto since early 1999 and have had no problems worth mentioning. The odd dashboard bulb that needed changing and the like. Very happy with it and wouldn't hesitate to buy one again. I hear they are being re-designed for 2004/2005 so might wait for those.
Cheers,
Matt.
I have had a 98 4cylc turbo, no problems, except now the driver's door lock is failing. Seems to be a common problem. I am also looking to change the timing belt, @80k. Anyone have advice on the risk I am taking by skipping that procedure?
Timing belt is nothing to be messed with. Check with a dealer what the interval for changing is and do it immediately if it is due a change. If it breaks you can expect bent valves and a general mess. The only cure is either a new engine or a very costly rebuild.
5th Jan 2006, 07:59
I agree. I have the same model with 138k on the clock. All it needed since I bought it 4 years ago (apart from usual service costs) was an air flow meter.