Faults:

Wood trim goes crappy and needs replacement.

Entire front end suspension re-build.

CV joint.

General Comments:

I love this car.

Being an 18 year old, purchasing an 'old man's car' was an unpleasant idea, however after spending little funds, the car looks and feels (at least on the outside!) like a youthful car.

With BUCKETLOADS of performance and responsiveness for a small V6 engine, I love it. The sounds from the exhaust, the solid drive feel and handling is superb, just love it!

Be OVERLY proactive in the maintenance department, but worth every cent!

Faults:

Not much, just the closing mechanism of the hood broke. Had it repaired for 110 euros (could only be done with the dealer). Fuel gauge had some problems and was fixed for 350 euros. That's all for 50.000 km.

Clutch might need to be replaced, but I thought the same thing when I bought it 4 years ago.

General Comments:

Very reliable and comfortable car. Best for highways. Only slightly underpowered with the 1.6 petrol engine.

Climate control works very well, cruise control is good, and after 220000 km, everything works still as it is supposed to.

Faults:

Where do I start?

1. Water pump and water pump housing were replaced (dealer used super glue to fix the housing and refused to admit shonky work!!)

2. Leaking oil from head gasket (and I'm still leaking oil from somewhere??)

3. Control arms and tie rods changed x2.

4. Air conditioner not cool at all, but now fixed.

5. Sunroof failure (replaced and now starting to play up again).

6. Rotors replaced.

7. Turbo reconditioned.

8. CV joint replaced.

9. Coolant housing replaced.

General Comments:

I have always loved this car, but am now seriously considering switching over to a boring Toyota (much more reliable!). Unfortunately I have put too much money (to date approx $13,000 AUS of my own money, and approx $5,000 of the dealers money under the warranty contract) into this car to let it go for a ridiculous low trade in price, considering I paid $14K with insurance.

I cannot keep up with the costs involved in keeping this car on the road. My wife drives a Jetta 07 diesel, and we too have had some issues with that car as well (though very minor).

The power window control in my Passat is now coming loose off the door, and the seat upholstery is now starting to rip in places, but I think it's wear and tear for a car that is now 12 years old. I wish I could be more positive, because this car is a sweet ride when cruising with the sunroof open. Has lots of give on the freeway (but at what price)?

I get approx 500 km's to a full tank in city driving, and approx 640 km's when on freeway.

Only positives are that the car still looks very stylish for a 12 year old vehicle, and keeps well compared to newer competitive model vehicles (people are always surprised when I tell them how old the car is).

I don't recommend that you buy a Passat!

Faults:

ABS control unit - fix was cheap ($250).

Tie rod ends - replaced with aftermarket ($70).

Passenger side lock - replaced with used spare ($90).

PVC tube replacement ($60)

Oil cooler gasket ($10)

Fuel line to the injector rail ($50)

General Comments:

Despite known problems (ABS, tie rod ends, door lock), it doesn't cost much to look after thanks to aftermarket parts. Do NOT shop at VW for parts!

All this car needs is regular quality oil changes.

Faults:

Turbo blew at 70,000 miles. $2000 to have it repaired. Then, the spark plug broke off and fell into the piston not too long after that. This cost $1500 to repair because the auto shop had to open the cylinder head. The transmission began cutting off and the cruise control worked only sometimes, so I sold it.

General Comments:

It handled like a dream. The suspension, the ability to drive through corners and maneuver around accidents, items in the road, etc. was amazing. It had all the bells and whistles, including the 6 CD changer, the thing costs a dang fortune to fix, however. And it took premium gas. Thankfully I unloaded it prior to the gas crisis.