Faults:

11,775 trans shifted hard when braking

11,800 Window switch broke

11,900 suspension squeeks loud

12,450 sunroof molding got snagged on roof

13,000 gages would jump around and mis match trip computer

13,750 side turn markers take in fog

14,000 rims loose more paint (did not curb check)

14,500 rear breaks squeek

15,000 rear passager window hits window track

15,500 motor makes plastic rattle "due to air pump"

16,000 BEST DAY OF MY LIFE I GET A NEW TOYOTA COROLLA S!!

General Comments:

This was a 2005 VW Passat GLS with 11,750 miles VW certified... The nightmare begins. I paid 18K for it and the window switch broke, rear passenger window hit the track, trans shifted hard when braking, turn lights did not match, speedometer jumped around, trip computer would be reset with cruse on and not match actual car speed, suspension would squeaks over bumps BAD, sunroof molding got caught on roof while opening, rims got spotted and lost paint, side marker turn lights on mirror took in water, and so on and so on. I took great care of this car and was not a fool as to how to take care of and keep up with car care. But no matter what the car was just garbage. I called a lemon law legal representative and had said that it’s more common with VW, seeing as to how I could not believe all this was going wrong. I would NEVER tell anyone to buy a VW I mean just look at the reports. VW has the WORST customer service in the auto industry and do your math and you will see you’re better off with a real German car like Mercedes or BMW. Don’t inconvenience yourself with an Audi there just as bad if not worse. I now own a 2007 Toyota corolla S and even without leather heated seats and monsoon audio, I could care less knowing that this car run and drives great!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car. I have also owned a 1.9 TDi Sport version with the 'V' & 'R' spec, which was lovely to drive and own. The guy who mentioned the reliability of the Mercedes and the 'quality' it presented as opposed to the VW Passat might want to be cautious. Mercedes aren't the cars they used to be; there are a substantial number of websites to refer to in this regard. VW, meantime, have yet again built an excellent car, which has won all reviews. It's also better built than any Merc I've driven, and even the Polo is a better built car than a previous 230 CLK.

General Comments:

Great car; very nice drive, good power, great spec and very very safe.

Faults:

Power steering is a little noisy, but nothing too bad, going to wait till first service to get it checked.

General Comments:

I recently acquired my new shape Passat after driving a 130bhp TDI SE for 93k in 36 months,

swapping it for the new 140bhp TDI SE.

The new car is much quieter, roomier and the handling is streets ahead of the old model.

I like the cruise control, the electric seat adjustment, and the overall feel of the car.

On the negative side, there seems to be too many blind spots, and reversing is a nightmare (if you are going to buy one, get the parking sensors). Reverse gear is too easy to engage, being next to first; I have done this on numerous occasions, not good.

It has an imposing presence on the road and most of my friends/acquaintances seem to think it’s an Audi (don’t know if that’s good or bad).

Other pluses are the remote controlled boot lid, it is an absolute joy. Returning to the car with a load of shopping; one quick flick and the boot is wide open for your arrival.

I am not totally convinced by the button handbrake. It is a totally unnatural thing, and I have been caught out by doing what comes naturally. As you leave a car, it’s the done thing to switch all the lights off, which unfortunately in my case included the handbrake, which I subconsciously turned off.

When I arrived back, the car had rolled 3 feet out of its space, but no harm done, thank goodness, don’t want to bash it with 300 miles on the clock.

The handbrake software it very reluctant to let go, using a seemingly random combination of revs/gears/seatbelt on or off/foot on the brake combination before it let’s go.

DO NOT USE THIS CAR AS A GETAWAY VEHICLE!!

Initially I was disappointed that the bean counters at VW had dropped climate control from the SE, replacing it with ‘Climatic’ semi automatic control, which looks cheap and nasty, but, surprisingly works very well and is less hassle than the twin zone climate option. (don’t fall for the draught free hype; it blasts like any other climate). Compared to a Mondeo, the goodie list is grim, but hey it’s VW, you are lucky to get alloys!

Let me think, obscure things that are fitted; umbrella slot in the door, three 12v sockets, sunglass holder, parking ticket holder on windscreen, ski slot, giant radio display; truckers driving past can read it!!

When you start the car, it’s rough and smokey, but soon settles down to a muted thrum, has great acceleration and good MPG, but so far down from 48 MPG on the old Passat to 42 on the new one, but only 4k on the clock, so should improve with miles.

If you want to drive 500 miles in a day, this car is probably the ultimate blend of performance, comfort, refinement and economy.

Subaru Imprezas, Mitsubishi Evos or any other pretend performance cars, move over when you see a Passat diesel coming; you know you can't afford to keep up!