Faults:

Replaced steering column lock, under warranty.

Replaced intake manifold valve flap motor gizmo, under warranty.

Lower control arm bushings squeaking, replaced under warranty.

One low-beam bulb replaced, $7 out of pocket.

Radio buttons bubbling/peeling, not covered by CPO warranty.

Parking brake button has a small crack/hole in the center.

General Comments:

The car is beautiful to look at from any angle. The lines flow gracefully and sporty at the same time.

The interior is spacious, the seats very comfortable.

I love the electric-assist steering; makes it very easy to park the car in tighter spaces and maneuvers at slow speeds.

The electronic parking brake... yeah, takes some getting used to, but has not given me grief yet, except for having a small hole in the center where the LED light is. Probably got too hot and fatigued the plastic button. Not covered by warranty, new button around $70.

The 6 speed manual tranny is a blast to drive, but the clutch is a bit on the heavy side. Overall, the powertrain is a joy to drive and it consistently returns 25MPG in mixed driving. On a longer trip I have averaged 31 MPG, just as stated on the sticker.

The tires do wear out rather quickly, probably because it is a heavy car.

Oil changes should be every 10K miles by the book, but this particular engine likes to drink it a bit too much. By 5K it's used about 1-2 quarts. VW says "normal", my gut says otherwise.

I do most of my own service, use the best OEM parts and it has been trouble-free in the 16K miles we've owned it.

Fuel pump and camshaft wear are a concern, but the warranty has been extended to 120K miles, so I'm covered there.

It's nice in that you don't see too many on the road, in fact you may not see any on a given day. At least it's easy to find in a parking lot.

Push-key start is a nice touch.

Low-beams are adequate; would be great with xenons.

Overall I'm very pleased with it, definitely drives and rides like it costs more than I paid, and I enjoy every trip in it.

Faults:

I have 2 Passats.

The 1.9 TDI 2003 model has been mostly reliable, except that the turbo failed immediately after a routine service, which was rather strange. It is also annoying & expensive having to replace the brake rotors as well as pads every 60,000 kms. Servicing costs are high.

The later 2006 model is the most unreliable car I have ever owned. Huge list of problems from new.

The headlights shone straight up in the air; a leveling lever had not been connected at the factory.

The heated seats had reversed controls.

The ignition key rattled annoyingly - despite numerous attempts to fix it, I have now given up.

It had brake discs replaced at 60,000km - far too soon given how gentle I am on brakes.

It got a diesel bug and had to have fuel pump & filter replaced.

Now it has let me down again in the middle of the night with a failed injector.

General Comments:

Drives well, has great fuel efficiency and power. If these cars were less expensive to maintain and service, and had better reliability, I would recommend them. As it is, they are the most unreliable and expensive cars that I have ever owned, and I have had BMW, Toyota, Holden, Mini (new BMW type) - all of these other brands of vehicles combined have not given me the grief of this single VW Passat 2006 model!

Faults:

Door locks not working.

Engine loss of power.

Burning oil.

General Comments:

I was told by a past owner of a Passat; worst car he ever owned, unreliable. Two Golf owners said unreliable. Now I have found out for myself.