8th Sep 2017, 00:55
Repeated repairs of the same issues, by well reputed independent mechanics, is not money well spent.
Interesting how 137k is considered high mileage on a VW. I have a 2007 Honda, 185k, not perfect but far less troublesome. When repairs were needed, they solved the problem.
Also, Passats with detailed maintenance records and meticulous maintenance histories do not wind up on the market. Not sure if other European cars are this finicky with age. I love the driving experience, but is it a toy or transportation? Plenty of reports of Passats that had issues early and often, and newer models had different issues, but numerous and serious.
10th Jul 2017, 15:54
As someone has already mentioned, a lot of what you listed as faults come under wear and tear at the mileage stated.
However you are right, quality and reliability of VW products in recent years has went downhill. Also I have noticed on here most negative reviews for VW come from the USA - I believe the cars for your USA market are not built in Germany and are made elsewhere (South America I think) and standards have fallen. In the UK where I live VW have a solid reputation and generally most VW's I have had (German built) over the last 20 years have been as good as any car, so long as you look after them.
One more thing I'd mention when people talk about "quality" cars; they don't always seem to be referring to reliability. Most compliment the fit and finish and general feel of the car's interior materials, like the doors closing with a satisfying 'thunk' and so on, in comparison to something much cheaper and nasty from a lesser manufacturer where the car looks and feels cheap the second you look at it. Generally VW have an "up market" feel. Unfortunately that does not always mean it will be more reliable mechanically than any other car.