2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4 motion review from North America
"Nice car, but too many expensive headaches"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Heater core replaced at 60000 miles, required entire dashboard to be replaced. $$$
Air Conditioner Evaporator replaced at 120000 miles, requires entire dashboard to be removed. $$$
Thermostat replaced at 70000 requiring a complete overhaul of the car's front end. $$$
Alternator had to replaced at 90000. $$$
General comments?
Enjoyable to drive. I like the 4-motion and the interior is comfortable. The car drives better (handling, acceleration) than many new cars (I rent cars several times a month). In a nutshell, I like the car, so I keep throwing dollars at it for repairs that are not related to mileage. Some of the repairs are not unreasonable, but the cost to service is way out-of-line due to the design. I joke with the dealer that the car should have been made with zippers as parts of the car have been disassembled several times. I hope to get one more year out of this vehicle before buying a Honda. I had a Jetta before this Passat and basically the same comments: fun car, but too expensive to service.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 122000 miles |
| Previous car | BMW 3 Series |
| Date of Entry | 21st July, 2007 |