1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX review from North America
"A money pit that handles well and has a big trunk"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I bought the car for $4,800 US in California, several thousand below kelly blue book value. It needed a heater core ($600) A/C switch ($200) and misc expenses ($200) when I bought it. Two months after I bought it the power moonroof broke ($350) which is a common problem. Next the water pump went out ($300).
The engine leaks almost a quart of oil per week, which isn't uncommon. The anti theft radio reset itself several times.
Passenger side door does not close correctly. The latest is the automatic transmission completly failing, at a cost of $2000-$4000.
General comments?
Skip VW unless you love paying for repair$. Mechanics with big wallets, not drivers wanted! Seats are annoying to adjust and not enough headroom for a six-footer. A fun drive but as expensive as a BMW to maintain. This was my first and last German car. I am selling it and buying Japanese.
Lbdiver@hotmail.com.
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  | A comfortable, economical, reliable car that will burn your wallet if you don't care for it |
| One gas miser long distance runner for long road trips |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 0/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 110000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 138000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Truck |
| Date of Entry | 20th July, 2001 |