1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS review from North America

24,000 CV Boot

32,000 Water Pump

52,000 Front Rotors

64,000 Vacuum Hoses.

Well, I do like my car, but there is no doubt that it is fairly expensive to own. I baby my vehicles, take them to the dealership every 5,000 miles (well, I USED TO, but I'll get to that later). Do all the scheduled maintenance, and things still seem to go wrong. The front rotors are atrocious. I was told that they were made to wear to make them quiet, which is utter BS. Mind you, 80% of my driving is highway. So instead of putting more crap on my car, I went with aftermarket, which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Consequently, I have had no problems.

Second, the car seems to creak a little more than I would expect. The armrest has creaked since the 12 month mark, and the console makes annoying rattles whenever going over the slightest bumps.

Also, the steering wheel makes a funny noise only when turning to the right. Finally, the engine makes a clicking noise that I think was caused when the water pump went bad - but I can get not affirmation to this.

Third, the dealerships are horrid! These folks are plugging bubble gum in every leak they possibly can because they realize they are selling crap, they just don't want to admit it. They also are a complete ripoff. Read your owners manual to see what "Work" they are doing. Check this, look at that, replace a filter, oh that will be $350. Excuse me, no thanks. Good bye, Mr. Dealer. You can do most of the work by yourself with just a little information, and a flashlight. The rest can be done by a reputable local mechanic minus maybe engine work.

Well, I warn you, this is a beautiful car, but I cannot recommend it.