1990 Volkswagen Passat GL Estate review from UK and Ireland

ECU

Clutch

Clutch master cylinder

Head gasket

Temp gauge inoperative.

- Points:

Dull. No Electric gizmos.

+ Points: The engine is the 112bhp 1.8L and despite having reservations about such a 'small' unit in nearly two tonnes of car I cannot fault it's lugging ability. Fully loaded with 5 + holiday gubbins the high top gear even copes with moderate hills. 40+ mpg in mixed driving is easy. @140K the cylinder head gasket was replaced and it runs beautifully. The engine management chip failed shortly after we bought the car, but to be fair I think the seller had been a bit too keen steam cleaning under the bonnet. Masses of room especially for rear seat passengers - even with the front seats right back.

Upholstery is marked, but tough and unripped/worn even at 140K (unlike Golfs etc of a similar age). There is a scratch along the length of the body that in places is down to the metal, but it has been there for three years and there is no sign of rust spreading. no rust on the car anywhere in fact! Folding 7-seat option is brilliant and removes in 5 minutes.