1999 Volkswagen Passat tdi 110 review from UK and Ireland

Diesel pump replaced soon after buying the car. This was very expensive as the pump timing has to be reset on Volkswagen diagnostic machine. Six out of eight front suspension link arms needed replaced at 75 thousand miles (very common). Blower motor needed replaced. Central locking has failed on three of the doors at different times. Two exterior door handles replaced. Rear door catch mechanism failed on a frosty morning. Frame on driver's seat replaced, no I'm not overweight. Engine management light has come on and off as long as I've had the car. Door weather seals at windows have all bubbled due to corrosion. Bonnet catch broke in motorway services after topping up screen wash.

Being a mechanic I've carried out most repairs myself. I can hardly believe that so many things have failed on this car. I would have been the first to recommend a VW to anyone, but now I no longer beleive the motoring press. I repair VW's all the time with similar faults. These cars feel and look expensive, but the materials they are built with are substandard. Avoid at all costs.