Faults:

I have 2 Passats.

The 1.9 TDI 2003 model has been mostly reliable, except that the turbo failed immediately after a routine service, which was rather strange. It is also annoying & expensive having to replace the brake rotors as well as pads every 60,000 kms. Servicing costs are high.

The later 2006 model is the most unreliable car I have ever owned. Huge list of problems from new.

The headlights shone straight up in the air; a leveling lever had not been connected at the factory.

The heated seats had reversed controls.

The ignition key rattled annoyingly - despite numerous attempts to fix it, I have now given up.

It had brake discs replaced at 60,000km - far too soon given how gentle I am on brakes.

It got a diesel bug and had to have fuel pump & filter replaced.

Now it has let me down again in the middle of the night with a failed injector.

General Comments:

Drives well, has great fuel efficiency and power. If these cars were less expensive to maintain and service, and had better reliability, I would recommend them. As it is, they are the most unreliable and expensive cars that I have ever owned, and I have had BMW, Toyota, Holden, Mini (new BMW type) - all of these other brands of vehicles combined have not given me the grief of this single VW Passat 2006 model!

Faults:

Nothing significant. Currently checking possible leak in window washer bottle.

General Comments:

This car is superbly built, fast, comfortable and economical long distance tourer.

It is an electronic marvel which is far smarter than its driver!

Electronic handbrake, self leveling headlights, parking sensors, tilt alarm, individual climate control and heated seats make this car a joy to live with.

Safe and solid with multiple airbags yet feels light and airy.

Faults:

Paintwork felt rough on delivery; dealer rectified this by applying another layer of clear coat.

Electronic parking brake sticks occasionally when engaging park into reverse mode.

Brakes turn to mush then suddenly grab when driving quickly down hills & coming up to slow down or stop. Apparently it is a fault with the ESP sensor. This does not occur when I have switched the ESP off.

DSG gearbox is slow to engage during parking manoeuvres & also at slower speeds. DSG is clonky around town, but much better out on the open roads.

Tyre pressure monitor occasionally signals even though pressures are OK.

General Comments:

Great touring car - comfortable, fast enough, easy to drive, well spec'd for the money.

Comprehensive safety features & very practical; load space close to 1700 litres.

Some cheap touches in/on the dash & doors, but they seem solid enough.

Lots of gadgets on board, but the question mark remains as to their reliability.