2008 Volkswagen Passat Highline 2.0 TDI turbo diesel

Summary:

Use to love VW, but not any more

Faults:

Turbo needed to be replaced at 160 000 km as it started to make a whining sound and at around a speed of 100 Km/hr the car went into limp mode.

The intercooler got flooded with oil and it took a few days for the workshop to get it cleaned, including the replacement of the turbo.

The fuel pump started making a noticeable sound at around 161 000 km and the car could no longer start as it completely failed.

The air conditioning does not cool that well (since the time of purchase), but the workshop says all is in order.

General Comments:

Comfort:

Excellent for both front and rear passengers

Heated leather seats (front).

Dual climate control.

Sun roof.

6x disc CD changer.

Rear window blind.

Power steering.

Auto lights and widescreen wipers.

Fuel consumption is very good with a range of approximately 1000 km on a full tank of diesel.

Good safety features: 8 airbags, ESP, ABS, fog lights, x2 isofix points rear seats, full size spare wheel, auto locking doors.

Cargo space is very generous.

Manual gearbox is best.

The car has good torque and cruises comfortably up hills in 6th gear.

Maintenance or repair is very costly.

With age it appears that reliability issues are more frequent.

In general the vehicle is a bargain to purchase and the entire package is often overlooked by many car buyers. Perhaps the car is good from new up till 6 years of age, after which problems will start to appear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th November, 2016

13th Nov 2016, 21:45

"With age it appears that reliability issues are more frequent."

You could say that about any car.

Other than that, fair review, I agree with you on the most part, VW were good back in the day, maybe not so good now, but 6 years plus old is when most cars start to have some wear and tear.

In reply to 13th Nov 2016, 21:45

6th Dec 2016, 23:42

I agree, most cars these days just don't seem to last that long. As soon as the motor-plan/guarantee is over, all sort of niggles appear.

In reply to 6th Dec 2016, 23:42

23rd Apr 2017, 08:54

It has been around 1700 km since I replaced the turbo at the VW workshop and the turbo has blown again. I dislike VW big time. Not again VW and especially turbo diesel. Now got to get it fixed again and get rid of this car.

1980 Volkswagen Passat GTS 1.8

Summary:

Great Car!

Faults:

Since I got the car nothing has gone wrong. Being owned by a old lady who only drove it on Sundays to church! This car spent most of its time in the garage. I also kept my previous car so I drive my baby when I feel like it.

General Comments:

The car is quite fast for it`s age and gives new cars a good go for their money. Handling is OK, though I would not push it to hard through corners.

There is also no visible wear and tear to the interior and only the drivers seat has been sat on!

The car`s 8v engine starts at the first turn of the ignition everytime.

None of my Volkswagens has ever let me down!

But Isn`t that what you`d expect from Volkswagen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2005

22nd Jan 2010, 02:07

I've also got a 1980 model Passat.

Everything has gone wrong, from replacing the clutch twice, to electrical problems several times, to body panels rusting, to the bonnet cable snapping, to the gearbox not selecting properly etc etc. Currently at the mechanic getting the suspension sorted out.

HOWEVER... Have to say however that most other cars this age would have dissolved into a heap of rust and components, especially when parked outside like this one, in the elements.

The ride is also pretty comfortable, and the engine itself seems to be indestructible; last time I checked the oil, there was almost none left, and it keeps on going without complaint.

Fuel consumption is OK, and it makes a good backup car (the above problems have occurred over a long period). I think it must have been a really good car when it was new.