1991 Volkswagen Passat CL 1.6 turbo diesel

Summary:

Solid, reliable and runs forever

Faults:

Normal wear & tear bits.

Head gasket blew at 100,000 miles (not too bad).

Runs on fresh air.

Engine getting a bit tired now, but I think that's reasonable for the age and mileage!!

General Comments:

Reliable, a bit boring, comfortable.

Good motorway car but a bit sluggish around town.

Classic, solid, reliable boring saloon with loads of space, a massive boot and rear legroom.

I get the feeling that it will run forever.

Not a spot of rust on the paintwork.

Can't complain, but it will never light any fires!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 2000

21st Jul 2013, 08:46

I had the same model (1.6 diesel). I've had nothing but trouble with it. Drive shafts, then gearbox, then engine. It broke down every other day (once on a Saturday and Sunday).

In the end I scrapped it; best place for it. I will never ever buy a VW again, and from what I have heard from VW owners, I would be wise not too.

Overrated crap; not a patch on Japanese cars.

In reply to 21st Jul 2013, 08:46

1st Oct 2022, 15:56

Had a 2.0 GL from this generation, never a problem. As reliable as any car, including Japanese.

1991 Volkswagen Passat L Estate 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Very sound, sensible motoring with ample room for a family of 5

Faults:

At around 110,000 the clutch had to be replaced. Rear wheel bearings went at around this mileage. Brake master cylinder went at around 120,000 plus other components on the braking system around the same time.

Despite these items, the car is solid & very reliable. There are very few problems & for such a large vehicle the fuel economy is not bad - average about 35mpg. I will probably keep it for a long time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2000

1991 Volkswagen Passat GL 2.0 petrol

Faults:

1. Central locking pump burned out. Dealer wanted 280 pounds (!!!!) just for the part but found one at a scrappie for 80 pounds.

2. Heater controls fell apart. Fixed with super-glue (Again, dealer wanted a HUGE amount of money for the proper replacement part).

General Comments:

Great car. Very comfortable and economical. Nice high gearing ratio, making it quiet on the motorway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th December, 1997

1991 Volkswagen Passat GL Estate 2.0 petrol

Faults:

After 98,000 miles the head gasket rotted due to previous owner not changing coolant regularly (despite main dealer servicing) resulting in skimming of head etc.

Heater controls only work on screen and feet due to plastic cogs on mechanism breaking up.

General Comments:

Very happy apart from above. Regularly does 35 - 40 mpg. Sometimes more on a run.

Loads of space in the back (Dog loves it).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 1997