Faults:

Air con hose split lost all gas...

Cam seal slightly leaking...

And two CV boots in one year..

General Comments:

These cars are the muts nuts; this is my 5th Passat and always loved them for reliability and comfort.

I have all the diagnostic software, so I do mess with the electronics like retarding the timing for better mpg; not that it needs it, but still every little helps.

All I can say is get one; just make sure it's a 110 bhp and stay away from the later 115bhp PD engine, as these require a special oil, and if not used, it will wreck the engine...

Faults:

Everything went wrong with this.

I had the car for 2 months, and I had to replace:

Cam-belt and tensioner (OK, perishable item)

Water Pump

Alternator

Turbocharger gaskets

Inter-cooler pipe

3 suspension arms needed replacing- I didn't do them

Numerous pieces of trim.

Drive-shaft fell off!

The car developed an alarming vibration at 3500 rpm, which disappeared after 4000.

General Comments:

The car was fantastically comfortable, and very fast, 8.5 seconds to 60 for an estate car is impressive.

However the fuel gauge moves downwards as quickly as the car moves forward.

I had to get rid of the car after only 3 months, because the cost of repairs was just stupid.

The front suspension is a notorious design, its very comfortable, but the control arms wear out very quickly, and you might as well replace them all at once at a cost of over £350.

"If only everything was as reliable as a volkswagen"

HAHAHAHAHA.

Also beware, they are difficult to sell on too, as soon as people realise it is a Turbo Petrol, not Diesel, they are no longer interested.

I changed the car for a Volvo s40 TD (incidentally the same as my previous car) with over 145000 miles and have had no problems whatsoever.

I will not buy another VW, I will stick with Volvo. THEY deserve their good reputation.

Faults:

Comfort control unit (Doors, seats etc.) went twice.

Security control unit troublesome.

Turbo blew. Got it fixed and Head blew on way home from dealership, Cost over €4,000 in total to fix (Dealership denied responsibility for head) and cooling system went eight weeks later. (Different) dealer agreed in writing that it was the previous (VW appointed) dealer's fault, but no redress.

General Comments:

Very comfortable and very quick estate.

Huge boot space.

Economical for its size, speed and comfort levels.

Too many faults to be comfortable with it.

Appalling service from one of their approved dealers.

Faults:

ABS unit failed

Turbo wastegate flap disintegrated

Central locking inoperative

Various engine oil leaks.

General Comments:

Parts for the turbo petrol model very expensive, dealer spark plugs £9 each.

ABS failure is common on the type of unit on my car, quoted £900 + vat for replacement.

Turbo wastegate again a common failure, quoted £350 for repair plus removal and re-fitting.

Nice on the motorway, but could not get better than 33mpg even with relaxed speeds.