2005 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0 TDi 2.0
Summary:
Practical, sensible and value for money
Faults:
On delivery:
A rattle from a misfitted engine cover plate.
Rattle from insecure wiring harness in front nearside door.
Both faults were immediately remedied.
General Comments:
Having retained my B5, I can compare the B6 on a day to day basis and find that VW have improved an excellent car. The engine noise is much reduced and improved handling promotes a very comfortable journey. The car can be driven in 6th gear at 30 mph in a built up area and my combined mpg (so far) is 46. Having added all the bells and whistles, at $41,000 (in the UK) the car is not cheap, but like its predecessor I believe depreciation will be low.
The "electro-mechanical" parking brake did take some getting used to, as do the over eager parking sensors. The extreme braking facility which activates the hazard lights will (hopefully) remain on the page in the Book of Words and never be used along with the ESP warnings.
Dual Zone Climate Control? I have to ask, "Why?" but it does keep one amused. Oh, and if anyone can think of a reason why there is a 230v socket in the rear console, let me know.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th December, 2005
26th Oct 2007, 04:50
Both the reviwer, and the commenters seem to have had a preconceived expectation of "Quality"... Quality is what it is, Bigger price is not = better quality...
Quality grade 1 contains Volvo BMW Audi MERC SAAB, Honda etc
Quality grade 2 contains Ford, VW, Toyota, Hyundai and yes, Skoda among others.
Quality grade 3 contains Nissan, Fiat, Citreon, Mitsubishi, Kia, etc.
You bought from Grade 2 and expected a Grade 1 car.
That's not how it works.
2nd Jul 2006, 12:49
Well, they say you never buy another VW... but you proved them wrong, and they thanked you by supplying a faulty new car and failing to do a proper PDI on your new car! I'd be furious!