2015 Volkswagen Passat SE Business 2.0 TDi

Summary:

Comfortable and reliable modern car

Faults:

Clutch replacement was the most expensive so far.

Small oil leak. Probably top rocker cover gasket, no big deal, I'll fix it when I have time.

Dash lit up like a Christmas tree last winter indicating some faults, but disappeared quickly. Probably a sensor or battery going bad, no real faults. Changed battery to be sure, has not happened again.

Recently I changed the cam-belt and water pump for peace of mind. The car has also never missed an oil change according to its (full) history. Always buy these cars with history - avoid the rough ones with missing history. Be aware a lot are used as taxis, I do not think mine was (too good condition) just a genuine high mileage car.

General Comments:

One of the first Passat's of the newer shape for 2015, this car feels as good as new despite being nine years old and higher mileage.

Bought a couple of years ago the car has been great. Stunning in black with grey interior. I love the look of this car, very sharp. Boot space is massive!

SE Business model is a mid range trim level, it has sporty seats and some electrics. I think I'd prefer a GT model or higher, but this car even in basic "S" specification still has lots as standard. The interior is a nice place to be, everything is logically laid out and comfortable. The car is a very smooth motorway cruiser, and that diesel engine is muted at higher speeds. A little noisy and clattery around town, but all diesels are.

Great to drive. The 2.0 TDi also performs well when you need it, plenty of low down torque. It can also manage around 55 - 60 mpg or more as well. Very economical for the car's size and weight.

The Passat is a bit over priced on the used market even at this age and mileage, but it is worth I would say - it is a solid built quality car that should last a long time if looked after and driven properly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th March, 2024

2015 Volkswagen Passat SE Business 2.0 TDi

Summary:

Modern, reliable, and a fine car to drive

Faults:

Other than servicing not a hell of a lot. I changed the timing belt as per schedule. The car is a bit heavy on tyres - have asked my mechanic to check suspension alignment.

General Comments:

A fantastic looking car in dark blue (most you see are grey) this 2015 Passat looks the part. It has been my daily driver the last couple of years and has never been a problem for me.

SE Business edition has stunning 17 inch alloys, comfortable seats, and plenty of features. I'm around 6 foot tall and can say with certainty just about anyone will find this car comfortable.

2.0 TDi "Blu-motion" performs as expected while doing 60 mpg; not quite the 70 mpg VW claim is the average, but you have to be realistic with driving conditions. Still, very economical for its size. Well worth going for the 2.0 over the 1.6 - it is very similar in economy but has much better performance.

Interior is very hard wearing, especially when you consider this car was used as a private hire taxi at one point as well, and I have put a decent mileage on it too.

Exterior is unmarked and looks brand new. The sense of solidity from VW has always appealed to me over other cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2023

2015 Volkswagen Passat GT 2.0 TDI 190bhp

Summary:

Luxurious and understated classy estate car

Faults:

CD player won't read discs.

General Comments:

The car fits my life style so well. A strong tow car, with incredible stability when pulling my 1500kg caravan. The inbuilt tow bar, that appears from under the rear bumper is excellent.

I have a daily commute of 46 miles each way, and the car is comfortable (GT spec seats with alcantara and leather), with great levels of adjustability on the seat including electric remote bolster.

The fuel efficiency is excellent, 66mpg on my commute, coupled with the £20/anum tax, a real low cost car to run.

Handling is better than I expected for a large estate car, front end stays in the corner nice. The 190bhp diesel engine pulls strong, and feels and sounds effortless even when pushed harder.

I have a hobby which requires a few large hauler bags being used, and the boot swallows more than any other car I considered.

I looked at Mondeos / Insignias which just didn't have the quality offered by the Passat, and I looked at 5 series and E class, which didn't offer the frugality. The Passat is the ideal car for me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2022

27th Sep 2022, 18:20

Nice review, the Passat is a good car. Myself I have had many of them over the years - a 1990 2.0 GL, a 1995 2.0 GL estate, a 2003 1.9 TDi SE, and more recently a 2010 Highline TDi 2.0.

All very reliable and nice cars, only thing to watch for on the diesels as the miles get higher is the clutch and flywheel (if it is manual) and the injectors and DPF can give expensive problems. All items mentioned failed on my 2010 Passat, thankfully I had a local mechanic that can repair such things for much cheaper than average, but most garages will charge silly amounts for these repairs which are common on all modern diesels unfortunately.

But look after the car well and hopefully you won't have any issues. Friend has a diesel 2015 Passat as well, it is an ex taxi with nearly 200K on it, it runs fine, the newer ones seem more solid. Enjoy the car!

2015 Volkswagen Passat Bluemotion 2.0 TDI

Summary:

Hard to fault

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

Excellent to drive, even with the auto box; sharp handling and good acceleration while doing close to 60 MPG on average; wouldn't expect anything less from a modern car.

Comfortable solid interior. All electrics and modern gadgets as standard. Electronic handbrake as per modern car is a real pain to get used to if you're been using a lever for years before.

Alloy wheels look great on this one, makes it stand out, sharp and stylish if you really look at it, but at the end of the day, it's hard to tell the car apart from others in this class (Mondeo, Insignia, etc); they are all quite close on looks and performance these days.

VW dealer has been good so far and helpful - a lot are not according to some reviews, but servicing and the few times I've been in, they have been fine with me.

Overall a typical modern car that is hard to fault and hard to find anything else to say about it; I just hope it lasts long term as all my previous cars have no problem, and that also includes a 1990s Passat. I plan to keep this for many years and hope I don't get the typical diesel problems some owners have had in the past. Heard many horror stories about faulty injectors, DPFs clogging up, etc. on the previous generation diesel Passat from about 2004 onwards and other similar cars. If you're worried about those things however, consider a petrol as they are pretty good (and economical) nowadays as well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2017

29th Aug 2022, 14:52

The diesel version of the Passat from this time seem more reliable than older versions; my friend taxi'ed one and racked up 180K miles with no major problems beside the usual maintenance and wear n tear.