Faults:

The rear near side passenger door lock has been replaced twice, and the air conditioning needed a major overhaul after it poured a gallon of water into the passenger footwell.

General Comments:

A super car, extremely comfortable, very economical and of tremendous build quality. The only rattle inside comes from the radio - the only thing I changed from standard VW issue. The car is coming to its first birthday, and has notched up 25,000 miles. In that time, it has averaged 53mpg - my figures, not from the onboard computer.

Faults:

Failed PDI (Pre delivery inspection) - new gearbox fitted. Rushed job.. 2 months later adjusted as neutral plane was mis-aligned.

Incorrect alarm factory fitted, not told about this, discovered after break-in!

General Comments:

Smooth and reliable car with much refinement at an affordable price. Very pleased overall, superb 20K service interval and I have had NO problems save "new car syndrome" experienced many times before in the past.

Faults:

The radio had to be replaced within the first month - it seems that VW may have cut corners on a few superficial features, but not on the features that count (drivetrain, etc.). And the wipers were bad when I received the car - no big deal.

General Comments:

This is my first new car, and it is terrific. I would recommend this car to anyone. It is A LOT of car for the money - tremendous value. I gave the car 8's and 9's, but only because it isn't a high-end luxury car - in it's class I would give it 10's all around.

Faults:

Two weeks after I purchased the Passat (late March, 1998) I smelled a foul odor in the trunk. When I lifted up the trunk liner, I saw about an inch of standing water in the spare tire well. Mold was on the tire and on the trunk liner and the wheel was rusting. The dealer found a leak underneath the trunk, repaired it, and provided a new tire, wheel, and trunk liner.

General Comments:

The Passat is the best buy and best performing mid-sized sedan under $25,000. The amenities that come with the Passat equal a Mercades C class or a BMW 3 series. The suspension is firm and very German. The engine, with the intercooled turbo, is more than adequate with 150 horsepower. In short, a Passat is an Audi A4 internally and a VW asthetically. It is a blast to drive.