Faults:

The air bag light is constantly on. Took the car to the dealership and told me that the airbag module is faulty. Replaced module, nothing happened.

When I reverse and break, there is a really loud sound, similar to mountain bike brakes. The brake pads are new.

There is rust on a 1999 model!!! VW flaw on hatchbacks. Rust is at the bottom of the rear window right underneath the wiper. My friend with a 1994 Golf has the same problem.

The sideview mirror control is quite high and awkward, and always in the way when I cannot fully open the door. I already knocked off the knob with my knee and had to have it replaced.

Had trouble with the control arms and I got my dad to replace them, because of the outrageous deal price.

General Comments:

This is my very fist car, and I love the quick acceleration you get from a red light. The 5 speed transmission makes city driving very fun.

Because it is a stationwagon, there is a lot of room for anything. I used it as a camping vehicle before. Put down the rear seats and can easly fit 2 adults sleeping.

The seats are comfortable on long rides and you can adjust them so you can have a good road view.

The sound system is very good for stock, but the speaker quality itself is not very good, since I blew the speakers a couple of weeks after I got the car.

Because of the high gas prices nowadays, this car is very good on gas considering it's size. On the highway going on averge 130 km/h, it was taking in an average of 7.3 L/100km.

Faults:

Leak around water pump at 90k miles. Replaced by mechanic.

Ignition Module failed at 100k miles. Replaced by mechanic.

Trim along left rear window came loose. Reattached myself.

Plastic shield underneath the engine came loose at the front and self destructed. Has not been replaced, car does not seem to need it and oil changes are now much easier.

The engine operates well, but needs oil added between changes, about 1 quart/2000 miles.

Trunk light is intermittent.

General Comments:

The Passat GLS has been much better then I expected. I had some misgivings purchasing the it, having had a bad experience with a used BMW and had since been driving a super-reliable Honda Civic. But the Passat is made out of well engineered components and has been nearly fault free. After 9 years, all of the interior lights and switches work like new. It still drives very well. The paint and trim looks new and there is no rust anywhere. The interior upholstery and carpeting are surviving, but looking tired. The AC and heater work better than my friends cars. It has been a reliable car that is still safe, smooth, quiet, easy to park, fun to drive, and gets me >29 MPG.

Faults:

It is working, but it will not go over 20 miles /hr. I tried to check the transmission fluid, but I cannot find it will someone please tell me where it is.

General Comments:

Not many 1.8t Sport estates in nice condition are about. So I had to travel a long way to find this one.

In very good condition and drives so well.

Very smooth, quiet and pretty quick too.

It has excellent specification, 4xew, em, digital air con, trip computer, alloys, adjustable seats and lumber, adjustable steering wheel for angle and fore/aft, 4 air bags.

Excellent fuel economy ie 35mpg most of the time.

VW has been very helpful with parts.

Only downside to this car is group 15 insurance.

Had a 560 mile round trip to Scotland with 4 in the car when I first got it; the climate control kept the cabin temp just right, all the seats are very comfy and no back ache at all. Oh and there are great little drinks holders in the front and rear.

Obviously the boot (estate) swallowed all the luggage with ease.

Hard to fault so far really.

I bought it as it seemed to offer a great family car (baby on the way) for not a lot of cash too.