Faults:

None of my problems are attributable to the manufacturer. So far, the car itself has been delightful.

At the 24-month service, the dealer dropped a pollen filter clip into the air intake, and it was sucked into the ventilation fan. The same mechanic failed to secure the nut at the front of the plastic shield under the engine, causing the shield to come loose during high-speed motoring.

General Comments:

The plastic shield under the engine makes routine maintenance very awkward and time-consuming.

Unfortunately, there are very few choices in the small mid-size station wagon market. We liked the Passat better than the two low-bidders (Subaru Legacy and Saturn LW), and as well as its more expensive European competitors. The car looks great, runs great, and handles nicely.

Faults:

Two ignition coils failed at 18,000 miles. It took 5 weeks to obtain replacements. I was unable to obtain two other coils of the new design to replace the remaining ones.

General Comments:

Drives almost like a sports car; holds the road beautifully.

Very comfortable leather seats, both front and rear.

Excellent gas mileage, 30-32 mpg on highway.

Faults:

Small rattle in engine bay at tick-over. Sounds like heat plate is loose.

General Comments:

This is our fourth VW and third Passat Estate.

Car is very quick and economical.

Engine pulls like steam train in all gears.

TIP: Get out of first quickly and let torque in second really pull car along when moving off.

Sixth to fourth allows amazing overtaking in terms of safety and refinement.

Car is very quiet as well.

Load space is better proportioned than earlier version allowing items to be stored lengthways rather than sideways making it good for prams and buggies.

Getting 35MPG at moment with heavy right foot.

Interior is superb.

Standard equipment is excellent.

Overall would give this a 9.5/10.

So glad I did not buy A6 TDI or E Class 300TDI.

Faults:

Electronic Computer - Warranty.

Oil feeder line blew.

General Comments:

Car is really amazing, I have owned Mercedes, Honda, GM, Ford, Dodge, Yamaha, BMW, and have driven MANY rental vehicles, I have never been more satisfied with a car.

Knowing what I know now, would GLADLY have paid another $5 - $7,000 for the car.

Handles incredibly, really funny on a windblown and rainy interstate when everyone else is pulled over or driving 10-20 mph and I am trying to stay UNDER the speed limit and laughing out loud, has happened more than once :)

BEYOND BULLETPROOF!!!

Car feels tank-solid when driving, and performance is like WOW!!!

Heated seats, auto dimming mirrors, tiptronic transmission, ultraviolet display, all wheel drive, well why do you think I have more than 70,000 miles on a two year old car :)

Faults:

Interior lights failed soon after delivery.

Coolant leaks.

Petrol breather pipe blocked.

Brakes always been squeaking like some old bus!

Central locking had a nasty habit of opening itself after parking. Alarm would sound for no reason as well.

Water pump bearing broke.

Relay failure and windscreen wiper motor packed up, a 3 day job to fix this.

Stones jam in the alloys causing screeching.

Often jumps out of second gear.

Finally, (and it IS because it's being sold) the interior lights are playing up a gain. Full circle!

General Comments:

A massive disappointment and costly irritation, what's happened to the famed German quality these days? Checked with a couple of other owners and they are similarly depressed. All these faults in a less than two year old car. The dealer has been faultless, friendly, loan cars free etc, but no NEVER again a VW or Audi product. The handling is too soft, steering too light and the 20 valve engine is clumsy in traffic. On the positive side, the interior looks and feels posh, it's quiet and roomy, but I don't trust it any more. I'm buying a new Primera, my wife's British made Almera has been totally faultless so fingers crossed. Caveat emptor with VW I'm afraid.