Faults:

Nothing but maintenance!

If I am being really picky, it is a little hard on brake discs and pads; I have had them replaced twice, but I do use the auto hold feature a lot, and I believe the downside of that is excessive wear on brakes.

General Comments:

2018 Passat R-Line, top model. Deep black, love the look.

Inside the car shines, all options imaginable. Super comfortable.

DSG auto with the 2.0 TDi is the perfect blend of power and economy. Does a solid 50 mpg most of the time, 45 mpg if you drive fast, this is still good for a large heavy car.

The saloon is the best looking, it's a shame as of the time of writing this review, VW have discontinued the Passat saloon in the UK, I'd easily buy another! But I plan to keep this one a while longer, plenty life left in it, a local taxi driver I talk to has a 2016 Passat with over 200,000 miles, so my car is just getting started!

Faults:

Not much, just wear and tear. Needed new brakes pads after I noticed there was a grinding noise which has now gone away.

A/C has a weird smell upon start up, but goes away.

I bought the car with a full service history, and I recommend anyone else do the same, these cars are expensive to fix if things go wrong. Accept nothing less than a looked after car!

General Comments:

Lovely Passat in dark blue, stunning looking car with SE model alloy wheels.

I believe this is the best the large family / executive range has to offer for the money.

1.5 petrol engine is rare considering most of these Passat's are diesel in 1.6 or 2.0 form. I can say while this engine is not as economical as those, it is smoother and quieter and packs a punch in acceleration when you need it. I have averaged 42 mpg so far without trying as well. It will do more on longer drives. Not bad for petrol.

And it drives great, super smooth ride and gear change. Handles very nicely also, not sporty or exciting, but holds corners well, so long as you have quality tyres fitted.

Huge interior space and SE Business models get a lot of kit.

Massive boot, never an issue getting large items or a family of four's weekly shopping inside.

Tax and insurance are very reasonable for the size of car. Service and repair costs really depends on which garage you use, I know my local mechanic has the best deal. I try to avoid main VW dealers, usually they are too expensive.

In short, with a slightly higher than average purchase price on the used market, the Passat is worth for the long run in terms of reliability and practicality that it offers. Honestly just as good as my old Audi.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Silver 2018 Passat. A fine purchase by myself last year. This car feels as good as new, yet it is six years old now.

Sure I have only done 9000 miles in it, but it feels like nothing. I had a Passat many years ago, a 2002 model with the 1.9 TDi and it lasted to 200,000 miles. This car feels it will do the same no problem.

I have driven every car in this family/executive sector - Mondeo, Insignia, Accord, 3 series, you name it. The Passat is easily the best. Just feels built the most solid and offers the best value for money.

2.0 TDi has plenty power and driven carefully you will get over 50 mpg, cannot argue with that. Give it the yearly oil changes it deserves and cam-belt change when due, and this engine is as reliable as it gets.

Inside the sporty GT model has very comfortable seats. Spacious as well. The car handles nice and the ride is smooth, though a bit too firm on rougher roads. But these are only small complaints on an otherwise perfect all round car. My car also has the panoramic roof option - buying used it came with the car, I might not have went for it if I was buying new as I have heard it is an expensive option, but if you buy a used car and it already has it, it is great on a summers day.

I'm really trying hard to find anything negative to say. I suppose they are a little more expensive to buy new or used compared to some rival cars, but the Passat is well worth it in the long run in my opinion.