2002 Volkswagen Passat review from North America
"A fortune to maintain for an average car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The Passat brake system is a fortune to maintain. With "precision" rotors at $110 US each and labor over $90 per hour a two wheel brake job is well over $500. You have no alternative part choices, only VW and they really bend you over for everything.
I tried to have a local mechanic replace the alternator and he couldn't --the front bumper needs to come off--ABSURD! You must go to a dealer and pay about $500 US for the parts, plus they ALWAYS find something else wrong, so the repair bill was incredible.
The radio is great however it went out at about 20,000 and the dealer replaced on warranty.
Light bulbs are difficult to replace.
The in-cabin air filter is about $50 US to replace--that is criminal for paper and cardboard--what a scam.
I am selling the Passat and going elsewhere. The Germans have no hybrid technology and build cars that are impossible to service locally or yourself. It is a dealer gold mine.
General comments?
The V6 Passat runs well and has excellent acceleration. The fuel mileage has never been as good as advertised.
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| 2001 - Passat GLX 4 Motion wagon 2.8 Entry Level Luxury with problematic mechanicals |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | V6 gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 2 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 45 miles |
| Most recent distance | 72600 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Corrola |
| Date of Entry | 18th January, 2008 |