1993 Volkswagen Passat GLS review from North America
"A freak of mechanical nature built by Germans as revenge on North Americans because WWII Liberation"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
-Moon Roof leaks and is currently broken.
-Everything leaks when getting a car wash at the gas station.
-Transmission shudders, grinds gears and slips (Dying for a rebuild)
-A $600 brake job lasted 1 year and needed another replacement of all major parts the following year.
- Rear brakes are seized and too costly to repair.
-Hand brake does not work.
-heated seat switches do not work and never have during the course of my ownership.
-3rd set of wipers have once again snapped off (I've taped the current ones with tape since it proves to be more effective)
-The windsheild cracked all by itself on a cold day and currently remains cracked and too costly to repair.
-The driver side power window broke (forget about going to McDonald's drivethrough)
-Horn doesn't work for reasons unknown.
-Car can't pass emissions tests even after $400 dollars of mechanic work on the exhaust, catalytic converter, tune up, oil change!
-Engine burns oil.
-Both front doors will not close in the winter due to faulty door mechanisms (So I have to hold the door shut while driving in the freezing cold and shifting gears!)
-All doors must be slammed dangerously hard to shut properly.
- The entire suspension needs replacement as it sags in the back and tires hit fender wells when driving on even the smoothest roads.
-Sometimes when engaging the clutch the car will jerk extremely hard for no reason and stall and not turn on for at least 10 minutes for you especially on major highways and intersections. (Sometimes I think this car just hates me on purpose)
-The headlights won't turn on for reasons unknown (only daytime running work)
-Many mechanics will refuse to work on this car!
-the cloth on the ceiling of the interior is all drooping and falling off.
-the glove box will rarely close and will occasionally open up abruptly upon acceleration which can be very frightening at times. (At this point everything in the glove box will fall out and most likely roll under the seat)
-The passenger side brake light bulb must be replaced every week since it always pops. (I've stopped replacing it and leave it burnt)
-Cigarette lighter doesn't work and never as during the course of my ownership.
-And much much more!
General comments?
-The paint job has lasted very long. The car shines after washing!
-The motor has lots of torque and is quick (but loud)
-Even with the broken suspension, the car can handle fairly well.
-Very roomy inside if you need to cram friends in on a weekend.
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| A curse against man |
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| 1993 - Passat GLX vr6 6 cylinder Elegant and ritzy with money |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1993 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8L VR6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 80000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 180000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 28th May, 2003 |