1999 Volkswagen Passat GL review from North America
"Drivers Beware"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Electrical problems; starter, alternator, door locks, power window control failures.
Engine failure, oil leaks, water pump failure, broken hood release.
Engine surging and sudden acceleration after stopping at red lights. I narrowly avoided collision with car ahead of me.
CD changer replaced twice in first year.
Turbo charger replaced twice within first 100000 km; luckily this was covered by standard and extended warranties.
Power side-view mirror control - five replacements in four years; Since the last time it broke, I now adjust these mirrors manually...just like in the old days.
Brakes squeal constantly, and require replacement far more frequently than in other cars that I have owned.
Expensive fix for a "rough idle" experienced a few weeks following a timing belt replacement.
Many other problems; just recalling them and the related financial burden... and my thoughts regarding VW are most impolite.
General comments?
The car drives well... when it works. Too bad it works so infrequently.
I'm a regular client at my favorite care rental outlet. I test drive their cars frequently while mine is in the shop for yet another expensive repair.
Volkswagen "Customer Care" is a joke.
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|
| Costs a lot, but it's worth every penny you spend |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 20 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 142000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Windstar |
| Date of Entry | 5th July, 2003 |