1998 Volkswagen Passat LX review from North America
"Car is a paradox--a reliable headache!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Engine light comes on about once a month on average, and it is very expensive to fix the problems that it indicates.
Strange rattling and squeaking noises coming from the suspension when turning the steering wheel or going over bumps. Mechanic has replaced control arms, but that still did not stop these noises.
Cruise control and door locks do not always work, especially in humid weather.
General comments?
The car is reliable and continues to get me everywhere I need to go without a problem, despite these constant headaches with the engine light and suspension noises. The ride is very bumpy because of the tight suspension. But the car also has a lot of cool features, like an adjustable motorized sunroof.
Recommended reviews
| What will go wrong today? |
|
| Great on fuel, but not terribly comfortable with lots of repairs, just like a North American car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 20 V turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 76000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 117000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 21st April, 2005 |