2002 Volkswagen Passat Sport TDI review from UK and Ireland

Turbo pipework has split twice.

Was letting water into the cabin via the pollen filter seal.

Two central locking faults.

Computer display died requiring a complete replacement unit. The function selector button on the end of the stalk is also seriously temperamental.

Gearbox oil leak left puddles on the drive at 35,000 miles.

Clutch failed at 49k (judder and "grabbing"). No clutches anywhere in the UK for 3 weeks due to "exceptional demand". A common fault in other words. Had to argue to get VW to pay up - they were trying to charge me £1,150 as it apparently damaged the flywheel too.

Water getting into both front footwells in heavy downpours (still not fixed)

Power steering fluid dropping mysteriously every couple of weeks (still not fixed)

ABS warning light comes on intermittently (still not fixed)

Good to drive, but I will be glad to see the back of it.

Cannot fault the engine. It gives excellent performance and even better economy. 55 mpg can be achieved on a motorway run at 70-80 mph in 6th. Pulls hard from nothing - near zero turbo lag. Better than many of the more modern common rail units.

Seats good on first acquaintance, but not great on long stints. Too flat and hard. Good refinement and interior quality.

Appalling reliability and dealer backup. Colleagues have Mondeos, Vectras and even Rover 75's which have had nothing like these problems. VW need to sort out their dealer's attitude too. The onus is always on me to prove the car has a fault. Almost like they refuse to accept that a VW can break down.

Had I not had these problems, I would be ina new Passat by now, but I'm not prepared to risk it at the moment.

Very disappointed with the car, and with VW.