2002 Volkswagen Passat Wagon review from North America

Have had serious issues with the car not starting over the course of the last two years, and am currently dealing with a low oil pressure/STOP engine light due to sludge, along with a leaking water pump, vacuum hose issues and two unknown computer codes.

I love the look of this car and how it drives, the space it affords. My husband has a 99 Beetle with over 100,000 miles and we thought this would be a wonderful car for me when we had our child.

I should have known something was wrong when the car needed a new battery when we left the used dealer lot, but really liking the car otherwise, we did not consider this to be a big issue. We replaced the battery immediately at their cost, but have since had two more batteries as well a new alternator. Typically, the car would not start after sitting for a few days during the winter. Most recently, it would not start on a summer day. Took it in to have it looked at, but could not find anything wrong.

Just two days ago, I was making a 300 mile trip, and the oil pressure/STOP engine light came on. Fortunately I was near an exit with a large commercial area and was able to get the oil changed immediately. I thought this would fix the problem, but the light came on again. The engine sounded great - no ticking or knocking - so under advisement, I drove it very slowly back to my personal mechanic. They have diagnosed the problem as "sludge" which will cost about $500. In addition, the water pump is leaking, which will run another $1000-$1200, AND there is general maintenance and vacuum hoses that need to be done for an additional $500. Last, but definitely not least, there are two computer codes showing up that they do not know what they mean - this is a mechanic who only deals with VWs (but not a dealer)... SO - I am now looking to trade this in. I should not have these kinds of problems on a car with only 50,000 miles!!