1991 Volkswagen Passat from North America - Comments

Well now where do I start.

When I was taking delivery of the car it was in getting a new water pump.

One hour after I got it, it would not start. Battery dead.

Discovered it was a problem in the instrument panel with a broken wire. Solder fixed it.

Replaced Alternator.

Numerous problems with the Temp sensor.

Problems with broken wires that created drive-ability issues.

The car would run good for a day or two sometimes even up to 3 weeks without breaking down.

Not something I would trust on a trip far from home.

New Strut mounts

Car would veer to right when decelerating

Idling problems

Starting problems

Just a generally quirky car that I loved when it ran well and hated when it didn't.

A super nice car to drive.

Lots of power, excellent handling, solid ride.

No rust, great looking body.

Good gas mileage 25mpg city.

Don't buy an automatic they are ridden with problems.

If you don't have a good cheap Volkswagen mechanic that really knows these cars don't buy one.

Mine saved me probably thousands of dollars.

There are also good websites available with technical information www.theb3e.com.

The interiors of these old Volkswagens are incredibly durable. Even after 15 years the seats looked brand new. You would never find that in an American car.

My only regret is that I never had the guts to see how fast it could really go.

I have had a 1991 Passat 4 door special edition for 3 years now.

I bought it used for about CDN 1 200.

Car had about 180 km.

Tires were oversize (nice ride), but I replaced them with proper size medium low profile.

Car is fully equipped with overdrive, 4 speed auto tranny, metallic dark blue paint, sunroof (el.) heated seats and mirrors, electric windows, spoiler, leather seats, mag wheels, etc.

Car handles really well, but for its very BAD RELIABILITY I never went far - 25 km from my town - Montreal. Engine I would say performs very well, but because the car is 16 years old everything is falling down:

I change complete:

Front suspension with the Sachs coil springs and upper plates, oxygen sensor, just electric system cost me (2x) CDN 650,-- totally. I towed the car about 10x in not even 3 years.

My last bill was recently CDN 2 400,--. and the so called "certified garage" which did the job told me the car is still no good.

That car cost me with with all new parts muffler, tires, rear discs, calipers, heating core, (3 x ignition switch to be changed) and new front discs and pads (as well as rear) little fortune...

Closed to CDN 4 000.-

It was the most stupid investment I did in my whole life.

Then I found out the floor under the left rear seats needs to be welded!!!

I have to change the windshield - another cost of CDN 175,-- and right rear window CDN 110,-- which was vandalized. Generally car after 16 years does not rust - need a few touch-up (except the floor.)

So called "certified garage" (which I cannot name here) ) was not able to recognize the real problem - they changed my good power steering pump (recently replaced before) for a bright new one (which was not necessary), told me that after the repairs (not before) with the comment : " but you have bright new P/S pump now!!! and charge for that was.

CDN 500,--. extra!!!

Was was real problem was a rack a pinion steering to change!!! Beside that they charged me CDN 45,-- for inspection!!! anyhow they will to to court, because all total overcharging was about.

$ 1 200,--!!!

Now you know, that to own and more TO DRIVE Passat is not ANY JOKE. Car still need to spend about CDN 500,-- to be good.

I do have to keep the car or, at lease to sell for price of my repairs, which is gone be hard. I might keep it just for winter and put undercoating on it. Heater core works really well, but just on maximum speed - 4. It might need to change the resistor. Car has no any safety bags. Anybody knows how it stands in 2 cars impact accident??

My recommendation and experience from all of that is:

1) Never buy that old year unless car is

collectible or antique

2) Get always the second opinion somewhere else

3) Get the CHEATING garage to Court calling APA (Automobile Protection agency) for advice

4) Do not repair the car at so many different places - stay with 1 or 2 good mechanics.

So, I am stuck with my Passat 1991 up today - anybody who wants to buy it for my (price of my repairs) is more than really welcome!!!

Buy a speed boat and a cheap reliable car, instead. You'll thank my advice. If you feel like spending thousands of dollars on repairs for everything on the car, then buy a used one. Realize though, that most vehicles only last so long, and the Passat will be reliable for you a long time if you buy it "brand new".