- Water pump seals leak. Needs replacement. Most economic to change timing belt at same time.
- Substandard suspension components failed. Required new suspension arms at front.
- Required new suspension bushings all round.
- Poor quality indicator flasher unit failed. Vibration from the dash caused electrical contacts inside to loosen and wear.
- Water leaks into engine bay
- Dashboard rattles and makes noises.
- Air conditioning behaves inconsistently - doesn't always switch on particularly at low engine revs (?)
- Brake discs needed replacement at 40000 miles (although this is probably to be expected)
Nice turbodiesel engine. Very economic.
The build quality of this car is however totally inexcusable. It will be the last VW that I ever buy. The dealers charge ridiculous rates for labour to fix problems that are of VW's making.
The suspension design is fundementally flawed, and will be subject to repeated failure and premature wear for the life of this vehicle.
The quality of the electrics, and some of the mechanical parts is highly suspect. There is a feeling of cheapness on close examination of some engine parts. VW engine parts are generally not repairable. The whole part is removed and replaced.
The ride quality is comfortable, and the diesel engine is very economic, but the vehicle.
You want to try owning a Peugeot mate. There even worse. 40,000miles out a set of pads and disks?? That's good going, I struggle to get 30,000 out of my 306 TD. You say the build quality is bad, take a look in any french car from the same year, mines shocking! The problem with your air con is easily sorted, email me at johnsbegood@hotmail.com and i'll e-mail you a phone nimber to phone. This bloke I know who works in Birmingham will help you out and can tell you over the phone what to do.
Take it easy!
Paul.
Peugeot's parts prices are a bit easier to swallow though. VW parts are the biggest rip off out - £165 + VAT for a new headlamp unit for my mate's mk4 Golf for example. The same thing for my old 306 cost £40 + VAT through an independent retailer (but was a genuine Peugeot part)
Just goes to show how it can all vary. I've just sold my Passat. It's got 279k on the clock. I bought it 2 years ago at 118k and apart from a battery replacement, I've had nothing wrong with it at all. I's highly recommend this car soley for the quility of the engine. SOLID!!
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