Volkswagen Passat Estate (2011 - 2014) 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5d (2011/61) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Gone for the compromise option between the cost of an Audi and the image of a Mondeo.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Daughter hates it compared to last car (Accord Tourer) even though she has more leg room. My wife took time to get used to its auto hold and brake, but now she likes it. A Passat doesn't tend to elicit many comments from tho without a direct investment in it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Slightly disappointed with build quality: too many slight rattles, which are an unpleasant surprise after years of well- engineered Japanese cars. VW are no longer the hallmark in this respect. Love the practicality, economy and auto brake; uninspired by the drive, so probably no.
What are you likely to buy next?
Common sense says the Mondeo but I might go back to Honda.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£19,500
When did you buy the car?
December 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
It was the cheapest deal I could find on the net - and it was the only nearly new Passat that wasn't silver!
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
What was the dealer like?
Helpful. The salesman spent a lot of time on the handover, making sure that I was confident with the tricky auto hold and parking brake.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Efficient but not enthralling. You save a lot of fuel by not being tempted to just 'go for a drive'.
What's it like to park?
Typical for a large estate. Poor visibilty at the 8 o'clock angle due to large headrests and door pillars. Folding mirrors are a surprising omission from an otherwise well-equipped car.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
No. Just toured western Europe in it, packed to the gunwales with family, luggage, etc.. Effortless and reliable.
What's most practical about your car?
Auto hold - once you get used to it you wonder why all cars don't have one as standard.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
DAB radio as standard.
