Volkswagen Passat Saloon (1996 - 2001) 1.8 20V Sport 4d (AC) (2000/W) 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?
Discerning yet frugal family man.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
A friend thought it was under 3 years old; not bad for a 12-year old car! Sport interior is very nice.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, but would prefer a low-mileage TDI PD. The 1.8 petrol is a little thirsty around town.
What are you likely to buy next?
Either another of these or something similar (probably estate) from the VAG family.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£1,600
When did you buy the car?
June 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes, p/xed with my old Mk3 Golf. Passat was cheap, low mileage, etc. Also came with 6mnths tax, full test, and brand new cam belt kit.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Wanted a larger car due to first child being born, and the sheer amount of stuff that comes with them.
What was the dealer like?
Very helpful.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very nice. Quiet and comfortable whilst handling well during quick cornering. Could do with a little more oomph to indulge my occasional speed urges, but it's certainly not slow for such a big car.
What's it like to park?
View a little restricted at the rear, and the turning circle isn't great, but it hasn't caused a problem, even in narrower car parks.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Other than a noisy wiper, it's been excellent. An unchecked radiator leak finally did for it, although this was a result of using 'stop-gap' solutions for too long, rather than getting it fixed - my fault, basically.
What's most practical about your car?
Huge boot and acres of leg room. Saloon boot is huge, but the apeture can make it difficult to actually get larger items in.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Climate control.
