Other Volkswagen Passat (2000 - 2005) models:

  • Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Not much really.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    All that have driven or been a passenger in it agree that it's a car worth holding on to.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Absolutely, if I could find a lower mileage car of the same Passat version. A very dependable car.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    A newer Passat with CR TDi engine.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £9,100

    When did you buy the car?

    March 2005

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes. Bought at a car supermarket. Timing belt due to be changed (60k miles) - done f.o.c. by dealer. Replaced gear stick gator, and fitted tow bar at reduced cost.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    What was the dealer like?

    Excellent. No high pressure sales techniques, and willing to throw in some extras to secure the deal.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Very good. The 1.9l (pd130) TDi engine has lots of power on tap, but still turns in a respectable 55mpg on motorway cruises. Best suited to motorway driving (where it eats the miles without driver fatigue), but easy to drive around town too.

    What's it like to park?

    It's an estate without rear parking sensors, so you need to be good at judging length when parallel parking. Rear visibility is good considering its class.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Split turbo boost pipe at 70k miles, and door lock mechanisms problematic at 150k miles. Other than those, still going strong at 210k miles.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Apart from being very reliable, the ability to carry loads of (heavy) equipment without loss of performance.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Sun roof.