VW Passat Saloon 1996-

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  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Would have cost over £1500 more for equivalent Audi A4. This car is an A4 but for cosmetics and even then some are still the same!

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very reasonable, not much more than our Megane. 35mpg average (not slow driving) servicing at independants very good value. Watch out for cambelt at 80,000 miles though - £300!

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Competent, grippy, safe, a little bouncy, but fun none the less.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Suprisingly gutsy. Torque from turbo makes for relaxing or GTi exciting progress depending on your mood.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Starts first time every time. A few minor faults were rectifed.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    For the price, beats a Ford/Renault/Vauxhall/Toyota/Nissan + blah blah repmobiles etc. A notch below Audi/Merc etc. Could have done with bigger alloys than the 15in standards.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Cabin very quiet at speed. Could drive all day in sports seats (better than Audi's). Climate a bonus, stereo/6 disc the only one I've never felt the need to replace with aftermarket item. Leather steering wheel fantastic!

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    No attempts. Heard a few bad stories about VW's security failings.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Could learn from Audi!

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Water in convenience computer under passenger seat (dried out + cleared water drain. Sorted). Heated wing mirrors burnt out. My fault.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No