Volkswagen Passat Saloon 1.8T 20V Sport 4d (AC) (1997/R) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Expensive compared to rivals, but quality outweighs costs. Holds value well after first two years.
Costs
VW dealers expensive, but service good.
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On the road
Driving
Steering a touch light, but glides along motorways with ease.
Performance
Excellent pull from turbo engine. Slick gearchange and silky refinement from quiet engine, but produces a terrific rorty sporting sound when revved hard.
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Living with it
Reliability
Typical VW. Keep it serviced and it will go on forever, (FSH a selling point). Much more reliable than my wife's (newer) Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX.
Image
Although used by reps, still exudes a refined, mature image for this class of car. Worth paying extra for.
Comfort
Perfectly suited to long motorway hauls where it's spacious, very well equipped, solid, quiet and relaxing cabin will pamper you in both traffic jams and 120mph+ on German autobahns.
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Security and Service
Security
I think it came close to top of class in '98. Well equipped with deadlocks, immobiliser, alarm and shielded door locks.
Service
Although expensive, good service.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Duff lightbulb in headlamp. Sticky seal on bootlid.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes