VW Passat Saloon 1996-

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Bought second hand for 10k at 12 months old with 44,000 on the clock - depreciation has been accelerated in my view by the price reductions on new cars across the board.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Fuel excellent - never less than 44mpg, but spares pricey. Rear brake pads - £88.00!

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Solid feel, precise steering and superb brakes. Suspension a little rolly on quick bends, otherwise a good drive.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    One of the new genre of surprising diesels - excellent.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Expected somewhat better from VW.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Nice shape. There again, it needed a lot of improvement - remember the '92 model?

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Ok, but the seats have stains which defy all attempts to remove.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Supposed to be one of the most difficult ( run-of-the-mill ) cars to break into?

    Service

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Rather poor - you are just a number on a service sheet.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Cat u/s at 50k miles - warranty job. Destroyed exhaust - which wasn't.

    Other

    Door lock fault twice. Both CV joints. Fascia vent linkage.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes