Volkswagen Passat Saloon (2005 - 2010) 2.0 SEL TDI (170ps) 4d (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I like to think it's sensible, practical and a big workhorse.

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

They think it's nice.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I like the old shape Passat - not keen on the new design nor the CC, so no I probably wouldn't buy a newer model.

What are you likely to buy next?

The problem with a big car is that you end up playing taxi and with the large boot I've done many trips to the airport for friends, so my next car will be a two seater :o).

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£14,000

When did you buy the car?

March 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got an excellent deal, with an excellent part-ex price for my old car. Salesman was very helpful and honest and treated me with respect. I believe I got such a good deal as it was close to the end of Q1 and he wanted to make the sale in order to receive his commission within the first quarter of the year.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Wrote off my previous car.

What was the dealer like?

Excellent, very honest and gave me a brilliant price for my old car. The salesman drove the car to my place of work so I could test drive the car in my lunch hour. I purchased the car at the end of a quarter so they were interested in making the sale in order to receive their commission within the first quarter of the year.

What's it like to drive?

When it works, it's a dream to drive. It's a comfortable and smooth ride and doesn't mind motorway or town driving. You have to watch out for the automatic handbrake as it occassionally cuts in when you aren't expecting and gives your passengers whiplash :o) but great in traffic, no handbrake to pull up and put down every five seconds.

What's it like to park?

It's a big car, so you have to look for a large enough space and there are certain NCP car parks I can't use, but it has a good turning circle so it's easy to reverse into spaces, parallel parking isn't a problem.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The car has a fault that Vindis are having difficulty identifying. The car has had new fuel injectors, new fuel pump, new stereo and work done on the electrics from the engine management system - and it still doesn't tick over properly, stalls or doesn't start when cold and occassionally flashes up an engine warning light. For a diesel, it's not very economical - about 40mpg.

What's most practical about your car?

It has an amazing amount of space in the car, massive boot and the 170bhp engine really helps as it's a heavy vehicle to get away at junctions.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Heated seats are wonderful! If you have a bad back and it's a cold day they are an absolute joy. The half leather/half suede seats are great, no sticky, sweaty hot seats in the summer - helped by the tinted windows.