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Passat

Private buyers love the Passat, and it's long been a great second-hand choice thanks its tough build and a feeling of quality that's unmatched in the rest of the segment. The VW set class standards for fit and finish when it appeared in 1997, and still offers buyers rewarding ownership.

June 2003

Private buyers love the Passat, and it's long been a great second-hand choice thanks its tough build and a feeling of quality that's unmatched in the rest of the segment. The VW set class standards for fit and finish when it appeared in 1997, and still offers buyers rewarding ownership.
The vast choice of engines and specification levels virtually guarantees something for everyone, although the model's reputation for durability still doesn't remove the need for a comprehensive service history.
All offer safe handling and reasonable standard equipment, but it is the TDI turbodiesel versions which find the most eager following on the used car market. The range-topping W8 petrol is fast and furious, but its thirst and complexity make it rare. Maybe a collector's item in years to come?
Checklist
* Cooling fans on early cars can fail prematurely. Leave the engine running at idle and check it cuts in properly.
* Two recalls have been issued on Passats - one for coil packs on 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol models, and another relating to faulty track rods on early cars. Check the work has been done.
* Excess smoke on diesel models is bad news. It signifies a blown turbo-charger oil seal and a ΂£500 repair bill.
* Some cars' dried-out door seals cause water to leak into the cabin.
Glass's View
Age is no barrier to the Passat's success in the residual stakes, says trade bible Glass's Guide. It's one of the most secure investments in its class, especially if you go for a 1.9 TDI. But oversupply is starting to weaken values. Avoid high-mileage cars or ex-rentals with low spec. It's a buyer's market, and motors with poor kit or in dull colours need to be cheap to sell, even allowing for the car's popularity.
Living With A Passat...
Regular reader Gary Boag bought his W-registered Volkswagen Passat a year ago to replace a much loved Golf. "My family was getting bigger and I needed something more suited to our needs," said the 33-year old IT engineer from Greenock, Inverclyde.
"I liked my Golf, so was happy to stick with VW because of the build quality and strong resale values, " he added. With 33,000 miles on the clock, Gary's Passat has been extremely reliable and still feels solidly screwed together. "It's got a spacious interior and huge boot, which I like," he said. "It's also so well made - but the trade-off is a stodgy, heavy feel on the move."
Gary has a 90bhp TDI, but if he buys another Passat it would be more powerful. "Although my car is great for fuel economy and motorways, it's no sportster and seems sluggish. I know the 115 and 130bhp versions are better to drive." When the time comes for a replacement, Gary will probably go for a VW again. "I'd like a Passat estate, with the newer PD engine and facelifted front," he added.

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Passat saloons look classier than the estates but are less practical, so which you go for depends on whether you favour a strong image or a workhorse. Whichever you choose, our pick would be a TDI model every time - the performance, economy and refinement of VW's oil-burners weaken the case for petrol models completely.
However, if you must have a petrol-engined car, go for a 1.8T in 150bhp guise for the best combination of performance and low running costs.

For a review of the new Volkswagen Passat visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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VERDICT

    Passat saloons look classier than the estates but are less practical, so which you go for depends on whether you favour a strong image or a workhorse. Whichever you choose, our pick would be a TDI model every time - the performance, economy and refinement of VW's oil-burners weaken the case for petrol models completely.
    However, if you must have a petrol-engined car, go for a 1.8T in 150bhp guise for the best combination of performance and low running costs.
 

OTHER EXPENSES

Depreciation:4
Running costs (ppm):53-116p
Insurance groups:8-18

HISTORY

    1997: Current-generation Passat introduced, based in part on the Audi A6 platform. Wide range of engines offers petrol motors in 1.6 (100bhp), 1.8 20v (125bhp) and 1.8 20v turbo (150bhp) versions, plus VW's excellent 1.9-litre TDI turbodiesel unit in either 90bhp or 100bhp guise. All versions come with ABS, power-steering, electric front windows, central locking and an RDS stereo radio/cassette player. Saloon and estate bodies available. 1998: V5 and V6 Syncro (four-wheel drive) versions are launched. 1999: TDI engines upgraded to PD (Pumpe D
 
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