Volkswagen Passat 1.9 S TDI

I had this car on hire for a week and was very impressed, particularly with the fuel efficiency. I was getting a combined average of around 60mpg. Performance was also very good, surprisingly zippy. Excellent boot space. Not a car I'd thought about previously.

Looks, handling, and MPG are excellent as is the dash layout. The seat cover pattern is a bit bland and I miss a central arm-rest. Also cannot understand why the 'S' model is not fitted with Cruise Control.

The electronic parking brake took some getting used to, particularly when sitting at a junction on a gradient ... but overall, I'm very pleased with the car and would recommend it to anyone.

Ron Martin

Bought a VW Passat Estate R line and was involved in a crash after 6 months. Over three weeks later VW still cannot supply a major part as it is out of stock! No explanation or clarification of when teh part will be in stock,manufactured or supplied, no apology, no replacement car nada! I cannot believe the poor quality of service from VW for teh supply of parts for a brand new car, unbelievably the poorest quality fo service I have ever received. They should have informed me they did not have spare parts for this model as I would never had bought a car that cannot be repaired withina reasonable amount of time.

I bought a new Passat Highline Tdi 130 in December 2003, it has now covered 85000 miles and still feels and drives like new. My only real problem was the radiator sprung a leak just after the warranty expired and so I had to pay for a replacement. One of the parking sensors has been giving trouble recently, although I have bought a replacement, I have yet to fit it.

I have found the Passat a pleasure to drive with ample power and excellent economy (between 47 and 54 mpg depending on driving style and length of journey) The build quality is excellent and the leather seats very comfortable. I have a towbar fitted which I use occasionally to tow a trailer with my classic car (1934 Wolseley 9) on board, which the Passat handles with ease.

All in all I am very pleased with my car and I intend keeping it as the current trade in value of about £3000 does not reflect the service that this car has still to give.

Good points fuel economy, switch quality and dashboard refinement but uncomfortable seats which results in upper back pain. Seat seems sloppy around corners and does not give support. No rear speakers. Car is of great build quality but you can get a lot more for your money.

I like everthing on this car it really is quality, I bought a 2003 passat tdi from Connellys VW here in Sligo, I got a great trade in for my Toyota, the way I was treated was fantastic all minor faults carried out under guaratee, full service 100 euro. I have owned most makes of cars here and abroad this has to be the best I have ever owned.

As in my good points write up, we live in rural Ireland and this car is used every day and is a pleasure to own and drive.

I can't really understand anyone disliking this car. I bought mine with 100k miles on the clock and have covered 30k of so far trouble free comfortable miles. Anyone who thinks this is a BMW, as I suspect from some other reviews that they do, should really have bought a BMW, or get promoted in their job and "upgrade ' their company car. This car is not pretending to be anything other than a practical, quality, powerful workhorse which should last for donkeys years and 200 to 300k miles if looked after. I have seen plenty of 10 year plus Passat which have been around the clock a couple of times, don't have a hint of rust, and are still going strong. It's not a sports car, and handling and ride are adequate rather than exceptional. Though the massive torque and 6th gear means that high speed cruising still sees the engine hardly breaking into a sweat, and you rarely get to stay out of the fast lane.

I was initially please with the VW Passat 1.9 Trendline 05/05. It was one year old when I bought it. But before the 3 year warranty the clutch went as did the flywheel (these were replaced under warranty). Few months later it went for a service and first MOT. Needed a new cambelt (after 35,000), new rear disc pads and discs, new tyre- total cost £1,100. Two weeks later I noticed that one wheel was held to the vehicle by just two of the five bolts (even the locking wheelnut was missing).

Now sold it - someone else's problem!

For the first 2 failures, the car was drivable so no courtesy car needed, until the handbrake seized.

I called VW in swindon for advise, no answer and no call back. The car was carried to VW in swindon to be repaired, no problem, this will be fixed under warranty. Great, "can I have a courtesy car?" NO NOT COVERED under VW 3 year warranty. Car failed on Monday, earliest time to repair Thursday.

I've had this R reg VW Passat for two years now with minimal issues. needed some work at MOTs but nothing serious and has been a reliable comfortable workhorse with excellent mpg.