VW Passat Estate 1988-
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Excellent and well worth its rating at Honest John's etc.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Predictable and not bad if you avoid VW dealers.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Steady ride and cornering, light steering, good visibility for parking.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good burn for such a large car: 2 litre petrol version really guns when you want it to.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    165,000 miles and it keeps on going! Zero rust despite outdoor parking.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Bland, solid, but not particuarly dated for a 10 year old car.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Nice firm seats, good rear legroom, lots of storage (the reason I bought it - I'm a landlord so I use it as portable DIY shed and furniture mover).

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Thatcham security alarm conked out after seven years haven't bothered to repair it.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    VW dealers are OK, but I find them expensive, as are VW-supplied parts. Use a good independent: they tend to like this model.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    None, just standard belt changes.

    Other

    ABS sensors needed replacing after 8 years.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes