Volkswagen Passat Estate (2000 - 2005) 1.9 Highline TDI (130ps) 5d Owner Review

How reliable do you find the car?

Whilst this is standard VE engine reliable etc, the problems start with some absolutely shocking design flaws. Start with the common pollen filter leak and drainage hole blocks (get this common problem sorted before the inside of your car becomes a swimming pool!) It's a total nightmare drying out the electrics and carpet, I've just had this problem and it's not pretty, major electrical systems stop working and you may have to replace the ecg box. Seriously the design here is that bad one wouldn't be wrong for thinking VW did it as a wind up, I've never owned a car so badly designed for such an expensive sort out (never had a Mondeo or ford focus leak from the engine bay ever) The other thing is specific to the highline trim, trust me don't get it those bits of silver attract grime and dirt like nothing else, the quality of the plastics,interior etc despite what parkers say simply are not up to quality standards. VW drop the ball on many design considerations that will leave you scratching your head and screaming WHY? That said the engine is what you would expect from a VW or mercedes, a round the clocker that doesn't need much come not as long as service schedules are maintained..