Volkswagen Passat Estate (2000 - 2005) 1.9 Sport TDI 5d (2002/52) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Looks classy but understated. Looks like you're not doing so bad but don't want to like a flash idiot like you would in certain other premium German brands with those awful blue lights blinding all the common people!

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

They find it amusing that I spend more time fixing it than driving it. It has become a bit of a standing joke.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not a chance. I know these are normally great cars but this one is a woeful heap of junk. Has put me right off VWs and I would not have one given now.

What are you likely to buy next?

Volvo V5 when the money tree starts yielding again. Or another old Audi A4 from before they got blingy.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,800

When did you buy the car?

August 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got a reasonable deal but a few niggly problems such as CD player not working, missing aerial which were supposed to be sorted but turned out not to be.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Always had VWs and Audis and it was the logical progression from our previous T reg Audi A4 2.5 V6 TDI Avant with hopefully slightly better economy. Needed an estate for dog but wanted the Sport with lower suspension, 6 speed box and 16 inch alloys as they look a bit less frumpy.

What was the dealer like?

Nice bloke but didn't bend on price despite no part ex but car was exactly what I wanted so gave in.

What's it like to drive?

Handling isn't great. It's a big heavy car and feels wallows. Performance ok nowhere near as torquey as Audi was, very peaky power delivery is all or nothing. Off boost it is very flat, economy only 5mpg better and sounds like a tractor (an old one).

What's it like to park?

No problems but you feel quite low in the car as it has a high waistline.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nearly everything. Despite always having VWs and Audis this has been without a doubt the worst car I've ever had the misfortune to own. Turbo, clutch hydraulics, clutch itself, diff pinion bearings at 130k (£800) suspension links constantly need replacing. Oil and coolant leaks constantly. interior squeaks and rattles. It had full VAG service history but I have lost all trust in it and will never buy another VAG car again as a previous Golf was awful too. Wish we'd kept old Audi A4 V6 TDI, was in a different league somehow.

What's most practical about your car?

Enormous boot, masses of legroom, very long legged on motorway, cruises effortlessly.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Climate control about the only toy and is great. Amazingly for this car it is one of the few things that consistently works.