Volkswagen Passat Estate (2000 - 2005) 1.9 Sport TDI 5d (2003/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
not much!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Wife likes it. Comfy seats. Spacious. Big boot handy for holidays with the kids
Would you buy this car again and why?
no, the pollen filter issue is too big a problem. Should have been a recall. Check the forums..
What are you likely to buy next?
BMW
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£9,500
When did you buy the car?
May 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Purchased from VWdiesels.co.uk Claim they get first refusal on ex-fleet etc, but really it's just the main dealers' rejects. Probably paid £500 too much on reflection. Got it home to find it was sloppily valated and stank of fags which had been masked with loads of fresheners. Needed a full internal shampoo to clear the smell.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Size and VW reputation for build quality and reliability. PD130 engine.
What was the dealer like?
Pushy and aggressive when haggling over price. Didnt stop talking the whole time. In a word, irritating. Wouldnt go back. Better to go to a main dealer with a proper warranty at those prices.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Good engine. Pulls hard once the turbo is spinning. Not quick to 60 but swift through the gears. Stil pulls in 6th at motorway speeds. Economy is about 35mpg around town (London) and mid to high forties on a run. Have had low fifites when sitting at 65mph. Dont believe people that say they are refined. Engine noise comes right in and there's lots of road noise at speed. Very tiring on a long run. Sport suspension is too firm and harsh. Should have gone for the SE for a much better ride.
What's it like to park?
OK once you get used to the size.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Rear window regulator failed. Alternator also failed recently. Air Con packed up last year though haven't repaired yet. Failed water seal on pollen filter led to cabin full of water (and I mean full - buckets sloshing round in recesses under carpets). Caused electrical problems until dried out. All suffer this so watch out!! Fixed myself by re-seating filter housing with silicone and stripping out the interior to dry it out.
What's most practical about your car?
Useful load space.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
6 CD changer and decent sound system as standard on this model
