Volkswagen Passat Saloon (1996 - 2001) 1.8T 20V Sport 4d (AC) (1999/T) 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?
VW Passat is a mainstream model so it doesn't say very much about anyone.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes. Passats depreciate faster than Golfs and Audis so you get a lot of good quality used car for the money.
What are you likely to buy next?
I traded the Passat for a Seat Leon Cupra: same engine type (with more power) but less space and slightly inferior quality. VW Bora and Skoda Octavia (150 bhp turbo or VRS) also worth consideration.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£8,000
When did you buy the car?
March 2002
Did you get a good deal and why?
Bought from a chain so deal was good. (Much better value that VW franchise dealers).
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Good specification, good condition (ex. lease car) at a low price.
What was the dealer like?
Fine during purchase but this chain is notorious for poor after-sales service and lived up to its reputation.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Good, smooth drive. Best on motorways: quiet and comfortable. Flat torque curve of turbo-charged petrol engine gives strong performance despite large Passat body shell. Economy reasonable (30 mpg).
What's it like to park?
Reasonable for a car of this size.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Air mass flow meter: replaced under extended warranty. (This is a common failure in VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda cars with this engine type). Driver's electric window regulator: not covered by warranty: c. £100. Vehicle was ex-contract hire with full VW service history so was well looked after. At 96,000 miles, it still felt like new.
What's most practical about your car?
Large interior, spacious boot. Comfortable (firm) seats makes long journeys effortless.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Nothing in particular but 1.8T Sport is well equipped for a German car of this price: includes electric windows, remote locking, sports interior, alloys, climate control. Would have been good to have cruise control.
