Volkswagen Passat Saloon 1.9 SE TDI (130ps) 4d Tip Auto (2003/53) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Much better build quality than Laguna, though Vectra as good. Also, recent SE Passat improved re spec, climate control, curtain airbags, ESP, 6xCD changer etc.
Costs
None so far, as only a few months old.
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On the road
Driving
Engine is torguey, but tiptronic box can be a bit surgey at roundabouts which does not make for a smooth take-off. Engine keen, but midrunge overtaking can make the auto box hunt and reduce confidence that one will overtake.
Performance
0-60 ok, but midrange punch seems not as good as 2.2DTi Vectra auto. Tiptronic box fun, but surges from rest, which not very confidence inspiring at roundabouts.
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Living with it
Reliability
No probs so far, apart from electric door mirrors that both move when attempting to adjust one. Parking sensors could be more alert to obstacles, often wake up within 15cms so very little confidence there. Might query the surging tiptronic box.
Image
Looks the business and, though shape old, still looks modern and sleek.
Comfort
Build quality a plus for this car. All seems solid enough, especially like the foot rest to the left of the pedals - why dont more manufacturers do that? Light interior also better than charcoal. Only gripe is the unfriendly climate control switch gear.
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Security and Service
Security
Would be better if key fob could close windows remotely like the Vectra. Like ability to lock back bench, however out of sight cabin storage generally poor.
Service
Yet to see.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Tiptronic box bit surgey when pulling off from rest. Not confidence inspiring at roundabouts.
Other
Parking sensors and fiddley climate control buttons that are too low in the dash for safe adjustement - all buttons feel the same.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes