Used 1996 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
VW Passat TDI
The engine has been a solid performer since I bought it (except when I inadvertently added unleaded one dark night.) It's annoyingly smokey when it's cold, something no one seems to have an answer for. But the engine is surprisingly responsive and, after 140K miles, still acts like new. I live in northern Illinois but I have no rust. It's no luxury mobile, but at 42 mpg 'round town (48-52 hwy) it's a great commuter car. Upholstery has held up well. Electrical has had oddities, but I just received a recall notice on the ignition that might the culprit. All in all, I've been very pleased.
Tdi rocks!
Well, i just bought this car from its original owner, and it's great, he hasn't had any problems with it, and i don't foresee anything major either.
served me well, but the last VW i buy
Bought the car with 79,000 in 4/00 and have put 112,000 on in less then 3yrs. Auto trans began to fail at 165,000, but it never stranded me and used it an additional 7,000 miles before it became undrivable. By that time i had prepared myself for the repair (used tranny). My mechanic had told me that the VW's have had a major problem with this and jetta auto trans. Have driven this car at a hard fast pace, but don't attempt that without changing the very poorly performing stock "gators".
Hitler's Revenge
This car is the most unreliable and expensive form of transportation I have ever had. As other writers have noted, I too know my mechanic entirely too well, and almost every 3k miles there is a new problem. Hitler youth must have been the engineers on this thing. Electronically, it is an absolute nightmare. Since 12/00, I have put $7k into the car. It is in the shop now, replacing 02 sensors, air pump and ball joints...another $1k. I can never recommend V-W and their name is forever tarnished in my mind. If you don't believe me...just wait until 60k miles plus.
Too expensive to keep it
I bought this car because it was so much fun to drive. It was high mileage (107,000), but the engine was in good condition and had clearly been well maintained. Still, parts keep breaking. I plan to sell it before having to put another $5,000 into it.