Used 1996 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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GLX Passat Wagon
Meghan M., 10/13/2010
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I am quite familiar with a lot of the issues I have been reading. One thing I have noticed with this car is that proper maintenance and proper fluids such as G12 coolant, premium gasoline, and synthetic oil are necessary for longevity. I have rebuilt the engine and replaced all of the gaskets, timing chain and tensioner, water pump, and cv shaft. I am approaching about 160k miles and I am still in love! Though, my boyfriend and I are VW enthusiasts and do many of the repairs ourselves and it is definitely important to find a VW mechanic and NOT a dealership. I will say, if someone is looking into this car, be prepared for a good amount of maintenance.
best engine and tranny combo
60buick, 08/19/2013
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I love my passat, I bought mine with 127K miles and it has 291K now. It's roomy, comfortable, and a pleasure to drive. Has good all around visibility. True the door handles are a pain and the window regulators go, but the car has never let me down and I get about 43 mpg average. It's paying for itself. Important to find a good diesel vw mechanic as most shops haven't a clue. My goal was to keep it until 300K, but I'm going as far as I don't have to do any major engine work. It's going to be a sad day when I retire this baby
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See all 0 listings680,000 and still running
VW on the BRAIN, 06/01/2009
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Wagon
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have been a VW fan since 65". This was my third VW, and my first wagon. I loved it, and still do, its had a few problems, door handles, wheel bearings, gears, speedometer, window motors, rust, spindles, locks, and Volkswagen scalloping back wheel wear. These w's, you either love em or hate them. This vehicle needs better headlamps, the plastic interior was shoddy, half of it busted. The cup holder snapped off, the glove box, broke, little thing like that can piss you off. The seat rails screwed up. The heated seats, were replaced but, the seats were never the same. The odometer went at 181 k, and it was 1200 bucks to fix. This car is fun to drive but you must have patience.
runs forever
carracer, 06/17/2005
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've had this 1996 passat since it was brand new and it's been in the shop no more than 3 or 4 times. I have the car in a manual (I hate automatics) and the ORIGINAL clutch is still working perfectly. There's a little rust on the drivers side door, but I live in a heavily salted part of Vermont, so that's understandable. The fuel economy is great for such an old car (28-34 mpg). The gearing gets a little iffy on the highway with a 4 cylinder (it does 70mph at 3200 rpm). Overall a really nice car with a great audio system in a car that refuses to fail.
I Like It!
middlemancrisis, 10/23/2006
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 Passat with 119,000 miles on it. It now has 161,000 and still pulls strong. I have had to replace belt tensioner, water pump, and other numerous little items that you'd expect to change at 150,000+ miles. Make sure that you have the intake cleaned after 75,000 miles! They tend to smoke more on start up with clogged intakes (typical for TDI's). The best gas mileage that I have gotten is 53 hwy in the summer, The worst was 39 mpg, in combined driving using winter diesel. The car feels solid and well built, except for the door handles. It is not an eye catcher, but it is rare. The stock seats are too stiff. Also, you lose noticeable power with the A/C on. This car has an excellent turning radius. It makes a great daily commuter.
Dependable work-horse
ca_cowgirl, 06/19/2011
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased my '96 TDI used with 125k miles, and it has turned out to be one of the most dependable cars I've ever owned. It now has 273k miles on the original engine. I'm quite impressed for a diesel, it's much quieter than Mercedes, does not smoke, burn oil, and it consistently gets 42-48MPG. I drove from Sacramento to Kennewick Washington on ONE TANK of diesel. Over the years, the car has began to "age", and as such, the door handles are faulty and cease up, the cup holders broke off, lid to glove box broke, and AC switch broke one really hot summer day. Other than that, this is a very comfortable driving, easy handling automobile that I will drive until the doors fall off.
Ripper in disguise!
vwlover007, 09/15/2014
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
1996 Passat B4v Wagon with 5 Speed Manual & VR6 6 Cylinder. Don't believe all these cry babies who trash a complete & awesome model car because of door handle/ lock and window regulator issues with this model..... This B4 Passat wagon is perhaps the most under car that VW ever made. This car in VR6 5 Speed form is fast ! and fun! it rips nicely and handles well too.! & The car has lots of cargo room. It looks nice!. Is very comfortable to drive. It has good AC & a nice glass two way sunroof. This car cruises nicely without effort and above 3500 rpm is a ripper! a hammer ready to throw down if need be ;) My car has excellent ABS Brakes and the front calipers and rotors are Beef SWEET!
Love my TDI
Sallert, 06/11/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the car used for the number one reason to consider a TDI powered VW...fuel economy...and have been totally satisfied. Still average 47mpg HW/36mpg city. Only problems have been a faulty original 109 (EFI)relay (common problem...$12 fix) and the '96 was designed with no glovebox and only one crappy bolt-on cup holder.
Fun to drive, expensive to maintain
Dave GLX'ed, 04/19/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car for my wife in early 1998 w/ 30K miles. The car handles very well and gets good mileage. However, it's dark side is the reliability and maintenance costs. At 45K the instrument cluster stopped working. The check engine light is always coming on. Numerous visits to the garage to extinguish. Heater core disengrated, taking the water pump out with it. Now the rack and pinion is going, not sure if I should continue or put the car out to pasture. I am still a VW fan (my 87 Golf is at 310K and still going strong), however VW really over complicated the automobile when they designed this vehicle. Also the Service manual is terrible.
Incredibly unreliable
nrs05, 12/10/2015
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Car drove great when running just like everyone says, tons of components (small, medium and large) fail just like everyone says. Instrument cluster failed, O2 sensor failed, all door and window mechanisms failed, wheel bearing failed, stereo failed, computer problems preventing inspection requiring resets that nobody (even the dealer) could manage to pull off, etc. etc. These cars have no re-sale value for a very good reason.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Want Aggravation, buy a VW
RSamide, 09/19/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is roomy, stable, and comfortable to drive. It is not reliable. It is expensive to maintain. We constantly have warning lights indicating problems the engine, brakes, or ABS. We have replaced the ignition switch twice, the secondary thermostat, the cruise control switch, the dashboard bulbs, the coil, recharged the AC, replaced hatch hardware, on and on and on. I will celebrate the day we sell this car and return to a reliable Honda or Subaru.
Nice looking, but DON'T BUY
DA, 06/15/2005
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Since buying our Passat GLX wagon in early-2004, we've had nothing but problems. The front doors don't close in the winter, the driver's door won't open at all, the transmission skips, the check engine light is ALWAYS on, the temperature light stays on through the summer months, it leaks oil...I'll stop there. This is a GREAT looking car with good gas mileage, but I will never buy another Passat wagon.
Sad, sad day
VW , sad sad day, 06/25/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The first few years(45K), not too bad, had to replace the odometer assembly because it just stopped working. Then the cruise control died,($500-vacuum pump) then the evaporator on the AC died($2000), the coil pack went($400) haywire, the ignition had problems, door lock mechanism seems to have its own ideas as when to work or not, and rotors have a tough time in the wonderful Michigan weather. Ironic part about all this is that most of it was not covered by warranty. Be aware, consumers when a company only gives you 2/24K basic warranty. What else can I say!!! heck I am going back to my honda and eating sushi.
airlenny1
airlenny1, 02/19/2020
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my 1996 Passat since 1996. Waited 2 years to get it as the big 3 lobbied to keep it out of the US. Now I see why. It has been the most dependable car I have ever had including my prior 1968 beetle that was really good. It now has 270K miles and runs like new. I have taken very good care of it and worked on it myself when it needed maintenance. I had to replace expected worn out parts. Most mechanics have trouble with this car so a tdi forum is recommended and very helpful. There are common simple problems like the N109 relay, intake manifold getting clogged and the ECU tubing cracking and leaking but all are very low cost to fix. Very expensive to have a mechanic attempt to diagnose these things as they don't know how to approach this car, thus the recommendation for a TDI forum as the combined knowledge there is amazing. Now you can also get the computer based vag-com diagnostic program the dealers have for under 100 dollars. Worth its weight in gold. I just finished a recent repair for low power and went from a 0-60 at 25 seconds back to the original 12 seconds. Still getting 46 mpg and runs very smooth. Will probably get another 150 K before selling it. Engineering on this car was really good for 1996.
Terrible Car!
Mika, 12/22/2006
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Volkswagen Passat. My first one was a '91 Passat which I loved. I decided to upgrade for the VR6. With 176 horsepower on tap on a much heavier car it wasn't going to win any races. This car has been a dismal experience, as the O2 sensors (in engine bay and under the fuel tank) have gone out, as well as the thermostat and automatic transmission. After thousands of dollars in repairs and countless man hours of doing the work myself, I have finally gotten rid of the beast.
NEVER AGAIN!
nofear, 07/17/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I will never buy a VW again. I can't believe how much $$$ I've spent repairing this car - even the guy at garage says he can't believe how often he sees me. It's in the shop as I write this! Sure its kinda fun drive, but I'm not having any fun at all driving a rental yet again while the suspension and air conditioner compressor replaced. Got luck when the transmission went at about 100 miles to go on my drive train warranty. NEVER AGAIN!
No more VWs
tyler, 09/06/2008
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
As almost all reviews have implied this car is too expensive to service and problems are constant. VW should have recalled the entire car. Yes, great V6 engine but definitely a real headache and expensive to repair.
10% Fun, 90% Aggravation
enough already, 11/27/2003
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car with 31000 km on it. I had to replace the whole instrument cluster at 33K. Since then the car has had repeated electrical breakdowns including oxygen sensor (twice), rear door wiring, windows, ECM, cruise control, ignition wires, door handles, door actuator, side mirrors, serpentine belt. Oh, and the instrument cluster failed again at 98K. This plus lack of concern on part of local dealership has soured me on VW forever. Too bad, as the car is a blast to drive when it's not in the shop.
'96 GLX---What Reliability?!
DSL2, 06/12/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Probably the most unreliable car I've ever owned. Automatic transmission problems galore. Build quality is mediocore. Cheap afterthought cup holders. The ABS light is always coming on. Severe acceleration issues. Leaks oil (gaskets have been replaced several times). Ride is harsh, and fuel mileage isn't the greatest (about 14-16 in the city, and 18-23 on the highway). On the upside, everyone thinks the car is a Volvo.
1996 VW Passat
W.G. Edel, 10/15/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
TDI purchased new. Very dependable car. Only major repairs was new sun roof motor required after 4 years. Complete service and mechanical records available. Expect 45-48 mpg (w/5 speed) if dirven reasonably. Car will go much faster than I would drive it.
Unique German Auto
Financial Advisor, 01/14/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Loved this car overall. Juice up the engine to 200+ HP and become a real blast...almost wished I had the stick. Great interior, quiet and solid compared to my wifes newer honda. Handles very well, low roll in corners. No major mechanical problems with 100,000 miles but did have my share of electrical problems and tire relacements. Repair parts are expensive, $285 PCV Valve, Oil Filter is $30.00 alone?! Sold me on German quality as last VW made in Wolfsburg. Looking to upgrade to Toureag V8 or Phaeton.
Love VWs
jrpuppies, 06/23/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our second VW--the first was a Jetta GLX. We love these cars for their superior engineering, design and handling. They are reliable and need little repair. Just maintain them as recomended and they will run forever. The Jetta we had was totaled in an accident and we were awarded $9000-- that was great it had 106000 miles on it and was running like a top.
Many minor and major problems
no longer a VW fan, 02/05/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great feel when driving. After 3 years, there were many electrical failures. When temperature outside is below 20 degrees, door would not shut, ignition key gets struck. Needles on dashboard do not work. I have heard others with this problem: THE CHECK ENGINE light stays on for no reason, Now in its; 7th year, all indicators on the dashboard are not working, including the digital ones. Dealer tell me it is an electrical and mechanical problem.
We have to sell it, don't want to.
Passat Owner, 02/21/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased this car and have had problems... ABS light for no reason, computer chip replaced in transmission, the odometer is accurate, but due to bad contacts on LCD, is hard to interpet. But after all the battery changes and problems mostly electrical. We still love this old car that we are about to sell. It took us accross deserts, over the Rocky Mountains, on many road trips in comfort and transported us safely for seven years around Los Angeles. Perhaps an aq
Do NOT buy!!!
AntiVW, 03/22/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our Passat from an indep. seller last year and since then have spent nearly $700 in repairs. It has also spent over 3 months at dealer, fixing recalls and trying to figure out tranny problems. Now we're trying to trade it in for an Am. car despite tranny problems, and the fan motor dies! Almost killed the one good thing on car: v6 engine. NEVER will I buy a VW again...luckily found AWESOME VW mechanic, but still high $ of repairs have put us in poor house. Unless you're rich or you're a VW mechanic, DO NOT buy VW!
Barfenuggen
GO BUCKS!!!, 11/27/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One problem after another. The worst car I've ever owned. If you buy this car you will make at least one new friend, your Mechanic! He will send many gifts thanking you for putting his kid thru college. You will learn new words like coil packs, ABS sensors, wheel bearings, oil pump, and water pump. A terrific A/C system will keep you cool when you pull out of your mechanic's lot. A cool looking exterior will help you pick up chicks but unfortunately you won't have any money to take them out. You may have to let me in thru the drivers side door when the passenger's door handle fails to work. Save yourself the agony. Buy a Honda.
Art hauler
judydoody, 03/08/2003
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I use this wagon as my only car - skiing in the winter, and summers doing art fairs. I haul a 10 x 10 tent and walls, and all the stuff to display my art as well as my partner, luggage, cooler, pictures for display in the tent, 2 directors chairs and a ladder. It performs superbly without the hassle of a SUV.
Luv the TDI
Wes, 05/03/2005
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Delivers 42 city, 48 hgwy, 5-spd is fun to drive, a little smokey on start-up. Good in the snow.
Remarkable Passat
Gandalf37, 03/09/2003
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was reading all these note I just dont understand what the problems are i have not encounter one problem other than a blown out headlight my check engine did come on but found out I was usueing the wrong gas the VR6 does in fact require premium unleaded fuel since that moment I have not a major problem I expect to continue this as long as I keep up on routuine matinence I think oters shouldf take headand do follow the routine mitinence schedule
96 Passat GLX
knoschese, 05/29/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A solid performer from day one. Great acceleration, braking, stability. Extremely comfortable; easy to find "perfect" driving position for any driver. Kudos: Engine, handling, ergonomics, trunk capacity & storage space. Gripes: Very expensive, easily damaged, and hard-to-locate 215/50/15 tires; exterior door handles (I've had to replace two of them). I'd happily buy it all over again.
Very Reliable
legionpk, 01/16/2013
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is very reliable. the power of germany engineering. i love my 96 vw passat glx. it takes me any where. proud owner. i will keep it and drive it till it disintergrates or the tires fly off or the doors fly off
The hp.
mike G money, 12/09/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 1996 vw passat is fun to drive and looks good i have a diesel model and am hoping to make mine go faster since its only 90 hp.
Fun, roomy...TOO MANY SMALL PROBLEMS
Jessej, 09/23/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the same experience as so many others here... really love the brand, love the car... HATE the constantly breaking $200-$500 repairs on small things. Since the beginning I have had a rattle in the stickshift/transmission, O2 sensors replaced often, check engine light goes on all the time, ignition switch replaced, 2 door handles just stoped working, 3 window regulators replaced, clutch pedal broke off, tires are very non-standard size (restricts your choices and increases cost), ABS is gone. The door handles and windows are the most annoying... c'mon, those should not break so often over only 70k miles!! Really want to buy another, just cant.
passat tdi wagon
a l c s, 01/12/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
a great car to take road trips in. I could leave houston with a full tank and make it to the other sice of kansas city before we'd have to stop and fill up. Also comfortable for long trips. I've had no problems with 12 plus hour days behind the wheel. the only drawbacks being the usual cheaply made vw door handles.
Passat Problems Galore!
VWTrouble, 10/08/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wow... where do I begin?!? This car has been nothing been trouble since I purchased it. Seals leaking, transmission problems, electrical problems, etc. I've had the engine seals replaced multiple times, the computer reset countless times, and continue to find poor dealership support, high prices for parts and labor, and overall lack of caring on Volkswagen's behalf (coporate and dealership). I would NEVER recommend the Volkswagen Passat VR6 to anyone!
If Mazda made a 626 wagon . . .
oldsport, 03/07/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I would be driving that. Wolfsburg could learn a thing or two from Japan about quality. Right off the bat, I had to replace a rear wheel bearing, and then I was burning O2 sensors every 6k miles. Then I found a good independent mechanic. The cruise control gaive up the ghost at 60k, and the radio is about to fall out of the dashboard. I bought this car used from a VW dealer, and discovered at 70k miles that the rear axle was bent. We've got the mechanicals sorted out, though, I'm getting about 26-27 mpg, and Autozone has oil filters for $15.
Run, Do not Walk Away from this car!
Lucy McGuire, 10/04/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a 1996 Passat in August 2002. Initially, I had to replace the muffler system (under warranty). Next, the engine light came on and the cruise control stopped working. For the next 3 weeks I never had the car for more than 2 days between trips to the repair shop. First, the distributor cap, coil wire, etc. went. After the garage pronounced that fixed, the engine light was still on but they assured me that there was no need to worry. Not even 24 hours later, the car died again. This time it is the transmission. The projected cost to fix it now is 2500.00.
Very Dependable!
Thomas, 01/14/2005
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 107,000 miles on it. My parents were the original owners. It has been a very dependable car that continually averages around 42 mpg combined driving. At 196,000 miles it still has the original alternator, ac compressor (blows ice-cold) oil pump, clutch, master cylinder, etc... Vehicle uses little to no oil. I have had to replace all of the door handles at around 160,000 miles. Also had to replace the reverse gear in the transmission. Blew it out when I was stuck in a snow drift. Window regulator has been replaced in drivers door twice. Overall great car!
Best Car I've Owned
Mark Edwin, 06/23/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really can't understand why this car has such a low rating. I've had virtually no problems with it. The styling is a lot better than the newer models (main reason I haven't bought a new Passat), it has more interior room than much larger cars, and I've enjoyed rock solid reliability. This car has made me a VW fan for life. There are some small complaints-- the door latch mechanism has needed repair, and the car does lack power in the low end. But once you get up to about 45 it's great. Extremely surefooted handled. Always feel safe and know is going to do what I expect it to do. Interior quality excellent. Great "personality"-- and unique, too!
Good, but room for improvement
jimk, 12/04/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a pretty good little car. Lots of features for a little money. Goofy cupholder and lack of a glovebox show mfgr lacks attention to detail. Lively handling for a sedan.
Original owner still trying . . .
Georgia driver, 08/23/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am the original owner of a 96 GLX which now has about 80K miles on it. I echo the comments about the parts/systems that required replacement. Mine include: abs pump, instrument cluster, ignition switch (2), odometer, headliner, rear seat belt, and at least 3 cup holders. I also must use 2 keys since the ignition problem required them to make a change (one key for the door, one for the ignition). The trunk release button in the glove box does not work. I have spent MUCH more $ maintaining and repairing this vehicle than the Toyota Camry which preceeded it. Still looks nice, but I would not buy another VW
Reliable Car - yea right.
VR6 Nightmare, 07/10/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My mechanic knows my phone number by heart. It's like the car has a computer virus. Even new parts seem to be consumed by the virus. I changed the transmission twice, the a/c compressor, the starter twice, the doors stick, the check engines light is on more than not, the stereo cuts off, the window motor broke, and the computer was replaced. If I didn't have a warranty I would have paid for the car more than 2 times.
VW Passat TDI
wart, 12/15/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
C-bass, 01/04/2003
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Car Care is the Cure
4N-Fever, 10/23/2004
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I have owned our Passat for almost 4 years and we love it. Plenty of room for the kids(x2) stuff and luggage. In those 4 years we have replaced the timing belt twice (due to high milage) and the water pump as well. We have put on 3 sets of tires, changed the oil and filter approx 20 times and had the radiator flushed twice. I guess what I'm saying is, proper or preventative car care/maintainence will keep your car going for a long time. The down side which there are some are the resale value seems low, the drivers side window regulator broke, the door handles do not always open the doors, the air lock system sometimes fail and the check engine light remains on all the time.
Beware
Darren , 12/10/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Volkswagen would not honor the warranty although it was 13 miles over, thus a cost of 4,000 was incurred. The transmission has been replaced, a new cooling system, almost the entire front end--all under 65,000 miles!
served me well, but the last VW i buy
whiteoj, 02/16/2003
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
C-Town, 08/19/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Flaca, 08/20/2003
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Plagued with Problems
mlm, 04/16/2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Repairs for this vehicle are frequent and expensive, and VW does everything possible to get out of warranty agreements. Here is my list of MAJOR, not minor, defects occuring since I bought my car: (1) battery exploded when car started (2) electric cluster panel showing mileage, gas, odometer not functioning (3) transmission died (4) failed smog check - Gross Poluter (5) trunk & driver window won't open (6) leather seats cracked (7) seat warmers broke