Used 1999 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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don't be a victim of the dealer
keith_g, 09/26/2011
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Like many I have been told for years to stay away from German cars. However my average repair on an American car was always $750. So how bad could it be? I bought a 99 V6 Passat in Nov of 07 with 112K on it. I was the 3rd owner. I have had to fix the ECU, Control Arm and Power steering pump. But with the car this age and miles that did not seem bad to me. Also, if you have a German car and you need a part! LOOK ON LINE for it and save! Example, the ECU traction control computer dealer and private shop cost, 1K4-1.5K$. To buy new with 1 year warrantee, 600$. To take it out myself, have it sent to a company that fixes it and ships it back with a 3 year warrantee, $168.00 DO YOU SEE MY POINT! I would trust this car to get into it right now and drive to Alaska! Love it! Get the 2.8
Keep it simple
kathonic, 06/22/2013
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I purchased mine with 190,000 miles prominently interstate and highway mileage. The car is lumbering around town, but can really move when you need it to (I've already avoided a few accidents because of it). Mechanically everything is easy to replace yourself, and often much cheaper as well, so if your considering the 5-speed V6 I would definitely invest in as much repair materials as you can. If you're good at basic repairs and replacement this car responds well to them. A word of warning however, do NOT skimp on seals and gaskets, make sure they are in good order before buying this car, because they have the most potential to do the greatest harm.
1999 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $1,3001,234 mi away
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excellent
adriannep, 09/14/2014
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2012 with 150k on it. When bought I did some front suspension work on it and replaced all oil gaskets on it as a piece of mind. With the miles on it I went through the entire car and perfected i. Clutch done cus I wanted Today this car reached 300k miles and it still runs like new. No lights on dash and still great gas mileage. Will never get rid of it until the tires fall of it. German cars are great cars for those who know how to take care of em. They're not for everyone and u cant go to auto zone and buy parts for it and expect it to last. U get what u pay for. I have never been stuck with it and I don't think I ever will. Safe and reliable and good looking car.
Well.... 2 months later back on lot
kempboy, 08/02/2013
updated 09/24/2013
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 100,000 miles on it and from day one it was a fun car. The car was fun to drive when it worked... First to go was a valve cover and pep boys only sold one that cost me 47 dollars to do and I had to do it. Then I got another 10 miles on the car and oil and antifreeze was pouring out of the car from the oil cooler gasket cost me 350 dollars to fix. Now remember I only drove this car 10 miles before this happened. This car was built well inside parts hold up however mechanically you need to know what your doing or your in trouble. I read reviews and didn't listen I should have these cars are trouble please take my advice and buy something else
Big Loss
ex-owner, 06/30/2006
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Stay away from the 1999 Passat especially if you live In Kentucky. This car has too many problems and is more expensive to mantain than any other European car. It has lubrication problems on the engine, bearings failure, suspension failure... Nobody can service the sealed transmision and it DOES need service. If you own it, change the oil (synthetic) every 3,000 - 4,000 miles regardles of what the shop tells you. Also be careful, the new design will also have suspension problems. This car is fun to drive but a terrible investment.
Most Low-Maintenance Car I've Ever Owned
waterwish, 02/11/2011
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought the 1999 Passat Wagon used in 2001 or so, with 24K miles on it. It had been an executive car at VW in Dearborn. It must have been charmed, because it was the lowest-maintenance car I've ever owned. I hardly had to spend a dime on that thing except for oil changes and some regular, reasonable maintenance. This was before VW decided to make everything so difficult to repair on all their cars, so the dealers could make a fortune off of consumers with silly repairs. I was able to do simple things like headlamp replacements myself. In 2004 I stupidly traded it for a new one at 0% financing and now I'm stuck with a lemon. Don't buy an '04 Passat Wagon!
'99 Volkswagon Passat
Colleen Piacentine , 09/23/2006
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
We have had a lot of problems with our '99 Passat. The timing belt went at 80,000 miles, causing $4,000 in damage to the engine. This car is very expensive to maintain. I can only put in 93 gas in it due to turbo engine. I will not buy another Volkswagon again due to the high maintaince costs.
Never again!
0osarahhh, 01/04/2012
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for about 5 months and already cannot afford the up keep! I paid $4000 for it, and have put about $2000 into it now. First I had to replace front brake hoses, right and left control arms, then the thermostat went, now I have oil leaking and a major electrical system problem. Never again will I buy another Volkswagen.
Better Buy for Sedans
TDIman, 08/12/2006
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
After eight years of ownership both my wife and I truly enjoy driving this car. It is comfortable, economical, has more than adequate power and is stylish. It remains as tight as it was when it was new. Any problems were recall notices given us by the dealership which were cheerfully fixed in a timely fashion. Its even roomy, I brought home six foot sections of wire shelving and they fit in the sedan, with the rear seats down of course and with the trunk lid closed. This is a very versatile vehicle.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAR
kachopsticks, 04/24/2011
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
My family purchased a 99 passat auto 1.8 turbo back in 2008 with roughly 87,000 miles on it. It has been my daily driver since then and now is about to hit 120,000. Since buying the car we have had to replace the following in approximate order: Power Steering Rack: $800 ABS break module: $250 - (we did the install) Turbo - $1000 Engine Coil Packs - $300 We have also had to replace lots of little things. My headlight assembly shattered randomly while driving. The windshield wiper motor broke ($100 for that part!!!). When replacing it I pulled out a NAPPA motor so it was the second time the part had broke. This is on top of regular maintenance such as tires, oil changes, and breaks.
happy with decision to buy......
Happy with decision , 10/12/2005
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car only a few months ago, but I'm very happy with the decision to buy. I read other reviews about people who had many promblems with their cars, but have to say to those people that all cars will have problems, don't always trust the big dealerships when it comes to repair work, remember they are in it make money. This car is so fun to drive and handles very well, gets great gas mileage, I got over 38 mpg on vaction this year, over 520 miles on a tank of gas:). The sound system is awesome with the CD changer. I had the water pump and timing belt replaced - this is normal for any car with 60,000 miles. My advice, purchase a well maintained Passat and have fun.
my favorite car
m barbehenn, 04/02/2016
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I took good care of the car, followed the maintenance schedule, and it never let me down. Bought it when my daughter was 2.5, gave it to her when she turned 16, got it back when she went to college. Geared for the highway. Turbo boost at any speed. Still gets 33mpg.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Never Again
Socedu, 01/26/2006
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I was so excited when I first bought my 1999 Volkswagen Passat. My joy disappeared after the frist few months. So many things have gone wrong with it, the hood release broke after only a few years, the ABS control unit is shot, the heated side mirrors worked for less than a year, the stereo system stopped functioning properly after less than three years (sometimes I can change stations, sometimes I can't and speakers go in and out)...I could really go on and on. The outside looks great. People are always surprised when I tell them how old it is. They say it looks brand new and my reply is, "yeah, but it's a piece of junk!" This car as been the biggest frustration of my life to date--enough to swear off VWs for life!
Poor Man's Audi
Frizz, 03/11/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
There's no better sedan for the money. I was going to buy an A6, but after checking out the Passat and the Audi side by side at an auto show, I decided to save 10k and get essentially the same car. Compare this interior with anything under $50,000- seriously. It will make you want to cry if you have to drive a Taurus or Malibu, and for the record, I'm a Ford fan. The build quality is superior, and I've had precisely zero problems in 3 years. A truly great car!
Not all that Bad
LJ, 07/20/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Reading all the reviews on the car I'm a little surprised. But I noticed most of them come from the wagon or v6 model. Then again I've had this car for only 6 months. It performs fine. I do have a problem with the abs module. But my brakes work fine for now. Its a German import. The parts are known to be expensive. That is a given and known fact that most people know, its no secret. The car is smooth and has plenty power for a 4 cyl. Good hwy mpg. The seats are a little hot. And engine displaces a lot of heat. But that doesn't make it a bad car. The high octane thing is annoying. Octane booster still helps even with 91 octane.
Great car!
federico28, 08/07/2014
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
bought my car in 2012 with 164k today it has 195k I went from Los Angeles to New York and came back again to L.A without any problem. When I bought the car I replaced the main things to avoid future big problems, I replaced timing belt water pump and a few other little things. After that I only replaced a few small things nothing major until today I had to replace the clutch which lasted more than I expected since I bought the car knowing that the clutch was at only 20%. For the price the year, this car was worth every penny, I use synthetic oil and this car never quit on me or let me down. I believe the key in this car if you bought it used is how the previous owner toked care of the car
DO NOT PURCHASE THIS CAR
xoirishlollyxo, 03/14/2013
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
Since purchasing this car three years ago I have had nothing but problems. I had to replace the clutch @ 110k, the automatic locks stopped working and worst of all-it started to flood and no one can figure where out it's coming from! So poorly designed they have the comfort control module under the drivers feet, obviously where water can get into if the car is leaking. Water has gotten into the comfort control and has effected the entire performance of the car and it stopped starting. I had to pay $2k to have the module completely redone and found out the passats have a problem with leaking through the sunroof! These repairs should have been covered as it is obviously a manufacture defect!
Love it
Chance, 10/16/2008
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car not too long ago with only 70,000 miles on it, I got it from a dealership and I am not to certain about the owner/owners before me but since I've had it I've put about 7000 miles on it. I have been putting 93 octane in it and synthetic oil and it runs excellent. Just as you would expect a German engineered car to run. I always hear mixed reviews about VWs and it has led me to believe that when it comes to a VW the car gods either smile upon you or curse your every step. I am lucky enough to have found one that has such low mileage for its age and still runs superbly.
HATE IT
cassie1988, 06/25/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I totally agree! I just got the car fixed and got it back two days ago and it already has a new set of problems. I have never had a car with so many problems or heard of any one having a car with so many problems. First chance i get i'm trading in this car and will NEVER EVER buy another VW again..not worth the time, stress or money! Anyone who's thinking about buying one...DON'T!
Thinking of Buying a Passat, DON'T
lhand, 04/20/2006
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The car was purchased as a certified unit from a local dealer. It is the first VW that I have ever owned. My first complaint was liquid appearing in my driveway. No oil leak was found but the dealer replaced hose none the less. Next the dash lights went out. This was fixed under warranty. Since the 24,000 mile / 24 month warranty went out I have replaced both tie rod ends, the ign control module, side mirror switch and a leaking transmission output shaft seal. My dealer states that the leak was different from the one earlier when the car was under warranty. My car has 69,000 miles on it. The books that come with the car state to take it to the dealer for air filter, plugs, wires or anything else. Never again will I buy a German car. this is my first and last VW.
luvin it!
lilfay, 02/08/2011
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I received my passat by accident, but it was a miracle, when i first drove it i was shocked by the solid drive and how smooth it was, it just felt good, i am blessed to say i have had no problems thus far and i am almost on my 1st year with it, only gripe is the anti freeze leaks and must be replaced every 3weeks or so, its a 250 job i dont wana pay for so ima just keep replacing the antifreeze, but this car atleast lets you know that it is low jus like the over protective gas tank which also alerts u when u r at the 1/8 mark, over all this car has been very good 2 me, i do my scheduled maintainence and it maintains, i am lookin 4ward 2 more german cars and i'll keep this til it's dead :)
I ignored the reviews and bought one anyway, DONT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE!!
dontbuyavw, 07/01/2011
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I read many mixed reviews about Passats before purchasing mine used. It is a 5 speed with 120,000 miles. That may seem high but 4 a stick it really aint to bad. The car is cute and fun to drive but its a POS! Ive had the car 2 months and have had nothing but problems. The power steering went out, had to replace the pump twice and now its making a winding noise as i turn. Cheap made parts are falling off left and right. Blinker light even fell off as i was driving on the interstate. windows are crap and work only when they want to. now it wont even start! Just makes a wierd ticking noise. Its a cute car, but im going back to my busted and rusted chevy cus thats never quit on me!!! [violative content deleted]!!
Old Enough to Vote, and Still My Favorite
Kathryn, 06/19/2016
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
After 13 years and 130,000 challenging miles, this is still my favorite car so far. Love the positive, detailed road feel, the steady handling, the get-up-and-go turbo, the seriously reliable FWD - keep the nose pointed in the direction you want to go and you'll get there, whatever the road surface or none. Excellent on tight, rough, winding Greek mountain roads as well as vast super highways at 90 mph. Very easy to learn exactly how long and wide it is, and parallel park on the first try with only millimeters to spare. Also, as a wagon, it can carry a phenomenal amount of Stuff and still have room for a dog and a child, with no change in handling. Some lesser items have been a problem: the rear window motors ate themselves up years ago and, since I rarely carry more than one passenger, I haven't felt the need to replace them. The sun roof has a mind of its own. Rarely, the transmission can be clunky when downshifting, but usually only once at low rpms, with weeks between; it has done this all its life. I rated reliability low not because of the car, but because of dealership repair and maintenance support. Be discerning; the nearest dealer did such a number on my car that I'd send it to the crusher before I took it back there. Luckily a new one opened fairly nearby (this is Texas, so 40 miles is 'fairly nearby') and their service is superb. If you need to use a non-dealer, find a VW-trained mechanic. It really does matter. I have no intention of replacing this car, and don't mind at all paying more than its current market value every few years for routine maintenance and age- and wear-related work (new headlights, vacuum hoses, suspension rebuilds - I do not believe in slowing down for corners). Parts can be expensive, but do not/not try to save by buying after-market cheap parts. It wants and needs OEM. The car has fairly low mileage because I also own a BMW 330 ci convertible, but the VW is my go-to car for any horse-feed hauling, transporting dogs to vets, Costco runs, or iffy weather of any sort: rain, snow, wind.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The Passat Strikes Again
Austin, 12/08/2006
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Okay, so I was handed over my sister's Passat because the truck that my parents had gotten me was taken away. The Passat sits very low to the ground, making the oil pan also very low to the ground. I wouldn't suggest flying over any speed bumps. It destroyed my oil pan which after numerous attempts was never fixed until about the fifth attempt (it cost $800 to replace). The build makes me feel like it's cheap. It has small broken accessories in the car. All around it's an okay car to get you point A to B most of the time.
Terrible vehicle
MiMi, 01/16/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I will never, ever buy an VW vehicle again. I bough this car three years ago, and ever since, the car keeps breaking down every few weeks! Every electrical problem that could have happen, did happen. Every mechanical problem that could have happen, also did happen. The Volkswagen should be ashamed for selling such terrible vehicles. Read other reviews here before you decide to buy any VW.
expensive repairs
FRANK, 03/17/2008
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i bought this car brand new. loved the design and the roomy interior. the glx has many options that the 2008 have. the front brakes were very expensive $750 at the dealer and rear brakes $600. the electronics gave me lots of trouble a module failed and cost me $800 and engine light $300.
Love it, BUT...
patboomer, 06/21/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have loved this car. It's great to drive, it's a great size, it's comfortable, it's great looking, I'd do another if it weren't for all the problems. 02 sensor out at about two minutes after the warranty on it expired, power moonroof I never use had burnt out motor to the tune of $600, I've had 5 problems with the four windows - 3 fixed under warranty, rear two I haven't bothered to fix since estimate was around $250 to fix just one. Every time you need to fix the brakes, it needs new rotors to the tune of $500.
Will get another...
evrywmn, 06/12/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Moved up to the Passat from a Saturn SC2 when I decided I needed a little more "grown up" car. Really have enjoyed driving it but this car saved my butt, I believe, thanks to the 4MOTION. Was knocked across a highway median by a van and managed to stay under control until I came to a stop. After reveiwing the accident scene, the CHP officer offered me a job! He couldn't believe how well I'd stuck to the road. I probably won't keep this one when my lease is up but I'm sure to get another.
Review
New Owner, 11/09/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My Vw gets me where i want to be. i drive it alot and it gets great gas mileage. It hasa lot of odd bugs that need to be worked out and it always has something going on but i guess what car with high mileage doesnt have that. Everything radio Wise works.. and heat and air.. so thats fine with me.
Luv this turbo
Dorito4, 10/16/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
So, I bought my 99 Passat gls 1.8l turbo, a few months ago and I gatta say I luv this car it runs great and i haven't had a problem with it. its not super good on gas but its ok. In this car i have done so many fun stuff, from drifting it, and just putting the pedal to the floor and the car is still good. gotta luv this car
Well, No More German Cars For Me
NowAChevyDriver, 04/25/2006
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My friend's family all drove Volkswagens and I thought that this would be an excellent high-performace step, but it wound up being an expensive car that, although drove nicely, continually had expensive repairs. Most devastatingly, my timing belt failed on the interstate before it was even supposed to be *checked*. This was the last straw. I now own a Chevy, have few problems and only need inexpensive parts when I want to fix them.
used to love her
Anonymous, 12/08/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my 99 Passat for about 2 years. She has well over 200,00 miles and i have had no engine problems. however, i have replaced the drive axle for the second time in about 4 months. I'm still not positive if the first replacement was defective or if there is an unlying issue with the car. Other than that however, i have absolutly no complaints!
228k and going strong
stillgoin, 06/25/2007
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased new and have had reasonably good experience compared to some others. Timing belt tensioner pulley failed at 84k. VW rebuilt top end under warranty. I now change at 75k. Control arms replaced @ 135k, ignition module @ 140k, cruise control stopped working at 170k, driver's window operation is sometimes erratic. Still doesn't burn any oil, clutch is still tight, car is very tight, only one or two rattles. Still get 30 mpg highway. Will run it until the wheels fall off.
99 passat dont buy a used one!!!
nay92, 09/04/2011
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 8 people found this review helpful
soooo i purchased this car with a little over 160,000 on it from ..this is the worst car by far to buy. only way i would ever buy this car again is it its complelty NEW..matienance on this car is soooooo high its crazy. i bought it for $3,250 and put more money into this car then what i bought it for...replaced both catalytic convertors ..o2 sensors.. coil packs...motor mounts..new tires...etc..it was misfiring its just ridiouls when they say everything thing that looks good isnt they are not lying!! just dont buy a used one dont even waste your money...the man that worked on my car said dont ever buy a foreign car over 100,000 miles because you will have to get everything replaced !!
Great car!
jonnybgud, 05/27/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car to drive, it's fun, agile, responsive and practical (holds a bunch of stuff in the back) and feels very safe. Plus the turbo 1.8 with the 5 speed accelerates briskly when needed. It's my commuting car, but my wife takes it whenever she can. Sound system is great for a stock unit. Really good gas mileage, too - we get 32 to 35 mpg on trips doing about 75 -80 MPH and pretty full of traveling stuff, too.
Great car, expensive to maintain
JG, 01/29/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have read many Passat reviews prior to and after I bought my 99 Passat V6 w/5spd manual tranny. I loved the car when I bought it and still do. Having said that, I will agree with others that they are expensive to maintain. Lots of fixes last 3yrs. I have 130k mi on mine now and am ready to purchase again. I would love to move up to a 2007-2008 4Motion Passat but hesitate only because of the fixes I've had to perform in the last three years. Will they happen again? Is the newly redesigned vehicle more reliable and the engine a better design that will need fewer fixes from 90k and up? I still love the design of the Passats, I would just love to have awd traction and an auto tranny
Do Not Buy A Used One
Taken for a ride, 01/30/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased for my daughter thinking it would be a safe reliable car.Had 90,000 miles drove great and took dealers recommendation "it will be a great car for her" In the first year each month we averaged $500 in repairs.I have a 1990 BMW for the past 5 yrs it's only cost me $500 in repairs. Now a sludge problem that could cost over $2000 to repair Would never buy one again. Loved my bug in the 70's but VW has to work on reliability and reduced pricing for parts before I would buy another.
Dereks Passat
Derek2D, 05/14/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome, the turbo engine, and the 5 Speed are sweet. The sound system is great, and the gauges at night are cool-looking. I am not usually into the VW's but the passat has made me feel like I did when I first got my license, its a joy to drive!
VW Passat
cassie8844, 04/27/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car last year at an auction. The minute I saw it I loved it and after I took it for a drive I knew I had to have it. Well I did expect to have to fix some things considering I bought it from an auction and I got it for a pretty low price. I took it to a mechanic after I got it and he told me the ball joints needed to be replaced,among a few other things. This car has eight ball joints! I got the money for it and have someone to fix it and now I cannot find the parts. I have no idea why it is so difficult to find parts for this car but I would never buy another VW for that reason.
Never another VW
Earl, 02/19/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been my worst vehicle I have owned,first Wagon sold in Oklahoma nothing but mechanical problems. Electronic sensors contnue to go out which are expensive to replace, 82000 had timing belt replaced plus other repairs, $1200.00 now all cylinders misfiring, another electronic sensor,$800.00 plus. The timing chain behind cam loose and chewed up plastic shield making shrill sound when running, cost to replace $1100 plus. If I had taken it back to dealer would be much more. If I can sell it after repaired for what it is costing me to repair it will be gone and replaced with an American made car. If you have more money than you need by a VW it will soon be gone.
100,000 Miles and still fun to drive
Moo Man, 06/22/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Passat is my first experience with something other than a Japanese built in 14 years. For the past four years maintenance has consisted of oil changes every 3,500 miles, brakes and tires at 45,000 and 90,000 miles, and gas every now and then. (Around town the Passat gets about 27 MPG, with longer trips about 31 MPG.) The funny thing about the car is that it's still a hoot to drive. In hindsight, I'm glad I went for the 5 speed stick instead of the automatic. I plan on keeping the car until my oldest gets his license (about 5 more years). Maybe I'm an optimist, but this car continues to delight the 20 year old in me (I'm 42 now).
What's so hard about building a good car
Never Again, 05/06/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Too many plastic parts that break well before their time - the toggle-switch for the outside remote mirrors, four window regulators (2 on one window, and the 5th is currently broken) so the window falls into the door, timing-belt at less than 50K miles because the hydraulic tensioner failed (and the repairs were rejected by the class-action suit!), a rear seatbelt jammed, and the two front turn-light assemblies fell off the car (at different times) because they're not mounted with screws - they're held-in by spring clips. I bought the car for my wife for safety, but I'd be afraid the airbags wouldn't work when you need them most!
Great car!
Kaylene, 03/26/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I drove a stick shift, and it was the best car i have ever owned. I would recommend this if you love going fast. GREAT CAR!
VW Needed to Provide Lemon-Aid
VW, 09/13/2008
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ours is a single owner 1999 Passat. Problems started the first month and thousands of dollars later, they continue. We have had 2 major brake repairs. We have had a number of electrical problems ranging from irritating-- the trunk latch, the dashboard lights and emergency sounds, the rider's side window--to completely unreliable--the ignition, the starter. The undercarriage panel fell off while we were driving. The wiper fluid reservoir has a hole in it, the oil reservoir leaks. Lots of small plastic pieces inside have broken or fallen off. The car has had to be towed more than the total of all of the cars we've owned in 25 years of marriage and it only has 55,000 miles on it.
99 Passat
Craig D, 05/26/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been very happy with this car. I drive a lot since I am in sales. I get good HWY mileage 28 to 30 MPG. Very good looking car. Leather seats holding up well. Outside of timing belt replacement, I have only had one other major repair expense in 2 years I have owned Passat. Keep good tires on it.
satisfied customer
lead foot, 05/30/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a pleasure to drive! Aside from a few minor interior design flaws as mentioned by other Edmunds reviewers (cup holders, power jack, lack of stereo controls on steering wheel, and lack of lighting on the stereo control panel), we have been very pleased with our recently purchased Passat. We have an appreciation for power and pick up, having sold an Accord LX manual. Love the triptronics!! Compared the V6 to a Volve S70, and there is no comparison. A great buy!
Still a Keeper
stillakeeper, 05/29/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new. Had 3 previous Jettas and a 93 Passat VR6, so we're worried about reliability but liked the car. Overall only one real problem. Water pump began slow leak at 65,000 miles so had to do timing belt prematurely, and then the replacement water pump leaked 6 mos later. Dealer had to redo job for free. They showed me the part -- a $65 plastic piece of junk that required a $1600 repair. Otherwise, our has held up well. No other problems, no deterioration. Still looks and performs like a new car. Routine maintenance, brakes, tires, etc. not bad if you use an independent shop.
Dont waste your time or money
unhappy vw owner, 07/19/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If she didn't wreck my Civic I wouldn't be on here. Parts are outrageous, car has hardly any power looking for new engine now after for months ownership cheap interior, loose steering, radio has bad reception. Seat recliners are bad, nothing good about this car but the sunroof. Turbo is extremely weak. So don't try to talk you're dad into it because it's definitely not worth the hassle first hand. Bad idea.
No more VW
NomoreVW, 06/02/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased from neighbor 2 years into 3 year lease. All I've ever owned are VW's. Passat is a pleasure to drive. However, over 8 years, I've had many problems even with only 77,000 miles. No AM reception, trunk doesn't open even manually (i.e. without keyless entry) due to a faulty latch, water leaks into the trunk lid and then drips into the trunk when the lid is opened; air conditioning stopped working - dealer said the vent system needed to be realigned, the power windows stopped working and the entire control box had to be replaced, first clutch replaced at only 30,000 (other VW's I've owned were at closer to 70,000). No more VW's for this driver.
Mixed Feelings
devost00, 06/30/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have very mixed feelings about this car. I love the interior and exterior styling as well as the ride quality and handling. I hate the build quality. I have had problems with leaking oil, squeaky brakes (which VW tells me is "normal"), ignition system, undercarriage...Also, the dealership and VW customer service is terrible.