Used 2000 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Glad I'm handy with a wrench
Why I will never buy another VW. Replaced control arms twice in 80,000 miles. Bad ABS module, bad CCM, bad ECU, all oxygen sensors have been replaced, engine sludge problem, two bad window regulators, Emissions Workshop Errors all the time. Every two winters battery needs to be replaced. Took it to dealer for a check engine and was told I had 2 bad catalytic converters, $2,300. Had it scanned somewhere else and was told that it does have a catalytic error, but the dealer failed to mention several vacuum leak errors. I replaced $20 worth of vac hose, problem solved. Haven't had an error in 10,000 miles, this is a record!! Replacing the above parts with non OEM has helped a lot.
VW Passat GLS V6 wagon (140K miles)
It is a great car for everyday use. I have mine for 6 years and I drove around 55K miles and it runs like a champ. These V6 engines are strong and hard to kill. The only thing I changed besides suspension, is timing ( which is normal every car, so is the oil), gaskets, thermostat, and water pump. Yes these are expensive parts, if you buy original like you should. I am a mechanic so every part I buy, I change it myself. This car is great for hauling cargo inside. So if you're looking for a first car and know something about how change little things and have budget limit to 5K, I suggest you get this car. Now it depends on a person, if you're planning on modifying like boosting, get a 1.8T, if not and want to have the car as a daily drive, get a V6. Why a V6 for a daily drive, because turbos are very expensive to replace, and you never know what the car went through with previous owner. You may also ask how is the mpg, well it's not perfect. After I changed the fuel pump and the filter, I started getting 13-15 in city, and 25-30 on highway at steady 60-70 mph, on premium 93 (recommended)
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- Technology
- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- GLX V6 SedanMSRP: $4,995845 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: N/A791 mi away
Consumer Reports Top Pick?
Two weeks after we bought the car, we were smelling oil. It took the dealer two weeks to fix all the leaks, they had to redo the top half of the motor. We later found out it was the second time these repairs were made in 40,000 miles - luckily all under warranty. It needed a new air sensor, two new air pumps, new a/c hoses, and new rotors. Both the front blinker assemblies fell out while driving the car (within eight months of each other). The parts man at the VW dealer said this happens frequently. All of these problems in 50,000 miles. Now it needs over $1,000 in preventative maintenance. What do you think?
loves the shop more than the road
I have driven this car for 6 months and have already replaced the alternator, driver's side axle, pedal sensor, o2 sensor, and now hopefully only a piece of flex pipe behind the catalytic converter and not the entire stretch of exhaust including the converter. The locks pop up and down when they please, the alarm doesn't work properly, the cup holders stink, and is like maneuvering a plastic toboggan when it's snows. I love the way it handles and accelerates, it's very comfortable, but it's much too costly to maintain. I should have kept my Camry. Oh, and premium fuel only. have fun w/ $40 plus fill ups. oh, and wait until your epc light comes on while you're on the highway! have fun!
Great car I would buy again
Great handling, comfortable and firm seats: I can drive from Florida to North Caroina in one day. And I am over 50. Power is good (I chipped up the motor). Brakes very good. Visibility is super. Small on the outside but plenty of room inside. Heat is adequate. AC still works and well!
IT's a CRAP SHOOT
this vehicle ran great first 80k miles. But the window fell out & a bunch of interior things broke while still considered a newer car. I read all the reviews on car. I got the car from friend knowing she was about to run into trouble with it. It was in good to fair condition. I bought it with another friend at a good price knowing we would be dumping a lot of $$$$ into it over the next few years who I knew could tackle the problems ahead. What I wasn't prepared for was everything happening at once AND PROBLEMS WITH the rack and pinion. I hope I spelled that right. If you are looking to buy a Passat 2000-2004 do a Vin history on it. If you're looking for a smart buy, this ain't it!
150,000+ miles and still going!
Overall, this has been an excellent vehicle. To me the most impressive aspect of the car is how it drives so well in snow & rain. I did have a few issues with the front end suspension around the 135,000 mile mark, but they have not come back since. Fuel economy has been as advertised averaging around 23 highway & 17 city. The exterior fit & finish is relatively decent, and the interior is so well built, it still looks almost like new. I've never driven anything but VWs. (I also have an 04 Passat Sedan). Keep in mind, VW is not like Honda/Toyota, VWs require a little more work, but will easily surpass the 500,000 mile mark. As long as you take care of a VW, it will take care of you.
My first - and last - VW!
This car is junk! I purchased in 2009 with 65K for 8.5K. The car now has 95K - that's right , folks - only 95K - with original transmission/engine, by the way - and I've spent nearly 7K - in repairs and maintenance. A few weeks ago, I was told the right cat converters have to replaced (another 2K down the drain! The left ones were replaced - just six months ago so this car could pass emissions testing) but I've got car registered through 2017 so I'll put up with the annoying alarm reminder sound on the dashboard ("Emissions Workshop"/Check Engine Light), dragging my feet kicking and screaming before I actually get this repair done. I'll NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER VW. Kudos to those owners who've got a great VW - but mine is a MONEY-SUCKING PIECE OF LEMON TURD!! Prevent your migraines...Save your 40(1)K...GET A HONDA, A NISSAN OR A TOYOTA!! I will state the car actually drives beautifully, like a Beamer or a Mercedes - but it has the maintenance and temperament of an angry, grumpy, arthritic Yugo!! Update 6/8/16: My car's alignment was bad due to broken control arms and bushings - which I paid 1.7K - last week. I just got a phone call from the alignment shop: After completion of the alignment (or rather, re-alignment), the technician took my car for a test drive - and the left turn signal tail light FELL OFF. Are you kidding me??!! I have plenty enough to do on a daily basis - now I have to find ASAP a junkyard to replace the broken tail light - so I don't get a ticket from the police - and - I have to buy four new tires (another 500-plus bucks down the drain!) because the alignment wore the tires down, which, of course, tire warranty isn't applicable to this situation. The shop also said in the next few months something about the belt needs to be placed. I'm a lady - I have no idea what this "belt" thing this is all about. As the shop guy was talking in my ear all I heard was the sound of the cash register opening and closing...opening and closing...opening closing...which is code for: I have to write - another blank check - for another repair. The reason why I purchased this car was to have a device installed the passenger side for transferring my wheelchair-bound mother into the passenger seat. This device is powered by the car battery. (Google "Milford Lift". The product is from Pride Mobility). At the time of my car's purchase, I didn't want to pay nearly 18K for a used Toyota or Honda wheelchair van to take my mother out just once or twice a week - however, with the amount of repairs I've spent to date, add in the cat converter repair I have to do next year before my car is eligible for registration tags - I SHOULD'VE PURCHASED the Toyota or Honda wheelchair van because I can easily resell it without losing a lot of my purchase price as these brand names are always in solid, high demand due to their historic top quality and reliability. I'm afraid my car's transmission will go out in the next six months! If this happens - my head will explode! And I will take a hammer to this car!! It's been my worst nightmare!! Every time I walk past the car in my garage, I swear - it chuckles and farts at me because it knows it's been causing me such a headache!! This car is the elephant in the room that will never ever go away on it's own! Stay. Away. From. VW. Period!! UPDATE: AT ONLY 102,103 miles, it's suffered an electrical issue. The transmission and engine are the original. Also, the driver side door gets stuck intermittently. This is the WORST car I've owned. I donated the car to a charity. I'm now riding my bike - and loving it! STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR!
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
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2000 VW Passatt is the Worst!
What can I say about a car that was built during the Octoberfest? This car is a MONEYPIT. I researched many hours to endup with something that I have rebuilt. It has a new water pump, three new sensors, new ball joints, and a new radiator. We also have replaced three oil pan covers due to their cheap plastic. It aloways needs new tires and alignment. Now it has a short in the ABS sensor that will cost $1,300 to replace and the clutch is slipping. Oops one of the electric mirror knobs broke off. How can you drive without adjusting the mirrors? What else can I say? It's time for another Japanese car. My patience is lost and no one gives a DARN. The dealers just take my money. I have had it! I am afraid of VWs. Does anyone have similar feelings?
Mechanical Problems
In 74 K miles: Two sets of rear pads and rotors in 2 CV boots, one wheel bearing, one temp. sensor, emissions light often goes on, one radiator leak, one cam seal oil leak,three engine coolant flushes to get rid of gunk in the G12 coolant which stops up cabin heater core, cup holders break, rear view mirror is failing, door locks intermittently don't lock
An experience.
Liked the car for the ability to transport 2 German Shepherds and humans comfortably. Plenty of room and very comfortable with the heated leather seats and pretty good gas mileage. The steering was pleasantly weighted and got heavier the faster the vehicle moved, giving a feeling of solidity and feeling well planted and secure. Cruised well. Unfortunately after a mere 8000 miles of ownership, the engine compartment combusted today necessitating a 911 call to extinguish the flames.
Review
Likes: Comfortable seats, quiet & smooth highway ride, good legrroom in back seat, adjustability of seats and steering wheel, high quality cabin materials, great sound from Monsoon sound system, excellent manual shift, strong & smooth V6 engine Dislikes: Ride is softer than I like and roll during cornering is more than I'd like; a couple rattles have appeared in cabin; price of oil filter is outrageous ($18)
Good, but not great
This is a great looking car and it's a blast to drive. But at 27,000 miles, it blew a head gasket. Then at 40,000 miles the rack and pinion steering was shot. I have had lots of interior bits break. The AWD tears up tires. All said, I can't wait to dump this car, I'll never buy a VW again. The reliability is on par with Ford. But the parts cost more. Ha.
This was a fabulous car
I bought my Passat wagon used, with about 42K miles on it, as the second owner. It was fun to drive, handled well, and was a pleasure to own for nearly 8 years. For 3 years I drove it on a 140mi commute (RT). It also made several long-distance (1000+ miles RT) road trips every year with no problems. Overall, it was extremely reliable. They had to adjust the mass air sensor the first week I had it. Other than regularly scheduled maintenance, there weren't any issues for 5 years of moderate to very heavy driving. I had to have the head gaskets replaced on the engine at about 130K miles. The ABS braking chip needed replacing at about 150K miles.
Nice Car!
I like the Passat very much - it is a quality car. I find instrumentation difficult to read in the daylight. VW surely could have done a better job designing and lighting controls for daylight operation. It rides like a champ!
Honeymoon over
Former lease car, immaculate and spotless, purchased at 30k miles from very reputable dealer. Really placed my faith on Consumer Reports rave reviews. Loved it at first, fun to drive, solid. At 50k things start to come undone, brakes, front end rattles, transmission issues, I blow headlamps every 3 months (service guy said "yeah that is an issue with these cars") radio reception is horrible, I agree with other review, seems to be a screw- up....maybe it was built on a monday
Passat wagon-love it
I have been very happy with my wagon, with basically no trouble.
NO WAY
Do not buy one of these cars. I have had 4 oil leaks fixed, all under warranty. 2 air sensors replaced - one under warranty the other on me ($400) and a air injection pump ($650). All of that between 37k and 61k. I wear a size 14 shoe and my foot rubs the brake pedal when it is on the accelerator. A very poorly made engine, I have heard the V6 is better. Also the transmission has slipped twice on me in the mountains. The value has fallen so fast that I am upside down in my loan 1.5 years into it. Can't imagine selling it so someone, so I'm going to have to eat about 3k on a trade in.
vw passat
This is a great wagon at 12 to 15 k less than bmw saab and volvo. Its a great value and fun to drive. I especially like the 4 wheel drive , heated seats and tiptronic transmission. Only problem is wind noise when sun roof is open.
Great Driving Disapointing Ownership
Ownership experience: Check airbag light: worked on 3 times before resolution Batteries : 3 (The car has 30,000 miles) Dead electrics on left rear door 2 times in the shop before resolution. CD Changer: dead 2 months after warranty expired. Windshield washer fluid leaking in the tailgate 6 months out of warranty. Interior dome light switch: falling off 6 months out of warranty. Wooden Shifter handle: cracked 6 months out of warranty. All of this is simply inexcusable for a car in this price range.
I still like it
At 65k miles I still think the Passat is a great car. I bought it as a family car and what sold me was the solid quality feel, excellent crash ratings, well designed little luxury features (eg. one-touch up and down front windows, one-touch rotary dial sunroof control). Many Audi features at a VW price. Sufficient power to blast along at 80+ with full load, yet decent gas mileage (low 20s around the burbs, 30 cruising @ 65, 27 cruising @80 with a full load). Fairly reliable problems have been: dead rear washer, dead rear speaker(s), faulty temp gauge sender, oil leak at valve timing chain cover (common prob); all were fixed under warranty although the rear speakers are now all dead.
Not that Bad
Let me just say that I went into my 2000 Volkswagen Passat from my college car (a Saturn) so naturally I was floored when I stepped on the gas and it actually went! This car is a still a head turner and gets parked in the front with BMWs and Mercedes at valet. The Tiptonic transmission makes this car take off like a rocket. Beware of repairs on this car that aren't under warranty though, they are COSTLY! Fortunatly I can't say I've had any issues with it mechanically. I intend to make my next car another Passat. It's fun to drive and looks great! You will also command a little respect when you pull up at the valet at Benihana! I was surprised to come out and see my car parked in front!
EXTREMELY DISAPOINTED
I FELT IT URGENT TO DO A REVIEW ON THIS CAR. CONSUMER REPORTS RATED THIS MODEL YEAR BEST FAMILY CAR. ILL TELL YOU WHY WE WERE DISAPOINTED. CUP HOLDERS IN TERRIBLE SPOT, FUNNY SMELL FROM ENGINE THAT CANT BE EXPLAINED BY ANYONE, YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR DRAGGING ON THE GROUND, BLACK FABRIC INTERIOR A NIGHTMARE TO KEEP CLEAN, SMALL PIECES OF RUBBER AND PLASTIC LININGS FOR CONSOLE AND REAR CUPHOLDERS COMES OFF WHEN VACUUMED, CANT OPEN UP CUPHOLDER COMPARTMENT IF YOU SPILL SOMETHING. THE STEREO SYSTEM SOUND IS MUFFLED AND THE FUEL ECONOMY RATING IS NOT TRUTHFUL.
Expensive Problems
My Passat was a great car until we hit 45,000 miles. Then we needed to replace the secondary air pump ($600), then the brakes, now at 58,000 miles the secondary air pump is out again ($600) and the tie rods need to be replaced ($500), plus the paint is peeling off of the bumper (no accidents). Oh yeah, the control for the outside mirrors fell off. I love the car but the maintenance has become a bit much to bear.
LEMON
I purchased my 2000 Wagon less than a month ago. During that time it has been at the dealer twice for repairs. The O2 sensor and a hose went out less than 72hrs after I bought the car and McKenna VW in Costa Mesa, Ca. wanted to charge 500 dollars to repair the car. Even though it was under warranty McKenna said "I should take it to the dealer I bought the car." After getting the general manager involved I got the car fixed, but was told McKenna was "doing me a favor. VW has the worst customer service ever and I will NEVER buy a VW again. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY.
This car is a monster
While I love to drive this car, it is a repair nightmare. The car has only 33,000 miles on it and I have already purchased a new clutch and timing belt. Not to mention the myriad spooky electrical problems and the fact that the "emissions workshop" light is almost always on no matter what I do. Run, don't walk, away from volkswagen. The car is truly unreliable, and the service is awful. (My car was completely dead and they wouldn't even look at it for 3 weeks!)
Reliable, practical, high quality
I have had this car for 6 years and it has performed admirably. Apart from a recall, a couple of worn out engine mounts, and replacing the driver and passenger side window glass holder clamps because the windows fell down it keeps plugging away reliably.
never again
Had this car 1year and have $7000 in repairs to date. Started having problems at 55,000 miles-engine ran poorly(stalled, chugged).As a result, I've had to replace the O2 sensor, mass air flow sensor, blower hose, and at 68000miles the timing belt went. I now need a whole new motor, even though VW does not recommend replacing timing belt until 105,000miles!!! Followed recommended maintenance schedule and still had all these problems. When I called VW to complain, their response was "out of warranty, sorry". I would not recommed this car to anybody, and will unload is as soon as I get my new engine!!! One more thing - NOBODY can seem to work
Great for comfort and handling.
I bought this car as an alternative to a minivan b/c I was commuting. At the time I had one child and one on the way. It handles excellently and is very comfortable to sit in. You can fit a lot of stuff in the back and there's plenty of leg room in the back seat for the kids in their car seats. You can also comfortably fit 2 car seats and one adult in the back, or 3 car seats. Great acceleration even with the A/C on and low engine noise at any speed.
My Next Car Will be a Passat
I have loved my 2000 Passat since I purchased it in the summer of 2002! Friends comment what a beautiful car, both inside and out, my Passat GLX 4 Motion Wagon is. The car loves to drive fast and even at high speeds the ride is smooth and quiet. I did buy the car used with 29K miles and purchased an extended warranty. I've used it to replace the tie rod ends ($500 repair) at appx 55K miles. The rear wiper works but the washer has never worked...oh, well. My youngest stepped on the rear cupholder and broke it...wasn't really functional anyway...besides I prefer the no eating/no drinking in the car!
Fantastic car with minor flaws
It's a VW! Fun to drive. Many first- time passengers comment on what a nice car it is. Huge trunk (wagon) and passenger space. Love the sunroof and interior. Noisy auxiliary air pump (?) when engine is cold. Kids broke fragile rear cup holders several times. Don't try the windshield washers with the windows/sunroof open. Bought new for under invoice. Most enjoyable two hours of shopping in my life.
I would never buy another VW
We purchased our Passat wagon in May of '02 and when we hit about 50,000 miles we had nothing but trouble. The ABS module went ($1050 part) the oil pump went due to sludge from the turbo engine which also caused other problems...another huge expense. Neither the dealer nor VW of America would assist us in resolving the issues with this vehicle. They have the worst consumer service I have encountered. Since getting these repairs I have learned that these vehicles have many more problems and that there have been numerous complaints made and VW still will not put a recall out for these makes and correct the major electrical flaw. I will never purchase a VW again!
Happy Passat Owner
Test drove Maxima, Accord and other used cars. Passat was best overall- most comfortable, safety features, good performance, excellent engineering. I have 45,000 miles on it and it still drives like new. Very quiet on the highway and smooth around town.
I wanted to love this car
I thought we had found the perfect car. The clean lines, nearly perfect ergonomics, elegant interior and great road manners made me forget that I was driving a station wagon. Unfortunately, the car was bedeviled by endless quality problems that had us endlessly returning to the shop over and over. On 3 different occasions, it blew major engine or transmission seals with catastropic results. The electrical system shorted repeatedly and countless other little things went wrong. Thank God we had an extended warranty.
I LOVE MY HELGE
I could not ask for a better car !!!!
Excellent Car
We have owned our 2000 Passat Wagon with the 1.8T since new. Over the 6 years we have owned it, we have been very pleased. We had a minor problem with the aux. air pump and the MAF sensor, but VW replaced them for no charge. Also, the water pump became noisy about 1,000 miles ago and they replaced it also for no charge. Other than these minor problems, the car has been fantastic. I have recommended it to friends and relatives, and they have also had great success. So, don't listen to all these negative reviews. This is a roomy, comfortable, fuel efficient, fun car. Buy one!
Marvelous Passat
Great car, fun to drive, very functional style, safety first, and very reliable.
Terrific Car
My 2000 Volkswagen Passat has been perfect for 63,000 miles. Well, not absolutely perfect: the knob that adjusts the exterior mirrors has broken twice, and a few minor pieces of interior trim haven't held up under our two kids' abuse. But that's it - no other repairs were required at all. It gets 33+ MPG on the highway, is quiet and comfortable, and still looks sharp six years later. We love it.
Solid Car, Fun to Drive
I've had this car for 3 years and have no problems with it to date. The manual transmission is smooth and fun to drive and it is an extremely comfortable ride for all my passengers. Skip the $$ recommended 40,000 mile tune-up at the dealer and take it to a local mechanic instead. I saved $300 by taking it to a good mechanic who only did the necessary fixes(sparkplugs). Great Car.
Problemed Passat
Fun car the drive and sporty. However, the Oil Pressure sensor has gone off 6+ times and they just keep replacing associated parts and have no answer for me. The O2 sensor has gone off 3 times in last three months. 20 day wait on replacement parts, that tells me alot about that problem. Am getting rid of VW and getting a Honda Odessey!!
2000 Passat Wgn, Automatic w/Turbo
I love the vehicle however I was upset when very soon after my 'Certified Warranty' expired that I had an 'oil seal' leak and had to fork over $450.00 to have it repaired.
Great Car
I bought the Passat almost 2 years ago and now have 33000 trouble-free miles on it. Its a great value, essentially an Audi for thousands less. My wife won't admit it, but I think she likes driving it better than her BMW 528I.
Great car with major problems
We love this car, but we've had to replace the head gasket at 26K and the steering rack is shot in it = $2,000. We'll never buy a VW again.
love/hate relationship
I have a 2000 Passat 5spd turbo. 1st yr car to the dealer 6 or 7 times because the chck eng light went on for varied problems. Second yr chck engine lt & other problems (some pump went & all the fluid ran out of some important place) (I know nil about engines). Just after warranty expired a problem arose to the tune of $700. Had to pay a $90. diagnstc fee. VW paid 1/2 of $700 since I had been calling & complaining re problems all along so I was on record. Just a few months ago the boot quit locking. Lid so heavy, had no prob riding with it ajar didn't realize trunk light was on battery went dead replaced both boot lock & battery & climate indicator bulb
Smells of rubber
I loved this car. Told everyone to get one. Some did. Now I feel bad because it is a NIGHTMARE to have repaired. I feel like I am playing chance. Maybe they will find the problem, maybe they won't. There is always a HUGE labor bill and a car returned to me that still smells and misfires. There is a FEAR about taking the car to a non dealer, yet I feel that the dealer service is equally befuddled by the prolific problems with this car. Have a Sienna with 125k mi that has never needed anything except routine service. So far Passat - O 2 sensor, valve cover gaskets, check engine problems,pervasive oil leaks,broken seat, lame bumper, door sensor broke which triggered fuel pump/spark plug prob
GLX Wagon: A Benz in V-Dub clothing
We have thoroughly enjoyed our 2000 Passat GLX wagon from time we drove it off the lot. The satin silver exterior with black leather is stunning. With the exception of a ridiculous cupholder design, the vehicle is terrific in every detail. It features everything you love about high-end German cars but at a 30-something price: power, doors that close with a teutonic thunk, handling, fit/finish, etc. Will probably trade up to the W8 Passat AWD next......
The perfect car for me
This car is perfect for me, I love everything about it. Superior ergonomics, handling, performance, practicality and ecomomy all contribute to my love for this car. I am sure that it is not for everybody, but I recommend that you give it a try.
Nice Ride
This has been a great wagon. Plenty of power, smooth ride, and comfortable. I have not had any reliability issues in the first 24,000 miles. Has never been back to the dealership for anything. Nice sound system (monsoon) and paint job. Fit and finish is excellent I really like the heated seats. (*Get the V-6 if you can afford it. The gas mileage is about the same as the smaller turbo and has noticeably more torque when climbing hills under load.)
B5 Variant
25000 miles and still going strong
Smooth and reliable
In the past 2 years the car has performed nearly flawlessly. The only warranty issues were a broken rear seat belt guide, and a dissembled rear ashtray. It starts and runs willingly, accelerates energetically and handles predictably and securely. On the highway it cruises very smoothly, and has exceeded 30 mpg on several occasions. The cruise control is the most accurate I have ever used.