Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
Used Passat for sale
passat
marlene2, 01/13/2012
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
7 of 15 people found this review helpful
the worst car nothing but trouble after 3 years
Owning 2003 VW Passat V6 on a stick and regret
Alex, 05/25/2018
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The only reliable parts of the car are manual transmission and Body Paint. The rest sucks. Change interior bulbs, fuse in port 14 and 6 burned out and CCM may need to be replaced. The engine leaks in every single hole so even if you replace head cover gaskets and cranshafts, still leaking. If you close a driver door (in my case) too hard, you may damage a lock and you wont be able to close the door (not lock it up, but simple close) so will have to drive with the open door either holding in place or use a seat belt to hold it. The floor under driver seat is always wet and who knows why.. That's all happen within less then a week of owning a car but it was just fine before the purchase. The car is old and it needs to be understood in the first place. I would defensively suggest to avoid this purchase
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car
vwownerx2, 10/03/2011
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
We bought our Passat 1.8T this year with 124,000 for $4000 from a private owner. The car drives like it is brand new;however, we have had to replace the water pump at 135,000 miles and the timing belt. The interior components are top notch, lots of room, just a joy to own and drive. Yes, maintenance is expensive but the car drives and rides like a brand new car. I can do basic stuff like brakes etc... We just bought a 1999 Passat VR6 as a third car and hope we are as lucky. When you buy used cars with high mileage, you have to expect it is like rolling the dice.
High Maintenance
Fuller, 07/12/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I really liked the look of the Passat. It drives well, handles good, and gets pretty good gas mileage (24 on average). The brake system is terrible. I have had to have the rotors and the brakes changed every year and most of my daily drive is highway. You have to go to the dealership for every thing (head light replacements, wiper blades, etc.). I've had to take it to the dealer at least 5 times for recalls. The kicker is the car requires high octane gas. It won't perform well on regular gas.
Love to Drive
Erin, 05/05/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I Haven't had this car long but I love it. It is very fun to drive. Good fuel economy for a V8. When driving in the mountains I get between 16-18 mpg and on the freeway 22-25 mpg. I live in the foothills and the power is great going up the hills. I bought the car with 64000 miles and the only problem was whoever owned it last didn't have the rear brakes replaced properly and it broke the rear springs. Not a big deal though. I had it fixed and it runs fine now. Car seats fit well in the back and I have more than enough room in the back to fit all the kids stuff (Pop-up crib, stroller ect)for a weekend trip. Great Car and I have no regrets purchasing it.