Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Passat for sale
Avoid the turbo without a thorough inspection
checkengine88, 06/28/2014
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bought it used from an as is dealer. Trunk only opened with a key and the coolant looked a little funny, but I talked him down and thought I was getting a good deal even after I had to sink some money into it. $1900 later I gave up. The car kept over heating as engine oil was getting into the coolant system. Had the engine oil cooler, water pump, belts and thermostat replaced and it overheated again. I had to call it when they said the next step was to replace the turbo and if that didn't work, the head gaskets. Oh and the electrical module under the seat was faulty causing the trunk problems. Please take it to a dealer for an inspection before you buy it used. Had it for a month
Lot of Miles
gary McGinn, 07/07/2006
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I do a lot of 'trips'.... me and my dog... Never have had any major issues with my Passat. After reading all this stuff I probably would have been paranoid... yah small stuff...lights, door lock, etc. Only Lexus is bullet proof... but the Passat's ride quality, and fuel economy overrides that. I get an honest 30 mpg when I cruise at 65 / 70 mph. And I am in the market now for '07 model. I really looked around, Edmunds.com and all that and considered a BMW, Audi, even a Lexus SUV, but will probably go with the Passat Wagon.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
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- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,499354 mi away
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- GLMSRP: $5,000501 mi away
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One of my favorites
wg_h66, 04/14/2012
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Purchased mine used '07. Overall a very fun and satisfying car to own. The fuel efficiency really wasn't that great and it is premium only, so it can be expensive. The only issue I had with it was due to the cabin pollen filter not being maintained properly. Two days of heavy rain and the passenger side floor was filled causing computer damage. (I had no idea going in that this was an issue). If you are reading these reviews before purchase then you will have a very dependable car.
V6 4Motion great buy, but underpowered
Daniel, 06/12/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Purchased the vehicle with approx 80k miles. Loaded, flagship model in the lineup, everything electric/mechanical still works fine. This car is a tank -- very heavy, very "safe" feeling. V6 feels underpowered. Should've bought the V8. However, 4motion has saved my life twice. No hesitance to load my family (with newborn) into car.
Ok car but expensive ongoing maintenance
spomps, 03/22/2014
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought new in 2003, still going with 172,000 miles. Comfortable and great handling car but it comes at the price of expensive, ongoing maintenance. The check engine light has been on for at least 1/2 its life and I just ignore it. Sometimes it goes off, sometimes it doesn't. Have had to deal with it every 2 years to pass state emissions though. Dash lights stopped working at 107k miles and had a wire meltdown. Required a new wire harness ($3,500) so I just use a clip on book light to illuminate the dash at night. If it weren't for the expensive and ongoing need for repairs, I'd highly recommend this car, but can't.