Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A) Consumer Reviews
Used Passat for sale
Very disapointed VW Owner
K.Walsh, 05/22/2003
Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
We bought this car (2002 VW Passat) based on great reviews. Unfortunately, we encountered coil problems, as did all 2002 Passat owners with the 1.8 Turbo. We remain very bitter and disapointed in the manner in which this problem was addressed. VW would only replace the faulty ignition coils as they failed. So for a four cylander car, that was four occassions for the car to completely lose power and break down. Dealing with VW was an aweful experience. Now, my car's rear breaks need replacing @ 15,000 miles and the radio does not work. Additionally, the rear cigarette lighter refuses to stay shut and now does not work altogether. Good luck.
Avoid this car like the plague
nakie, Oceanside, CA, 09/20/2013
Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
8 of 14 people found this review helpful
This is the most unreliable I've ever owned. This model is total rubbish and should have had recalls on the engine and all the hoses attached. It is the ultimate in cheap manufacturing. I have replaced the transmission all hoses and connections below the engine(plastic fittings that all cracked) the dip stick holder(plastic) that came out in multiple pieces when checking the oil the engine that froze and died when the oil strainer became clogged with sludge( the red light came on telling me to stop but by the time I could get off the road the engine was starved of oil and had to be replaced
Excellent purchase!
vampirecat019, Columbia Falls, MT, 01/17/2015
Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
8 of 14 people found this review helpful
I've had my Passat for two years now, and besides regular maintenance and a few repairs I could do myself (Aged plastic hoses, etc.) which ANY car would need replaced at 120,000 miles, it has been an excellent purchase! There are a lot of reviews on here saying the Passat is junk, but if you can't properly inspect a car to see if it has been maintained like any car should before you buy it, you're a moron, and have no right to slander a perfectly good car. After initial purchase with 110,000 miles, I changed the water pump and timing belt myself. Yes, I had to take off the front bumper. Boo Hoo! This is one of the EASIEST cars I've ever owned to work on. I've had an RX-7, Impreza, Accord.
Defective Ignition Coil
Gkwong21l, 01/27/2003
Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I loved this car-until, it started to fall apart. In 1 year, I have replaced 2 ignition coils (2 diff. times), the glove box and realigned the door. The coils were the biggest pain- b/c the towing fees. VW has ID'd the defective part (in all 1.8T engines)- But has refused to recall it, as it does not represent a safety hazard. A bad German supplier is to blame for the coil. VW is to blame for refusing to recall the part. Dealers refuse to replace all coils, just ones that fail. Note-1.8T cars have 4 coils for each cyl; so I now have 2 new coils, and 2 coils waiting to fail. Dealers are unwilling to sell new coils-as they don't have enough to go around.
Looks can be deceptive
Rich Boyde, 02/21/2003
Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
fun to drive..but just enough problems to keep you occupied for a few days per month.Most of the good reviews on this forum are by people who just bought a new VW car. All the bad reviews are by people who have used it for more than 6months/8000miles. Too many electrical faults, horrible Monsoon sterio, ignition coil problems,inefficient wiper system,trip computer has a mind of its own,works once in a while. Windshield allows too much glare from vahicles coming in the opposite direction.So please dont drive VW in rain or foggy conditions,take a cab. This is a car which brings to the mind the proverb...All that glitters is not gold