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Used 2004 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
28 reviews

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4.63 out of 5 stars

You need to know what you are getting into

roznstyle, Greensburg, PA, 01/13/2012
Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful

I think a lot of people buy a VW are unaware that maintenance and adherence to manufacturer recommendations are KEY to keeping a VW on the road. I've owned my 2004 passast for 8 years and it still looks brand new after over 111K miles. A VW is not a honda where you put gas in it and change the oil every so often. you need to pay attention to using mid grade or higher fuel EVERY time. Synthetic oil, EVERY time. New Plugs every 40K per the manual, and on and on and on. YES there is a lot more in owning a VW than your run of the mill car but if you treat it right it will last for a long time. If you can handle a meticulous maintenance schedule then buy a VW but if you can't DO NOT BUY!!!!

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1.13 out of 5 stars

Stay away!!! Has SOOO many issues!!!

passathater, Angola, IN, 08/15/2014
Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 27 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2004 Passat GL in 2011 with 91k mi. on it for $7900. In just 3 years I've spent over $3600 on it not including regular maintenance. Oil sludge, both front axle boots torn, both brake rotors, leaking coolant, new thermostat housing and new thermostat, and many, many other problems!! Currently at 130k miles the timing belt broke. Could cost me $900-$3000+ to fix depending on the damage done to the engine. It's current value wasn't even worth it to fix. I sincerely advise EVERYONE to stay away from this vehicle!!! I personally will NEVER buy a Volkswagen again!! Don't make the mistake I did... DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Relatively Good Car

Beth, 11/14/2006
Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car ran great until 20,000 miles, then for no apparent reason, the back axle bent. Nightmares followed.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

Opie, 12/03/2003
Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It is a typical VW, it is a wanna-be Audi or Porshe. It has some great features, but is short on design and quality. The metal dents really easily, and the paint is poor. The car has had two recalls already. I love to drive, and this car makes me want to drive less. If you are smaller in stature, it probably will work for you, but forget the tall people.

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1 out of 5 stars

Worst Car Ever! Avoid!

Ling, 11/06/2004
Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a 2001 Passat(1.8T). Ever since I purchased it, I have never stopped sending it the mechanics. The problems so far: 1) Glove box broke 2 days after my purchase; 2) Air condition emit horrible smells two months after I bought it; 3) Vacuum leak; 4) Broken temperature gauge; 5) Malfunctioning headlight connector; 6) CV axile worn out after 2 years; 7) Brakes broke after 2 years; 8) Signal light handle broke when I was driving on highway! I couldn't give signal to cars besides!! ... (out of space) I can't bear it any more. It is only 3 years new. Plus the dealer charges exorbitant repair fees. The small and cheap mechanics my friends referred me to didn't know how to fix it. Avoid!!

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