Used 2013 Volkswagen Passat Diesel Consumer Reviews

Watch out for Passat TDI

Volkswagon knows they have an issue with the Passat and they should do a recall. The issue is with the fuel pump and the high compression. They blame you the consumer and blame you for putting gasoline in a diesel engine. Pump goes then the injectors, watch out stay away.

Bought it used in 2020

We love the ride quality. We love the fuel mileage, 39mpg average over two years. Papa is doing all maintenance. The fluids are expensive,$8 for motor oil - $15 for transmission fluid.

Much better than my 2010 Jetta TDI - not great!

This is one of the most fun cars I have ever had to drive when it was running properly. The cruise control failed shortly after purchase but I didn't bother having it fixed because the same happened 3 times on my 2010 jetta and I gave up. The turbo also failed under warranty as did some interior movable parts. Other reliability issues and high cost of maintenance. I will not buy another VW after 11 other VW's because other vehicles brands have provided much more reliable service fr including Mazda, Ford, Dodge and Toyota. I have purchased 22 vehicles in my life and the 88 Mazda 626, 94 Caravan and 05 Sienna all went 225 miles with zero problems and 2 of them continued for another 100K miles. The most I have ever gotten out of a VW was 165K miles on a 67 with 3 engine changes. In addition, VW dealers have done poor quality repairs several times whereas other brand dealers have never done a bad job. I am now driving a 1990 Ford Ranger which cost $900 daily and it is providing more reliable service than either of my recent TDI's. Update - my 1990 Ranger exploded and burned after I had driven it 43K miles. I now drive a 2001 Ranger which cost $2700. I have just turned 45K miles on it with no trouble - I has 162K miles total.

Would not purchase again

I purchased this 2013 TDI SEL Premium in October 2013. It already had one owner and 32k miles. I now have 45k miles on the car. Fuel mileage is about 40 MPG with 60% hwy 40% city.

Terrible

Don't ever buy a VW. This company is a joke and treats customers like trash.

Just bought it

Picked the 2013 Passat SEL TDI premium up at VW of Beaumont last night. Paid 29.9k before taxes 32.2k with taxes and dealer fees. 0% Financing! Wife drove it 95 miles back to Humble Texas and was very impressed with the ride, comfort and features. Most of which she does not know how to use yet! We ran 75-80 most of the way home and registered 43.2 avg mpg for that trip! Drove it at 65 for a stretch and the instant mpg was reading 48.4 consistantly! I am 6'3" 265 lbs and the seating fit me very well. My wife is 5'4" 125 lbs and the seating fit her very well too. I rode in the back seat for a spell and found that it has plenty of room for a big tall person like myself.

Beware misaligned driver's seat and steering wheel

I want to love this car but it's hard when the driver's seat and steering wheel are not centered with each other. VW Customer Care admits this is the way the car is made, due to the widening of the body, but without making corresponding adjustments to the steering system. Therefore, the wheel sits to the right of center. VW managed to move my seat 2mm to the right, which helped make it a little less drastic. My loaner Passat had the same problem. I SO WISH I had noticed on the test drive. As for the TDI, wow, it's awesome. But, this car may well be gone as soon as the warranty is up. If you're not OCD like me, then you will love this car. Also, 1 month in and been to shop for rattle fix.

Exceeded expectations

My first vw I bought this car in July, 4400 miles and 2 trips from Asheville NC to Orlando later. about 560 miles one way I am very pleased overall. I average 30 Mpg city and 45 on the highway one tank was 51 Mpg. This car does every thing you can ask of it. Plenty of room power and great cruising range of 832 miles with 18.5 Gal tank. just be aware Because of the Automated manual trans car will disengage and roll backwards on very steep hills. my Car will not lock from the outside unless keyless remote is used. Car was 26K OTD with Tax. More than one person thought I paid 40K. VW got this right.

Everyone is "WOW'ed" by my car

LOVE this car so much! Amazing gas mileage that gets better as the engine gets broken in, and it's super roomy! People sit behind my 6'3 boyfriend and they still have tons of space in the back. Everyone has commented that it rides really smooth as well. People ask, "This is a Volkswagon? WOW! This is super nice!" This car has exceeded my expectations, and I find myself volunteering to drive everywhere because it's so much fun. Edit: As much as I loved this car I sold it back during the TDI scandal. Couldn’t pass up getting almost all of my money back on my paid off car and essentially getting it for free for three years.

Great Choice

I've had this car for just over one year, but have already put 41k miles on it. Had a very small problem early (round 3k miles), where the passenger seatbelt light came on. Dealer fixed it and I've had no problems since. I'm averaging 41mpg (up and down hills/mountains) commuting to work, and I've gotten as high as 55mpg on "normal" trips. MPG under city conditions not as good (avg maybe 32-36), but still not bad. The more you stay on the highway, the better your mpg. Good leg and shoulder room for tall people (I'm 6'3). Seats could be a little more comfortable, but maybe it's because I sit there for longer periods.

Worst Car ever purchased

This car has been nothing but a headache. We purchased it after the emission modification. The car has been nothing but a money pit. Cost over $800.just to change the thermostat. Replaced the DEF and now the engine blew. This is a TDI, and if you want to avoid doling out tons of money, steer clear!

Family Car

car

it’s a good car