Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011) Review

Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011) At A Glance

2/5

+Spacious and comfortable. Wide range of engines. Big, boot with lockable seatbacks. Generally better from May 2008 onwards.

-Marred by too many problems for a car people assume will be high quality. 2005-2007 Passat 2.0 TDI best avoided due to oil pump drive failures. Failed electric parking brakes almost inevitable.

Insurance Groups are between 15–36
On average it achieves 95% of the official MPG figure

Volkswagen engineers could not make up their minds what to do with the engine of the Passat. At first it was longitudinal, slung ahead of the front wheels like an Audi's.

Then, in 1988, they laid it horizontal across the car, like the Golf's. Then, in 1996, they went back to Audi-style longitudinal. Then in 1995 we got a new Passat, once again with a transverse engine.

Real MPG average for a Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

95%

Real MPG

20–67 mpg

MPGs submitted

663

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Can you recommend a reliable family car for £1000?

"I'm currently looking for a second car that can double up as daily transport for short local journeys and taking the family and dog on local outings. We're a family of four I'm looking in the price range of £1000. Reliability, mpg and space are the main issues. The age is not an issue as many older cars have been well treated. I'll be looking at cars in the 10 - 15 years category. I can do some maintenance myself (oil, filters brakes etc). I have considered Toyota Avensis, Volvo V50 and Ford Mondeo. Are these cars good for my purpose and should I consider other unsung heroes? Thanks in Advance for any gems of wisdom."
Lots of good choices there. Personally, we love a Mondeo - they're great to drive and well equipped, plus there's always a Ford dealer closeby - but a Volkswagen Passat is also a good shout. The generation of cars you're looking at means that the opportunities for home servicing and maintenance are limited but you should be able to get the basics done. Whatever car you choose make sure you set aside some money for regular upkeep.
Answered by Keith Moody

Why does the passenger side footwell of my car keep getting damp?

"I have damp on the floor of the passenger side of my ten year old Volkwagen Passat. Where is this likely to be coming from?"
Probably a blocked drainage vent well in the bulkhead. The owner's manual should instruct you how to clear this. The vehicle's pollen filter will also probably need changing.
Answered by Dan Powell

Where do I locate glow plug relay on my Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI?

"Where do I locate glow plug relay on my Volkswagen Passat B6 2.0 TDI?"
It is under the e-box, under the bonnet. The black box with relays and fuses in. It slides out to the side from underneath.
Answered by Alan Ross

Should I scrap my 2005 diesel Volkswagen Passat for a deal on a new car?

"Ford has just announced a scrappage deal and other manufacturers offer them too. I'm thinking of scrapping my 2005 Volkswagen Passat diesel. What are the best deals currently available and do any include hybrid vehicles? "
Manufacturer 'scrappage deals' are actually nothing more than standard discounts and you can probably get a better discount anyway by buying via a good broker such as http://www.drivethedeal.com/ The only way a scrappage deal offers a genuine benefit over and above a discount is if it is supported with funding from the government. In other words, if the governemt gives you some of your taxes back if you scrap your old car and buy a new one.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011) cost?