2.0lt / diesel / 140bhp / estate

Over-rated, over-priced and extortionately expensive to service.

Really, this Passat is simply a stretched small car. I was warned that I wasn't getting much for my money but I didn't realise just how little. It is so basic in its interior that it is unbelievable. Plenty of available places for 'extras' (6x blanks around gear stick, ready to be removed and have buttons put in to activate accessories which are 'standard' on most other cars of the same price range). Radio / CD is basic, too, with no steering wheel controls (MFD) and no available input for an mp3 player unless you buy these as expensive additional options.
Fuel economy is very poor, handling and ride is dull, parts extremely expensive, interior fabrics absorb ever miniscule particle in the air and stain...and don't clean easily, indicator lights hidden by upper arc of steering wheel AND, most disturbingly, VAG know there is a problem with the rear suspension / tracking yet won't help customers solve inherent wear & distortion to the inner edge of the rear tyres which plague this model. Replacing wishbone and shockers only temporarily corrects fault and tyres unlikely to last more than 15k.
'A' VAG dealership is reluctant to give any over-the-counter maintenance advice other than to say, 'we'll need to have it into the workshop before we can tell you what the matter is'; after which customers receive a list of so called recommended matters for attention. My example is I had a faulty set of vanes in one of the air outlets. I corrected the fault through the front of the vent with a pair of long-nosed plyers and re-inserted the vanes into their holding slot - dealership quoted over £250 for what they claimed would be at least 1x hour's work, removal and replacement of dashboard and supply and fit new vents (all vents had to be replaced as they came as a kit!)

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