2003 Volkswagen Passat

If you splurge on "new" and take care of it, FAB!

By agent lola (CO) on Saturday, May 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 74,999

Pros: "stylish, and still beautiful. Still looks new."

Cons: "can't think of one!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Rarely buy new cars ( we buy many used) but splurged on this one. Up and down the mountains in blizzards as well as summer heat, cross country down south in the extreme heat, and more cross country for trips. NEVER any problems. We always do regular maint. at re.p places. Can't beat German engineering. Smooth ride, quiet, solid feel. The abs has literally saved my life in winter conditions. Comfy interior, loads of cargo avail. and ooooh the heated seats in the winter! Extremely nice car if you are lucky to have one!"

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Good car if you like to do maintenance

By diva_3181377 (TX) on Saturday, May 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 107,000

Pros: "Good gas MPG, Good interior, Nice seats & Ride"

Cons: "Needs lots of maintenance."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"As all VW's it needs lots of TLC. Other than that, it is good"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great Car If taken care of and treated as required

By Ian Michael (KY) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

Pros: "Comfort, Luxury for a low price, Sporty drive."

Cons: "City Mileage burns the wallet"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"The Car is great to drive around in. I have the 4 cylinder 1.8L Turbo, FWD. The car has comfortable seats, and the gas and break pedal give you the ability to increase speed very quickly or gently slow down. This car is fun to drive! Purchased at for 8k at 87,000 miles. Get this car only if it has quality car-fax and has been given premium gas. The car requires high maintenance and don't expect to get away with anything less than synthetic oil! make sure waterpump and timing belt are done before 95,000 miles. City mileage is not the greatest ( I get around 18mpg, Highway around 23-25mpg)"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Stay away from the 1.8T Models

By 10 year owner (GA) on Friday, April 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 178,000

Pros: "Comfort, speed"

Cons: "Expansive oil changes and routine maintenance."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"The 1.8T was redesigned to fit in the B5 Passats which causes the oil not to flow correctly causing sluge. You MUST use the VW approved oil or you end up with a dead engine sitting on the side of the road. ALSO the timing belt MUST be change or it will fail without notice causing a total engine failure leaving you on the side of the road. Other than that, great mileage, fun to drive, and VW drivers always get speeding tickets. Its built for speed and comfort and you will notice that when you passing a State Trooper at 90 MPH!!!"

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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run, don't walk, far away from this car!

By Betty on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 76,000

Pros: "good pick-up, feels safe-when running"

Cons: "$$$$ it's always something"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I purchased this car used with 17,000 miles on it. I thought it was the car I always wanted. This car is a taker. I have done all the required maintenance plus more, ALOT more. With only 76,000 miles on this hunk of junk, I cannot believe anything except this car is a lemon. I had the oil sludge problem-typical for this model, constant faulty sensors-too numerous to mention, exhaust, axle, parking lights got stuck on....even the antennae fell off. I only drive 2 miles to work, I have not abused it. It has been far more abusive to my wallet. The huge repair bills have prevented me from getting a new car sooner. I refuse to drop one more cent into this car. Good-bye Passat forever."

5 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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