Volkswagon Passat

[Instrument 41]

Thinking about getting one of these in a 15 or 16 Model. I know nothing about them but simply like the way they look. Need something that I can pile the miles on for work and save my other vehicle. So why are these cars so cheap?? Are they that unreliable or made cheap? I'm seeing a 2016 loaded to the gills, 4 cyl gas motor, with 40K miles for about $15. Buyer beware??

[Holger]

The VW Passat is a solid car. Very nice! You see them at every corner in Europe.

[Geronimo '74]

As I understand it, there is a difference in build quality between Euro VW's and the ones produced in the Americas.

Euro VW's have a rock solid reputation.

[Macroni]

Liked mine..... roomy quality ride. . Had an TDI SEL.

[pete3799]

We bought a used (20K+ mile) 2013 Passat 2.5 coming up on 3 years ago. Currently at 68K and so far just routine maint. Oil, tires, brakes, and one back-up light bulb.
Over all a well built car in my opinion.

[Holger]

Originally Posted by Geronimo '74

As I understand it, there is a difference in build quality between Euro VW's and the ones produced in the Americas.

Euro VW's have a rock solid reputation.

Definitely!
The US version is cheaper built.

[slow&rusty]

The Passats available stateside are they built in Mexico?

[Robert Adams]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the Passat wagon has been made in the US market since 08. Jetta was the only wagon in the US market through '14 & then was changed to a Golf wagon in 15.

My own experience has been my 2010 SE 2.5 Sportwagen was one of the most reliable cars I ever owned. Bought it 2 years old certified for well under most printed values. For some reason the dealer low-balled it. Had 38k miles, clean history, the pano sunroof, all the other options and 2 year warranty. Have 160k on it and still looks & drives like new. Maintenance got a little expensive this year so retired it as a DD. Bought a 2016 Golf SEL Wagon with 32k' Silk Blue & 2 tone interior. Awesome car. MPG is better than the 2010, but it's also a completely different car with a 1.8 turbo; very peppy and good handling. Since you want a DD recommend the base model without all the electronic gizmos. I've seen some really good deals on base models with manual trans (some with the pano-sunroof) and many say they get around 40mpg. There seem to be quite a few '15-'16 available with those options. My experience so far has been good, but I could use a few less assist options, but they come with the sunroof and the 2 tone interior. For whatever it's worth CR gives the Golf Sportswagen a recommended rating. The only VW in the lineup recommended for some reason.
Good luck!

[Holger]

In Chattanooga (Passat and Atlas)

[Instrument 41]

If I do get one I want all the bells and whistles. I spend too much time on the road not to have those creature comforts. I still don't understand the low resale value. It pricing is comparable to a mid size Dodge product, and I know why they are cheap.

[VincentVega]

Some find them very $$ to maintain. From experience you either get a good one or you move on quickly. I've seen more than a few electrical gremlins from ~2000-2013 or so. Not very familiar with the new stuff.

[chapo]

Bought a fully loaded TDI Passat from the VW dealer after the buy back with 20k miles for 16k. Amazing car and dead solid reliable so far. I commute 80 miles per day and have been averaging 36mpg. Thinking about buying a TDI wagon now as well

[strath44]

I’ve ran a b7 2012 in the Uk for nearly 6 years from new, it’s the only car I ever had that has never broken down, on 10k mile servicing! Now at 180000 miles as of today!

[Otter74]

FYI the current US-market Passat is a different vehicle from the Euro-market Passat.

[MT930]

Loved My 4 Motion 3.6 Passat until VW spent $15,000 in Warranty Work It was broken much of the time. I traded it about 100 Miles before it expired. Liked it early on, but met a few people at the dealership with the same experience. Fragile and expensive. No German cars without a warranty for me but I do love them. There like women who make you write bad checks.

[sugarwood]

Why are they cheap?
Because almost no one wants to own a Euro car out of warranty.
Bad reputations last 3 generations, and Euro cars are known are money pit nightmares.
This makes it a great contrarian buy.

[Arizona_928]

Passats are made in Mexico.
When they first started making them, the plant couldn't pass QC.
Prolly has changed.

The early pre 13 tsi engines have oil burning issues.

[Holger]

As far as I know the US Passat is made in Chattanooga.

[jcommin]

I have an 03 Passat I bought used with 55K. I currently have 105K on the clock. My biggest expense came around 105k when I had timing belts, valve cover gaskets, sensors, evap system replaced, not to mention plugs, wires, filters, brakes, tires and struts. Its a good riding car and well built IMO - not a squeak or rattle. Interior has help up well. My A/C just crapped out and I still have the original clutch (which probably needs replacing soon).

I keep postponing buying something else because life gets in the way. I would consider buying another VW. I will agree German cars (I have had a few) are expensive to maintain after their warranty expires.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

6 speed manual

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ctd/d/2008-volkswagen-passat-wagon/6599028457.html