Volkswagen Passat W8 (2001 - 2003)

Last updated 10 January 2018

Buying Guide

Good

Volkswagen generally had below average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 76.83 v/s lowest 31.93).

Bad

Combined consumption varies from 21.7mpg for the Tiptronic saloon to 21.2 for the manual estate.

Unusually, Tiptronics slightly more economical than manuals.

CO2 emissions from 312g/km to 317g/km (again, the manuals come out worst) so very bad for BIK.

Manuals reported to be awful to drive with a slow, imprecise gearchange and an ECU/engine/gearbox mismatch that makes them difficult to drive smoothly.

Tiptronic autos need to be manually shifted to go, otherwise systems to protect the transmission from the torque means they bog down horribly and can't be relied upon to accelerate when you want them to.

Also apt to change gears when you don't want them to half way round a corner.

Watch

Very few sold in UK.

For non drivetrain problems see Passat.

12-10-2012: Volkswagen dealers charge £1,000 for "specialist tools" to replace the cam adjustors and lambda sensors.