Second Hand SenseTHE VOLKSWAGEN Passat is a workhorse in the medium and lower executive sector and, as such, most of those you see on the road are diesel.
For those who don't need to spend the extra premium on a diesel model, however, there is a good alternative in the 1.6-litre petrol FSI (fuel stratified injection) version. This race technology has been so successful that the newer 1.4-litre engines are almost as good as the 1.6-litre unit. With cars a few years old though, the 1.6-litre is still the best choice.
Overall, the Passat produced since 2005 has been an appealing car, if slightly lacking in the design stakes. It competes intensely with cars like the Ford Mondeo and the Toyota Avensis but has not been as reliable as either. The older model Passat was beset by many problems and the newer one seems to have suffered too.
The Passat is a big car that will carry five adults in some comfort and has a huge boot. Its ride is good and its handling a little above average. Everything is practically laid out and instrumentation is clear and functional. It has a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test programme and also scored four stars for child safety. All cars have an electronic stability programme. You also get curtain airbags front and back to complement the standard airbags.
When you look at problems reported with Passat models most of them seem to have to do with the diesel version, but some are common to both. There have been problems with steering racks, power steering, condensation from air conditioning units and other electrics.
All in all, the best advice is to look for a car that has a full service history and to check whether it has been recalled at all. Getting the car checked mechanically would also be a good idea. VW cars do carry a premium on their second-hand values but just make sure you are getting the value you might expect.
The Passat comes with different trim levels but basic equipment is good. A 2005 model with the 1.6-litre petrol FSI engine, sports trim and 92,000km on the clock is on offer for €21,000. A more standard 2006 1.6-litre petrol with 51,000km is on sale for €25,950.