USED Volkswagen Passat Estate (05 - 11)

My car

I have the 2.0 SE TDi 140 DSG which, after 700 miles, is really starting to perk up as the engine loosens up. I tried desparately to get the 170bhp version, but VW seem to put the UK bottom of the list for supply as usual for new popular products.

The car has been fantastic, as I ordered the DSG solely on its impeccable write-ups and was not disappointed. The car is like sitting in a sumptuous armchair with only the need to press one pedal in order to move with haste. It is a delightful car and I don't think the autohold option is a gimmick, especially if you live in congested areas with stop-start traffic (other reviews have not been impressed).

I don't like spending much money on cars but if one can find a decent discount on this one then it's the best of the bunch. Best of luck!

My car

For me a luxury car starts with the quality of the seating, and in this area the car fails miserably. I have had back pain since getting the car in December and Volkswagen say that as the seat is not faulty there is nothing they can do.

I am a larger than average person (6ft 4in tall and 22 stone) and the seat is totally inadequate, unlike the Saab I had previously. Even my wife who is average size found the seats uncomfortable on a long run. 0/10 for the seats.

The performance of the car is actually quite good. I have a 2.0-litre diesel automatic and it is excellent. It's fast when I need it and economical on long runs. My combined town and motorway figure is 45mpg and I can get over 55mpg on long runs.

The electronic brake takes some getting used to and the parking aid is a bit tempremental, otherwise it's quite good, although not as stable as my Saab was. I felt much safer before. One last issue. I have an estate, which suggests I might want to put things in the back. The first time I did it, I damaged the bumper because, although there is a raised lip to run things on, if there is any overhang there is instant damage. Volkswagen must be aware of this issue because they supply a plastic bumper guard which I only found out about later. If it needs it, why not fit it as standard?

In conclusion, it's a good car let down by poor seats and attention to detail. It's not a luxury car as claimed.

My car

I have had the car since mid December and overall I am very pleased with it, although there are some very annoying rattles from around the glove box, which is worse from cold and then seems to quieten down once the car warmed up, and a constant buzz from above the front passenger window. I haven't been able to track the root causes yet.

I had the previous Passat Sport for five years with no problems. The ride, handling and comfort is better on the new car, but the quality of the interior materials is lower.

The car had a failure of the airbag control unit on the second day, which took several weeks and several visits to the dealer (changing a sensor had no effect) until the factory admitted there was a problem.

An annoying design problem occurs in wet weather - when you lift the back door, it allows dirty water to run into the car, which comes from the chrome trim on the lower edge of the door.

I wanted a DSG gearbox, having had an automatic for many years, but I had to have a manual owing to supply difficulties. However, apart from poor engine start off-power the manual is very slick.

Overall fuel consumption is 40.8mpg over 3600 miles.

Like others, I would not choose the electric handbrake, which slows down hill starts and slows manoeuvring on slopes.

My car

I took delivery of this car at the start of the year, and overall I am a little disappointed.

Once up and running in high gears, the car is fine, but starting off at low speeds, the general clutch/accelerator synchronisation is awful. I have stalled this car more times than all my previous cars put together.

I thought at first it was the new electronic parking brake, which takes some getting used to (especially on hills) but I am now convinced it is just poorly engineered.

I have reviewed this with the garage but they say nothing is wrong with it. I had a new 2.2-litre diesel Honda Accord as a company car last year and my wife currently owns a new Honda CR-V with the same engine, and what a difference. They are a delight to drive!

The positives with the new Passat are its looks, it is comfortable, has a good general layout inside with plenty of room and an excellent stereo. It also hugs the road well and feels stable, but you have to take the hit on fuel consumption when compared with the Accord.