USED Volkswagen Sharan MPV (95 - 11)

My car

Had VWs over the years all very reliable so the obvious MPV was the Sharan. Thought auto would be low maintenance and easy

Good looking, good position, comfy, slow but with car handling and loads of kit/clever ideas in the cabin

Bought my 99 Sharan in 03 with 32k on the clock and now Aug 08 its passed 92k

Everyday use and lugging the family around at home and abroad, practicality is perfect

Sadley, the build quality and reliabilty have been shocking, by far the most unreliable car I have ever owned

Aircon failure x 2 Wheel speed sensors x 2 Rear bulbs x 8 Anti roll bar links x 2 Glove box light stayed on Speaker Covers x 4 Gearbox selector inhibitor x 2 stranded both times Door light switches x 2 Rear brake calliper locked Coil pack failed unloading off ferry, not funny Oil dip stick fitting perished and snapped off Auto ECU failed £1900 Scissor jack snapped Aug 08 whilst changing tyre, very dangerous, VW there is a letter in the post

Tyres seemed to last well which is good for a 1 ton vehicle

Petrol consumption heartbreaking and never reaches the 25 mpg ave promised

Orignal exhaust from new. VW can you get the bloke who makes exhausts to build the rest of your car.

I should have sold the car years ago, but you just can't help love the damn thing as when it runs well its brilliant

I,ll probably buy another one (I must be insane) but as I have practically paid for a rebuild I am running it to the ground to get my monies worth!

My car

Our first MPV is a 2 yr old Sharan SE TDi130 with 13,000 mls, but was like brand new. It took time to find the right one. The Sport model rides too firmly, and its seats have hard sides and rougher fabric. We really like built-in child's seats and soft upholstery, so went for an SE. Extras we wanted include parking sensors and electric rear open-out windows (saves using the air con). Going to 2004 model gained us 10 air bags and a diagonal rear center seat belt. It drives well for commuting, except up motorway hills (I take the heavy rear seats out) and it averages 47 mpg. Now 2 yr later at 29,000, servicing+MOT+tyres averaged £300/yr. Both F&R wipers areas were fixed under warranty, the rear wash leaked into the inside, and the front mechanism was replaced without us realising it needed to be. Holiday luggage space is limited for a family of 6, but we think this is the best MPV for us. Wish it had a glass sunroof, a better radio and rear reading lights.

My car

A great family car. 100k miles, without a problem. With 4 children we need the flexibility of 7 seats, and we just take a seat out when we go on holiday to give more than enough luggage space. Uses no oil between services, diesel - 45mpg round town and at a steady 60mph will return 55mpg. Front tyres last 25k miles, rear 50k. Would recommend to anyone.

My car

People sure do some `moaning`, second sharan (taxi). First one done 110,000 miles with not one single problem. Was good till it got written-off. New one on 25,000 miles and still original tyres etc. Build quality is good , handling is excellent, very responsive vehicle, it does just what you want it to do. Dont complain about new cam belts at 40,000, thats the way it is, if you service the car it gives no problems....Oil the spare wheel hanger, then it wont rust..50k from track rod ends.....try to stop hitting kerbs that usually solves that problem. And removing the seats takes approx 35seconds each...its not rocket science.