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Volkswagen Passat B5 MK5 (1998-2005)
MarkoAU
Very reliable and light on fuel
VW Passat 1999 1.9 TDi FWD / When i first bought this car i was surprised that it didn't feel like a station wagon at all. Mine was only a Highline i think, interior had premium feeling for car of its age, no squeaking plastic panels. The 110hp 1.9L engine is so light on diesel, average 5.5L/100Km, highway was below 5L/100Km, but noticed choice of tires made a difference.The diesel engine is quite noisy, especially during cold starts, reminding me of a Fordson Major tractor from the early 60's. With the low consumption there was still lots of t...Read more
orque, gets you up the hills without downshifts. Gearbox was a 5 speed manual that even with the car having close to 300.000 still felt nice and tight during shifts compared to other makes where you hope for the best that the right gear popped in! Everyone has enough legroom if you are normal build and boot space is big for its category, and mine had cargo net making it possible to load the boot all the way to the top. Problems i came across during the years i owned it: I refilled too much oil by mistake but did not think this would be a problem, even though it was just a couple of mm above the maximum line. The higher oil pressure caused a gasket on the engine pop out of its place, causing an oil leak, squirting oil at the CV joints. The following problem was that the rubber cover on these joints gathered dust and sand and broke quickly. Replaced a few CV joints before i realized the cause of them wearing out. The gasket on the engine was in such a bad spot, that the procedure involved a change of the timing belt (that already had to be replaced every 80.000km and costly). Changing timing belts this often is not a expense i want. Also if you live in colder climates you will most likely encounter problems with freezing doors. Doors are frozen that badly that you cant open them and when you somehow get them opened they refuse to close until the car has warmed up. Service your old Passat and I am sure it will treat you well. Although for a bit more money i would recommend the 2001-2005 model that is basically the same as the 1996-2000, but with upgraded interior, exterior, stronger engine and 6 speed gearbox plus other improvements. Consumption: 9/10 Comfort: 8/10 Servicing: 4/10 Size: 9/10 Noise: 6/10Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
KelvinGreater Melbourne (Inner), VIC
- 4 reviews
- 2 likes
Spacious and frugal
My first VW that didn't disappoint me. With a solid build and comfort driving, it is also an extremely frugal car to drive with an average of 800km per tank. It comfortably sits 5 grown adults and the boot space is just so spacious- probably one of the most spacious amongst the German made cars.
The only downside that I have is during take off where by you will need to step on the pedal tamely otherwise it will be having multi jolts before smoothen out.
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Amythegreat
- 3 reviews
2001 Passat- A nice older car to drive, but even with lower k's can have major mechanical problems
I brought a 2001 Volkswagon second hand as a run around car. It only had 88,000 ks on the odometer so I made the mistake of assuming less mechanical problems than a car with higher k's. I was wrong, perhaps it just had not been looked after, but 3 oil leaks, needed new brakes, back door lock got jammed, and the temperature sensor was broken and the car often did not show its temperature which also meant that it revved oddly at times. Maybe its not made for hot Queensland either, ungaraged within a few months the roof lining was sagging and inte...Read more
rior door fabric sagging and essentially the glue melting. Upside, it was comfortable, pretty and smooth to drive. But overall and older car and even with lower k's, can't get away from expensive problems. I would not buy this year model again.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Volkswagen Passat B5 MK5 compares to other Sedans
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Kasper KulakMELBOURNE
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Love it
Bought a 1999 5sp auto, cream leather seats. 2.8v6. Bought it june 2012 with 84 k on the clock. Full volkswsgen service history and having just passed a comprehensive road worthy. This car is really comfortable and the auto is so seamless that passengers can't detect gear changes, car has lots of power. This is cheaper and more reliable to own than an audi. It has more leg room for passengers in the rear compared to an a4. Also this car handles extremely well wet and dry. It's an integrated unit.
Service oil, filter and safety check i...Read more
s 200. Expect to pay between 500 and 1000 in repairs be it cv joints, boots, auto trans fluid is expensive. These cars are reliable and do last but little things wear out more quickly. If buying then make sure that: full service history is complete and that owner has treated as though it were his pride and joy. Find yourself a knowledgeable independent mechanic for volkswagen. This is safer than audi or bmw to own but still has its quirks. Much outweighed by the pleasure of driving. comfort, power, smooth, handling repairsSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
active_traderAU
- 2 reviews
OK
A very nice overall interior and exterior of vehicle. However the servicing costs are very high and should only buy if can afford such costs. You would also run the risk of transmission problems, especially 2nd hard Passats of this vintage.
Super comfortable, smooth, a reasonable looker, quite running
Transmission in this model range can wear out faster than many cars in the market (AUD$8K replacement); expensive servicing costs
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portbruce
- 3 reviews
Excellent
I have owned this car (V6 4 motion SE) since it was VW demonstrator vehicle. It has performed brilliantly since, now having covered 77,000 Km. It has been serviced by VW dealer and they have done an good job. It has been over some of the roughest gravel roads in the east of Australia and covered more freeway miles than city miles. Handles gravel beautifully.
Extremely comfortable and reliable vehicle. Uses 8.5l/100km on the highway. Handles well in wet and dry, have driven through torrential rain on Freeway. Steers positively. Seats comfortable and adjustable.
Does have a lag in Auto shifting if you have been leisurely driving then need an urgent response in traffic. Bit thirsty in traffic and city driving.
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