2009 Volkswagen Passat Sedan User Reviews

Pros

nice interior layout and dash; good looking exterior; large trunk; very good in snow with snow tires

Cons

electrical nightmare; problems with engine, fueses; gets expensive; so -so on fuel

Purchased As New

This is my first VW as I have owned Hondas and Toyotas all my life thus far. I leased a 2006 Honda Accord but honestly was looking for something a bit more exciting. A friend from the university told me about his new Jetta which was two weeks old and how much he loved it. So I test drove a Passat because it is bigger than the Accord and liked it very much. The dealer had hundreds in stock because no one is buying cars at this time during the bad economy so I knocked off $6200 off MSRP plus he threw in many options for free so I took it.

Overall it drives very nice. I like the interior better than the Camry and certainly looks better than both. The trunk is very large for this size car and about the same size as the Accord. I find that the winer traction is very good. I ordered winter tires/rim package and they came within 3 days from Tirerack. Cost me $470 with shipping. Excellent value because it really makes a difference in the snow.

However that is where my problems began. Not one month later while driving home from work the door ajar warning came on but the doors were not opened. I drove straight to the dealer and they found a broken door switch. Since there was a line of other cars waiting to be repaired, I had to wait 2 hours.
Along the now nearly 5 months, a relay fuse blew the radio. So I had no radio for a few days until I had to time to take it back. The power seat controls went haywire. One of the remote keys, does not operate but I have a spare. The rear drivers side tail light is burned out. And finally, the car is at the dealer right now having the turbos replaced. I heard a strange whistling noise that was very loud when you accelerate. The dealer siad the turbos may need replacement and that this problem is common.

I don't know how a car that is not 5 months old need so many repairs nor would it have passed inspection! Perhaps I got a lemon but it seems that many other people are having similar problems with their VWs. Caution is needed.