VW OWNERS! VW reliability?

Question

Okay, I work in a shop so I see a lot of stuff. I've always hated VW's but after really driving the Passat, I am considering one to purchase as an everyday use vehicle.

Question for you owners, as a mechanic, I take extreme care of all my cars. My current car has double mileage than others I see and their cars are usually breaking down, parts needing replacing, etc etc.

Seeing most VW's not maintained, I made an assumption that all VW's are unreliable and have many problems.

Can you prove me wrong so I can be more comfortable with this idea? Why should I get a Passat? Why not?

I'm planning on buying the 1.8t model by the way. Manual transmission. ANSWER AWAY!!

Answer 1

I have had 3 Golfs with manual transmission and gasoline engines that I purchased new:

1987 was one of the last built in Pennsylvania; I drove it for 8 years and 175,000 miles with the original clutch. My husband was a Mercedes mechanic at the same dealer as the VW, so it was well-maintained. He inherited the car when I upgraded and sold it at some point after we divorced, so I never knew what happened to it.

1995 was built in Mexico, which concerned me at the time. I drove it for 6 years and 180,000 miles. After my divorce I wasn't so consistent with the maintenance, but it held up. I gave it to my boyfriend when I got the next one, and he did the maintenance even though he's not a mechanic; including oil changes, plugs and wires, brake pads and rotors, and he even put a sport suspension on it. We just bought the maintenance manual and he got advice from a neighbor who's a mechanic, but obviously, the basic stuff isn't too complex. He drove that car until it died somewhere after 250,000 miles. We had the clutch replaced around 195k, too.

My 2000 is now 5.5 years old and has 156,000 miles. My boyfriend maintained it while we were together, and I've been consistent with oil changes since we broke up. Now it could use a suspension, the exhaust has a rattle in it, I could probably use a tune-up, too. But I'm saving for a new car, so I don't want to sink too much more into this one.

I worked at a couple VW dealers in the late 80s, and like you, I saw both ends of the spectrum, but VWs generally have always had the reputation of being easy to maintain and reliable as long as the maintenance is consistent- especially the diesels and stick-shifts. On top of that, they are solid cars that are a lot of fun to drive! I'm jealous of the guy with the Phaeton!! I live in NJ, too and I've only ever seen one on the road and it had dealer plates. The new Rabbits are cute, and the Eos looks really sweet - a hard-top convertable with a sunroof! How awesome is that!

Answer 2

I have an 03 Passat 1.8t and I love it. It's a great car. The only thing that scares me, is that if something does go wrong, it's way expensive. If you're a mechanic, that shouldn't be too big of a worry for you though. My first car was a Jetta and now I have my Passat, so it's safe to say that I reccomend VW's.

Answer 3

NEW CARS SUCK!!!!
ok first of all being a mechanic you know how stupid most people are when it comes to cars. so seeing alot of VWs isn't the problem it the drivers. I happen to be a mechanic as well an am currently rebuilf the engine for my sisters VW bus 67 model really nice and I am rebuilding a 64 modle beetle for myself. VW is one of the top three best cars in my book the other two being, volvo and honda. and you know as much as i do that as long as you take care of the car, the car take care of you. great gas mileage, and everything. The new model i don't like, they changed the style of the wind-sheild, now instead of flat glass opion thats all you get , i like the bubble window, the dash is bigger, air bags (I hate the thing, i am too short for them to help) they changed the model style to better appeal to women so it added blind spots. and then there is that darn vase they put in there. I mean its a car, not your kitchen table...oh, sorry got off subject anyways anything plastic I don't like to drive. If you find a nice old one around they are the best after you tune them. I don't know about you but when ever i buy a new-used car I like to do an overhall on the whole thing and go over it myself. its the only way i know its done right

Answer 4

I bought my first car in 1988 - a VW Fox
(small station wagon 3 doors) that was
the last year they were produced.
Manual transmission. I drove that car
for 12 years - just regular maintenance -
and sold for $500. LOVED IT.
My next car was a 1993 VW Golf.
Bought it used in 2000. Still driving it.
It is 13 years old and had no major problems.
It needs new wheel bearings now. Can't complain
about expenses, really. (I can't afford expensive repairs)
My next car will be another VW - hopefully
a Beetle -red. (used)

Answer 5

I've worked at a VW dealership for 6 years and have seen it all. Passats are the most reliable of the bunch. What year are you buying? Only problems they really had was rear window guide pin breaks, Door latches tend to fail keeping the dome lamp on, Mass airflow sensors are a piece-o-crap, Engine undercovers tend to fall of due to ground clearance, Car sterios tend to lose reception due to the fact Delco makes them, Seat belt buckles fail due to the harness getting caught in the seat track causing the airbag lamp to come on, Window regulators sometimes fail due to metal plastic combo, Tail lamp and headlamp bulbs tend to blow out for no reason due to bad electrical system but this is true in all european makes, and last ABS control modules are a common problem in 01 thru 98 for some reason and are pretty pricey... I hope I didnt break your hopes these are just some of the problems that I have encountered it doesnt mean they all suck. the 06's are a sweet ride and sport a powerful 2.0 Turbo that smokes that 1.8 piece of crap they used to make. Happy car buying

Answer 6

I have a New Beetle 1.8T. I love it, but the only thing that I've ever had go wrong was electrical stuff. Thank goodness for warrenties or I would be broke. My friend has a golf and has the same problem.

Answer 7

I love my Passat! It is a 1.8t model.. I get my oil changes on time every 5000 miles, and use full-synthetic oil.. I also use premium gas.. I haven't had one promblem.. I love my little VW! I will say this, maintenance is a little expensive..

Answer 8

Check out JD Power survey today (6-7-06)VW finished like next to last. Get a Maxima or a G35.

Answer 9

I have a New Beetle and I love it. I agree, though that VW's are not for everyone. They have quirks sometimes, but are really tough and have lots of character. You'll either love it or hate it.

Answer 10

i own a 2004 vw phaeton incredible car great reliability to me the german assembled cars are generally better than those assembled in mexico