It's a nice car. There's just a few problems so far

1. There's no electric seats or electric fold mirrors unless its the Passat Sport, which is 25k more expensive compared to the CKD version
2. There is some rattling sound from odd places on certain roads, it comes and goes but is less frequent if your car has been tinted
3. DVD-navi, reverse camera and dynaudio speakers are not an option unless you retrofit it at certain sources or decide to get rid of the default audio. Small issue unless you're a audiophile.

4. DSG mechatronic reliability - it's a hit and miss here really. Most of the major complaints come from the reliability of the gearbox. There is a suddenly loss of power with juddering then the error code comes up and you can't drive it anymore. Particularly affected models are: The Polo TSi, Golf TSi, Jetta TSi, Scirocco Tsi. There has been some cases reported about the Passat and Passat CC units as well but atm, it's more rare to hear of it. This particular issue is still dogging VW but supposedly there are fewer reported cases since the software update earlier this year. The gearbox is entirely replaced by VW when failure occurs under their warranty scheme but it's a huge inconvenience.

I've done past my first 5k and did my first 1L engine oil topup (DIY) using Amsoil. The drive has unexpectedly become extremely smooth after the 1st 5k and I'm happy so far. Service interval is set at 15k but it is suggested that you check engine oil levels every 5k. Fuel efficiency is listed in my sig (it won't appear if you are viewing this post in your mobile phone), I drive 65 to 70% city and 25 to 30% highway.

I have to reluctantly agree. The KIA Optima K5 is indeed a car that offers much better value for money for the amount of features given. However, both cars are distinct enough in their own ways and the only way to know which car you prefer more is to go for an actual test drive yourself.

Forum input is a good place to learn about these cars and what to expect from them but the ultimate test still comes in the test drive with you and your family. Don't be afraid to do it at least 3 or 4 times to get a good feel of both cars.

Overly excessive but of course all within your consumer rights I think by the 4th time, a serious buyer would already have a good feel and idea of what they want in a car and whether or not the test car meets their expectations.

Unfortunately, no, there's no information on how reliable VW engine is after many years of use. Especially since cars aren't built like they were used to back in the day.

What little information I can tell you is this:

1. Up until now, I have never come across VW engine failure in any of their Passat, Golf, Polo, Scirocco models, not for any of the cars in Singapore or Malaysia at least. The most notorious problem is with the DSG mechatronics but aside from the obvious inconvenience, you are well covered by the 5 year warranty program. Btw, the current Passat engine is the same engine found in the pre FL Audi A4, I believe the engine code is EA888 (2nd gen?), 1.8L 118kW model.

2. As far as petrol is concerned, I use RON95 and there are no issues. The car still runs well and especially after I topped up my engine oil past the 1st 5k, it is especially silky smooth to drive now. At this point, I wonder if its because the engine has broken in or is it because of the Amsoil engine oil I'm using. Either way, I'm satisfied.

3. Interior cabin noise is around 66 ~ 71dBA on the highway at speeds of 110km/hr? I actually did a reading between the Passat and the Mercedes C200 before, the C200 actually measures at approximately 62dBA ~ 66dBA running at the same speed. In layman's terms, it's definitely as quiet if not more quiet than the Camry. For the first time in years, I can actually enjoy the audio in my car thanks to the premium audio and quietness of the car. In my old car (current generation Corolla Altis), I used to just keep the radio off because I found both the audio and the road noise annoying.

4. The latest Camry will probably still carry on the same traditions of being a reliable and easy to maintain car. I have no doubts on that. If resale value, trouble free ownership and service network are your priority, just go with the Camry. It's a buy, drive and don't look back car. It's lack of features means you can always throw in aftermarket gadgets and stuff to spice things up.

5. The Passat comes with Continental Sports Contact 5 tires. I've been told it has some self sealing technology if you run over a nail. A 3rd party tire manufacturer told me that when I pumped in Nitrogen gas for my tires. According to him, it will seal itself up if the puncture is minor nail types but it will not protect against side scrapes type of puncture. It's hard to put into words but it's a nice little piece of information to know.

Hope that helps

This post has been edited by zweimmk: Oct 9 2012, 01:41 PM

I can live without the GPS or Bluetooth although it would nicer to have them rather than not.

1. 3rd party GPS system will always have faster map updates
2. I rather not use the BTHF System found in the car as I really dislike people listening into my conversation. Particularly if the conversation is sensitive in nature and you so happen to have a passenger.

A DVD video in motion system would be much better though, that and a reverse camera although the optical parking system is really quite good.

Indeed it is, but I listen to a fair share of Mandarin, Japanese and Korean music alongside with my regular English mix and the RNS510 cannot display Asian fonts, I'd really wish they would update the firmware of their RCD510/RNS510 so that it would also support Asian fonts. Aside from that, updated maps would be an issue to contend with as well.

It's a very minor issue, but it's still a minor annoyance.

At 125k, I won't mind buying the Camry 2.5L for the offered performance, safety, reliability and features. It's till 17k worth of savings minimal compared to the Passat.

For 17k less

You have 2 less airbags
No Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control System
No Cornering lights
No Rain sensing wipers

Overall, I would consider the Camry a good buy and arguably best bang for the buck at that price point and ONLY if it's at that price or less.

I wonder if he typed it up wrongly but nevertheless, at 125k - it's a no brainer. Nevermind if it has less safety, it's arguably still a good deal.

Don't entirely agree with certain parts of your review and personal style too overboard for my taste but still a decent write up nevertheless.

No issues but my battery went konk, they replaced a new battery for me within 2 days (old: Moll, new: Varta) because my car was also sent in for servicing as well - FA Wagen Glenmarie is really slow and I wouldn't go there again.

Another annoying issue is the rattling in the rear of the car. It's the plastic board behind the rear seats and the cables, get some guy to tape up the cables and add a piece of sound deadening mat to the rear plastic piece and rattling issue will be resolved.

It has happened once or twice, but this rarely occurs in my experience. And I've had my car over a year now.

I'm happy with my car so far. Even done some soundproofing to the car so that makes me even happier.

DSG jerkiness and drag will always be there, it's the characteristic of the gearbox but so far I'm okay with it. Surely an automatic transmission will feel smoother no doubt but the quick shifts of the DSG makes it all worth it.

The service center is kind of crap, but I figured since I just drop of the car. My dealings with them is minimal. And I usually book about a month in advance and triple confirmed 2 weeks before and a week before the actual service date.

It's an automated manual transmission.

I have no issues so far, aside from the typical jerkiness and drag in heavy traffic every now and then.

Just remember if you choose a conti, you gotta put up with conti prices. Servicing about rm550 to rm650 each time 15000km (I usually do mine every 12 to 13k). If you intend to so some aftermarket mods like soundproofing, it wil usually cost a little more too. Tire replacement cost about rm650 per piece and upwards. If you aren't particular about brand then prices start from rm480+ onwards.

Aside from all this, the service center at VW are typically not too great at customer service compared to Toyota or Honda. And you usually need to make your appointment about 3 weeks in advance minimum. Finally, if you can deal with all these issues, the car itself has the typical plastic creaks and rattles suffered by all continentals and of coz the infamous DSG problem although it doesn't hit passat units as commonly as it does to polo or golf owners.

These are the cost impact and problems the car has, if you can deal with it then by all means go ahead and get a passat. If you think it's too much hassle then stick to Japanese.

I chose this car because the Camry was really horrendous in its safety & equipment offering not to mentioned overpriced. The new accord wasn't available last year but I still wouldn't have bought that either coz Hondas have fit and finish are usually quite inconsistent. The Mazda 6 would be a fine choice but small boot and no full size spare tire would not fit my needs. At the end, the passat was just superior in offering a good mix of driving pleasure and daily practicalities.

This post has been edited by zweimmk: Nov 10 2013, 06:30 AM

The typ 3C Passat B7 is considered a 2011 model. If this car still goes by a 7 year cycle then, a facelift should come around 2015.

1. It could be a lower arm bush problem or absorber konk.
2. Engine oil - make sure to check every 3000km to 5000km in regards to your engine oil level.
3. Car roll is inevitable - How hard are you taking your corners? If you are driving normally, there's no way your passengers should be feeling nauseous or dizzy. I would advise you to consider buying H&R Anti-roll bars to improve your car's cornering abilities if you take corners at a very high speed.
4. There's a rear air cond vent, granted - it's not very powerful
5. Internal space is something you should already know before you buy the car. Why complain about that now?
6. Jerking clutch is wear and tear. Go SC and claim your new clutch ASAP.

Those numbers are only on paper. In reality, the only non luxury petrol D-segment sedan that will outrun and outpower the Passat is the Ford Mondeo/Fusion.

I rather just live without that and just give me the 6 speed DSG and 2L TSI engine instead. That would make me a lot happier.

Still worked fine when I had it. Don't see why it won't work properly knowing the mechatronics has been replaced.

2nd hand Passat is worth if you can purchase it at 60k or lower for any 2014/2015 models.

For Passat that is out of warranty -

Clutch - about 2k (wear and tear, but new version can tahan very long)
Mechatronic system - 6k? Can't remember (updated version is reliable but may also fail)
Fuel Control Module - 1k+? Don't remember (will fail once, don't know how reliable is the replacement)
Water pump - 1k+? Don't remember as well (may need replacement over time)
Speed sensor - Rm300 per unit, total 4 (Will fail over time, but mine lasted 5 years also no issue)
Lower arm bearing - RM300+, don't have to change the entire lower arm unit (wear and tear item)
Absorber mounting - RM400+ (wear and tear item)

Get ready a sum of money if the car has over 100,000km