2006 to 2011 Volkswagen Passat |
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
The Draw: Luxury, selection, and a premium, Euro-tuned ride and handling balance were key pillars of the Volkswagen Passat driving experience. Looks, refinement, quality, and power were all highly rated by owners, as was a lengthy list of bells and whistles. Look for Xenon lighting, navigation, heated leather, all-wheel drive, and push-button start, depending on the model selected. Four-cylinder turbo power was available with front-drive and manual or automatic (DSG) transmissions. A big V6 could be fitted, and came only with all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission. Wagon, sedan, and four-door coupe variations were available.
What to Check: All on-board electronics should be scrutinized. Run anything motorized or electronic in the used Passat you’re considering several times to ensure proper operation. Pop the hood on 4-cylinder models and have a peek around for signs of fluid leaks, especially oil. Note that white, oily smoke at engine startup or during acceleration could be a sign of a worn-out turbocharger. Misfiring or hesitation is likely caused by a relatively easy-to-fix coil-pack issue common on many VW and Audi products from this era. Passat models with the V6 engine are great candidates for extended powertrain warranty coverage (if available) thanks to a well-documented oil-pump bolt defect that could result in engine failure on earlier models. A 4-cylinder, manual-equipped model will be your most confident bet.
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| 2006 Volkswagen Passat engine (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
