Buying a used Volkswagen Passat (2006-12)

Change is something that has come gradually to the Passat during a 40 year lifespan. Over time the choice of models and engines has been bewildering. But in 2008 the Passat suddenly got sexy.

Early Passats shared their platform with Audi's Fox and sold here in reasonable numbers. In 1979 local sales fizzled out and nothing happened until the late 1990s when small numbers of Passats again trickled into our market.

The B6 Series that appeared here in 2006 sat on a platform widely shared across the Volkswagen Group. A 2.7 metre wheelbase and crossways engine placement provided plentiful space for passengers and VW made certain that even low-end cars were well equipped.

Capacities ranged from 1.9 litres in turbo-diesel form to a petrol-fed 3.2 litre V6. During 2008 that was augmented by the scintillating 220kW R36.

Passats, as had been their custom since the 1970s, were available as a sedan or station wagon and in an array of trim levels.  Cheapest of the B6 Passats was the semi-automatic  1.9TDi sedan, followed, for $2000 more, by the TSI sedan with a six-speed Tiptronic and 147kW. Even the basic diesel was equipped with 17-inch alloys, power front seat adjustment, a six-CD stacker, rain-sensing wipers and airbags everywhere.

Wagon versions added $2000 to the cost of an equivalent sedan but from there came an almighty leap to $55,000. Up there, well-funded Volkswagen buyers could find the Four-Motion FSI V6 sedan and its station wagon companion.

Even more impressive than the 184kW FSI was the sporty and not stupidly expensive R36. These, as the designation implied, had a 3.6-litre engine with six-speed DSG transmission, 18-inch wheels, a brake upgrade, leather trim and Xenon lights plus all the other gear found in the 3.2-litre car.

Early 2009 brought a four door CC 'coupe' with 125kW and again more knick-knacks than the FSI. It would, once the R36 was withdrawn, take on the role of being the Passat range flagship, complete with the 220kW engine and all-wheel traction.

For 2010, Passat designations took a leap towards the 1960s as VW followed the example of other proud manufacturers and badged Passats according to the engine output.

Replacing the 1.9-litre cars we saw 103kW TDI sedan and wagon, followed by turbocharged, petrol-fed 118 and 147TSI designations and the diesel 125TDI. The only models that didn't follow the trend were the R36, which would hold its spot only until late 2010, and the CC.

2011 brought a styling upgrade and further value-adding throughout the Passat range. The cheapest local model was now a 118TSI sedan with the 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine and seven-speed DSG.

At $39,000 it was certainly no poverty pack but $5000 extra bought a 125kW turbo-diesel Highline sedan. Still not enough? Never fear because those who wanted their Passat to be truly unique could then spend $20,000 more by ticking boxes for goodies like driver assist, adaptive chassis control and the $850 child booster seat.

For family consumption the Passat of choice was a 125TSI Highline wagon with 1600 litres of load space, Nappa leather seats (heated up front), dual-zone air-conditioning with a chilled glovebox, iPod connectivity, rear camera and Park Assist. New in 2011, all of that cost $46,000 but values on the used market are down quite spectacularly and these cars represent great value.

VW's Passat offers an interesting alternative to mainstream 'family' cars and certainly stands out conspicuously among the Camrys and Commodores in the airport check-out line.

One major point of difference, and one that caused some grief for owners, dealers and the company was the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox). The system when working properly was excellent but electronic and component failures hurt an otherwise excellent reputation for reliability.

It would be tempting when evaluating a late-model Passat to find an R36 and some outer-urban roads where its legs could be stretched. If performance is your go, there are plenty of 3.6-litre cars in the used market and they aren't overly expensive.

However, they aren't typical of what the Passat wants to be, or why these cars appeal to so many buyers. For that we looked closely at the 125TDi.

Despite being a decade old, the Passat shape remains attractive and practical, with outstanding interior space and the biggest boot in its class. Most versions find space for a full-sized spare wheel, which we consider a major safety feature in isolated regions.

In typical VW style the seats are firm, with heating and power adjustment in some versions. Check that both systems are working before you buy. The sound system is confusing (aren't they all?) but once you find a radio station or somewhere to slot in your CD the sound is excellent. The in-dash screen is angled and large enough to see without taking your eyes dangerously away from the road.

Number crunchers will know that these 2.0-litre turbo-diesels produce fewer kilowatts than a big petrol V6 but get their work done lower down in the rev range for greater economy.

Ignore the fuel bill though because they can feel downright zippy.

Post-2010 cars have stop-start technology which reportedly saves money but, in peak hour when you've been halted by every red light, can be plain irritating.

Various tests came up with a range of fuel consumption results for TD Passats, indicating that the way they were driven could make a significant difference. Feather footing a 2.0-litre down the freeway can see fuel use to drop below 5.0L/100km but using the shifter in manual mode or loading your wagon with family and luggage for a trip into the mountains can take it above 10L/100km.

If safety contributes significantly to your purchasing decision the Passat score some big pluses. The ANCAP rating, as expected, is five stars and putting that into perspective is a truly immense list of safety features.

The 4Motion system provides inherent grip but even the standard traction/stability control is unobtrusively competent. Inside, you find air-bags everywhere in a cabin that has been crafted to keep damaging controls and surfaces as far away as possible from occupant contact.

>> DSG transmission has troubled a range of VW models, with problems in many instances occurring quite randomly. Symptoms include failure to engage gears immediately, 'shunting'  when accelerating from rest or down-shifting and stuttering when reversing. Cars built since 2011 have fewer reported faults and fixes are available for older ones. Check with an independent VW service specialist.

>> Suspension wear can generate big repair bills so having your chosen car expertly checked is important. When test-driving, listen for groaning from the steering, clicking noises when turning sharply, sharp reactions to potholes and wear to inner and outer edges of the tyres.

>> High-kilometre cars can develop oil leaks around the valve covers and timing cover. This applies across the range of engines used in these cars and is mostly due to gasket perforation. Petrol versions also have an appetite for engine oil and will run out well before the 20,000 kilometre service interval expires. Check your Passat's oil level every 3000 kilometres.

>> Diesels require replacement of timing belts and the water pump every 130,000 kilometres and the cost can come as a shock. If buying a car that will shortly need this kind of work, take that into account when negotiating a price.

Used vehicle grading on a Volkswagen Passat
Design & Function: 15/20
Safety: 16/20
Practicality: 15/20
Value for Money: 15/20
Wow Factor: 11/20
SCORE: 72/100

Also Consider: Holden Berlina, Toyota Aurion, Subaru Liberty 3.0R