A bit of history
The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size sedan from Volkswagen that sits a step above the Jetta in the classification and offers better performance and a more sophisticated design. The first generation of the model appeared in 1974 and marked the beginning of a new era for the company with its front-wheel drive and liquid-cooled engine. In 1997, the next generation Passat appeared with a brighter appearance and slightly increased dimensions compared to its predecessor. The last generation came out in 2005 with a longer wheelbase, wider track and a host of updates both outside and inside.
Volkswagen Passat B6 is not much different from its predecessors. The manufacturer still sees the middle class as its potential client. The new version of the Passat has slightly increased in size: 6 cm long and 8 cm wide, so it looks more representative than the versions of older generations. In terms of contour, it is close to the Volkswagen Phaeton.
In terms of interior design, it is also similar to Phaeton. The style is classic, representative, there is not a single gram of eccentricity in it. Thanks to the quality of workmanship, it can even be called chic. Office workers will definitely like his restraint.
If you stop at the salon, then I do not advise you to be mistaken about its spaciousness. Large comrades will not feel comfortable in it. It's all about the shape of the bottom: its ends protrude inward. For this reason, a person sitting in the front passenger seat will be forced to point their feet to the left. Not very comfortable for a tall person.
There is no standard handbrake. In its place is a department for small things. You can turn on the handbrake with the button located near the light switch. I think this is a good innovation, very modern. I especially like the fact that when the car is in gear, it releases the brake itself.
About the technical characteristics of the Passat B6
Volkswagen remains true to itself: performance at the highest level. Excellent steering, holds the road, swallows holes. Racing enthusiasts approve. At first glance, soundproofing is not up to par. It is treated by replacing regular tires - too hard. With new tires with noise, there are no problems up to 170 km / h, when you already have to strain your ligaments when talking.
Body, chassis
In our country, a sedan is more common than a station wagon. The first one is a bit cheaper. LKP V6 loses compared to the quality of coverage of the fifth generation versions. A few years after purchase, the car will already have scratches. In this regard, the B6 resembles a Japanese car. Then the chrome elements will fade. But the reason for this is not the manufacturer's savings, but domestic caustic road reagents.
The main drawback of the fifth generation was the unusable chassis. Needed a major overhaul already at 40,000 km! The worst running of all classmates. B6 has little progress. I, as a fan of Volkswagen, a lot of disappointed. At 17,000 km, the silents of the rear levers, ball joints break. And it's good if your warranty period has not expired yet. But who knows how long the new parts will last? Many at this time change the steering racks, brake discs.
As always, the concern provides a wide choice of engines. 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 102 hp (MPI) the most modest and durable. Not picky about fuel, you can refuel 92 and 95. Moody engines of 1.6-3.2 liters (FSI) are more common in our country. The manufacturer notifies consumers in advance that these engines consume only 98 gasoline. Their diseases include breakdowns of ignition coils, failure of the engine control unit (2 liters). The 1.8-liter engine (TSI) is more durable, although the high-pressure pump valves break on it.
Among the diesels we have the most common 1.9-liter and 2-liter TDI engine. Due to the use of domestic low-grade diesel fuel, the life of the fuel pump and injection nozzles is reduced.
Most motors eat up oil. Therefore, I advise you to always have a canister with you just in case, at least a two-liter one. For lovers of aggressive driving, the engine can eat up 1l / 1000 km on a new car !!! Concern, attention! considers it the standard!
Now I'll stop at the checkpoint. Volkswagen provides 3 options: manual transmission, automatic transmission and DSG. Each box has its own nuances. Probably the most durable is still mechanical, however, it happens that the clutch on it also jams. On an automatic, the valve block often breaks. And DSG does not live up to 60,000 km at all. As a rule, this is explained by the lack of experience in operating this checkpoint, but I personally have a slightly different point of view.
Weak spots
Often rubbish gets into the radiator. As a result, the motor burns out, and the owner has no choice but to make capital. Fog lights are cracking. Brings electronics. Airbag controllers often fly, seat heating. Do not be surprised if the parking sensors or the electrical control unit of the seats start acting weird. There are known cases of warranty replacement of tidy, unexpectedly failing.
Price
Due to the occurrence of frequent malfunctions, I consider the prices for the Volkswagen Passat B6 to be too high.
Conclusion
I cannot call this model reliable. Its operation is not cheap, which was also characteristic of the B5. When buying this model, be prepared for frequent visits to the service.
Among other things, before buying, I recommend checking the level of light transmission of the glasses, if the glasses are even covered with a light film. The fact is that for quite a long time in Russia, car windows were armored and tinted with low-quality film that did not comply with GOST. More detailed information about tinting according to GOST can be found on the website: www.gosttonirovka.ru.
Opinion about Volkswagen Passat B5
Volkswagen Passat B5 was released in 1996. Consumers literally fell in love with excellent steering, comfort and, of course, a modern exterior and interior. Sales were so successful that the manufacturer thought about restyling only in 2000.
The minimum configuration implied the presence of 4 airbags, anti-lock braking system, heated mirrors, air conditioning, tinting, a driver's seat with variable height. To improve safety, there were anti-skid and anti-slip systems. Climate has been included in this list since 2002. In the Comfortline, Trendline and Highline modifications, rear electric windows were added. These versions differed in interior design. Comfortline: velor upholstery in dark or beige. Trendline: aluminum inclusions. Highline: dark and cream colors. It was possible to order molding, leather interior, bi-xenon headlights. In addition to front-wheel drive, there was also an all-wheel drive option, but the price was also higher.
Currently, the secondary market has a fairly wide selection of Trade Winds B5. Although many believe that the second-hand FP 5 has a lot of drawbacks.
Body and chassis
In our country, a cheaper sedan is most common, there are fewer station wagons. The body is galvanized, so don't be surprised by the 12-year warranty. Corrosion can only be found on a car that has been in an accident.
The machine is not afraid of our climate. Although it happens that the paint sheds on the front arches - gravel is the culprit.
The running gear of the fifth generation Passat is terrible, it loses to all classmates. A bulkhead is needed already at 35,000 km. This chassis became the first "multi-link" of the Volkswagen concern. It is not designed for our roads. The weakest point is the levers. The designers tried to improve them, but the problem was never solved. In fact, these are consumables for the Passat B5, as well as ball and steering tips, and stabilizers.
The simplest of the benzo engines is the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, it is the most durable. Eats 92. The new 150-horsepower 1.8-liter turbo engine and a 125-horsepower 125-horsepower turbo engine of the same volume are in high demand. They are picky about gasoline and need timely maintenance. Poor quality fuel shortens the life of the throttle motor. The turbine serves up to 170,000 km. In order to avoid replacing the previously set time after stopping, it is advised to wait before plugging.
Disease v6 - breakdown of the lambda probe (5000 rubles) and constant leakage of the valve cover gasket. The 2.3-liter 5-cylinder engine is quite durable, its only negative is noise.
I draw your attention to the fact that gasoline engines eat up oil, so you must have at least a two-liter canister with you in order to replenish the necessary reserves: 1000 km = 1 liter. If you ignore this problem, you will have to do a major overhaul of the motor. If the turbine fails, you will have to pay for repairs from 12,000 rubles. or buy a new one (minimum 25,000 rubles)
Now more about transmissions. The most durable - manual transmission, even if replacement is necessary, it will be inexpensive. Automatic transmission on versions with a 4-cylinder engine with timely maintenance also does not cause trouble, replacement is inexpensive. Tiptronic is considered the most unreliable: it starts to fail after 110,000 km. This is due to salts used by domestic utilities and adversely affecting electrical connectors. The cost of overhauling this box can reach 120 thousand rubles.
Other problems
Often the radiator gets clogged. As a result, the motor heats up too much and fails.
Price
In my opinion, given the capriciousness of the car, the cost of the Passat B5 in the secondary market is unreasonably high. Although the price of a new car is quite high, especially in comparison with other brands, a used car does not cost 300,000 rubles.
Conclusion
The fifth generation Volkswagen Passat has many disadvantages and at the same time requires large operating costs. In addition, this model is often stolen. In my opinion, it is better to buy a new car of a lower class or a used Japanese car.