Volkswagen road test reports and car reviews

Volkswagen Passat TDI 130 SE 2002

I recently purchased second-hand one-owner Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI 130 SE, in Reflex Silver. This car is absolutely superb. It returns about 48.7 mpg, is fantastically reliable and is a perfect family saloon.

Volkswagen Transporter 1.9 td 2000

What a nightmare the T5 sounds. I bought my van in 1991 with 90 odd thousand on the clock.its now done 16300 and has been the best van I have ever had. In that time I’ve fixed the starter motor twice (still going strong), replaced the water pump, two rear shocks, one pound gromit that holds the gear linkage together (£200 to sort out) and a leaking fuel pump. That’s it. I use it for work, I’m a carpenter. Also takes a bed in the back for camping. I hope it gets to 200 thousand as I don’t want to have to buy one of these new unreliable and expensive new vans. Also, I get 40-45 mpg, it still drives smooth and always starts, what more could you want from a van? Pity they don’t still make them as I’d have one in a flash! Still the build quality would probably not be as good.

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 tdi sport 2005

Without doubt the worst, most unreliable piece of expensive junk I have ever had the misfortune to set eyes on. In the last 12 months it has had all four injectors replaced (to be fair under warranty). This was completed at the VW main dealer in Belfast. Within 20 miles oil warning light came on and lo and behold the dreaded oil pump failure. This resulted in an oil pump replacement and a new turbo costing £2400.00. VW customer services didn’t want to know, according to them "there is no known fault", (apparently they don’t look at the thousands of posts online!), although they did say to retain the receipt "just in case". I have just walked back from a local specialist in the rain as the handbrake is now refusing to work at all. Can hardly wait for the quote to fix this latest fault on my premium people’s car! On the plus side at least I am getting plenty of fresh air and exercise!! NEVER EVER AGAIN!

Volkswagen Crafter 2008

I’ve just started my own business doing courier work, so I purchased one of these vans 4 months ago and all I can say is steer clear. I’ve had problem after problem after problem. It’s done more miles on the back of an AA truck than it’s done on the road. I’ve had to replace the turbo, sensors, pipes and pumps, gallons upon gallons of oil and it drinks fuel. VW shouldn’t be allowed to sell these vans. I think they’re made to cost the owner money. Nobody has a good word to say about these vans and I swear if this van breaks down on me again I shall write on the side of my van, RUBBISH VANS DON’T BUY!

Volkswagen Crafter Van and Luton 2012

We usually run Iveco vans, but have been trying the new Crafters out. The Luton 109 on a 58 plate was absolutely useless, loaded and unloaded it drank fuel like there was a hole in the tank. The second, a 62 plate 109 xlwb was better on fuel than our mwb Iveco. Still it had no guts at all and only did 75 flat out empty. It was very comfy on a 600 miles non dstop run, but overall I prefer the Iveco Dailys apart from the comfort and fuel economy. As a fleet buyer the Merc is a better deal complete with 3 years unlimited miles.

Volkswagen Crafter 2012

Purchased my MWB 2.0 TDI 109bhp blue motion in Oct 2012. So far the van is doing okay, I’m just a little disappointed with the mpg, which is at best 26mpg. This van is used for a/c work and carrying tools and materials. Still at only 6k miles mind you, so maybe it will get better?

Volkswagen Polo 2005

I have my polo 4 years now and have had nothing but trouble. The head gasket went, water pump, bushes, and that’s just 3 things. Every time I get something fixed something else breaks then! My advice is stay well away from the Polo, well the 05 1s anyway! The worst car ever!

Volkswagen Fox Urban 1.4 2008

I have owned this car since 2011. My previous car was a Golf mk5 1.6FSI. What I like: large interior (for a city car), easy to park, excellent visibility, comfy seats, good for long journeys, big boot, good engine - 1.4 75BHP, iPOD/aux connection. What I don’t like: plastics/console, only four speakers. I would recommend this car for students, young couples or elderly people. In two years and four thousand miles I’ve had no problems.

Volkswagen Transporter T30 2010

AS a previous reviewer said with regards to on-going problems I would also like to say that I too have had the same problems. I have also experienced extreme wear of tyres i.e. 3 sets after 24,000 miles. Finally the dealer agreed to check the alignment and it was way out, mainly on the front tyres, but also the rear. I highlight the problem of wear and tear on the tyres to the dealer a few times, but they blamed it on, you guessed it, cheap tyres! I was also told that tyre manufacturers tyres are a lesser grade but not sure I believe that one. I also had little problems like the daytime lights on the driver’s side would only last about 2 weeks, so again it was booked in for a check and I was told they were non Volkswagen recommended bulbs that had been fitted - strange because I was buying them from the Volkswagen dealer that supplied the van March 2010! Next I had a rubbing noise on the steering at low speeds, which was very noticeable. I booked in for a check and the report came back that the steering pump had failed, but told not to worry as it was all covered under warranty. 6 months later the noise was back, so I rang to book it in and while I was at it a full service and also discussed that the van was due its first mot at the end of that month so I asked the dealer to arrange. Two weeks later the dealer came back to me and said they were a bit busy, but could book the van in for 2 weeks time. Two weeks came round and the service and mot were carried out, but I was informed the noise was due to a major problem with the whole of front steering rack and left and right support arms having failed at a cost of £1700.00. What’s more, even though I have only done 26,000 miles, the vans out of warranty by mere weeks! After a calm conversation the dealer has knocked £1000.00 off, but I still have service extra to pay for, so not a happy chappie. I was hoping after spending £27,000.00 inc vat on a van I would have a vehicle with the build quality that Volkswagen apparently has a good reputation for? I am afraid I have made a big mistake. I never thought I would say this, but I wish I still had my Renault Trafic van, which in 8 years needed just tyres and services and only cost me £12,000.00 inc vat.

Volkswagen Touran 1.6 s 2006

I have done 250000 with my Touran 1.6 without any major problems. A lovely, quality ride even when driving for 20 hours. 55L petrol, it can drive on local roads for about 350 miles. 10k miles service with VW recommended, the parts will keep up with your life.

Volkswagen Crafter 109ps 2.5 lwb 2008

Thought I was buying a quality German engineered product, unfortunately it is the total opposite! I’ve had to replace the exhaust manifold, DPF, EGR valve, numerous sensors, vacuum pump, numerous radiator pipes, electric window switch, abs sensor and now I’m having to replace the ignition switch. Feel as though I’m throwing money at this van continuously. Never again will I buy a Volkswagen!

Volkswagen Caddy Sportline 140 2008

Bought this van at three years old with 23500miles on and was really impressed with the comfort, power and effortless driving. The six cog manual box is vey good too. Noise was a bit excessive from the mesh bulkhead, but that was quickly solved by some soundproofing and carpeting of the bulkhead, which much improved the heat in the cab and lowered noise to car levels. However, just a few weeks ago it put a conrod out through the block! At 56160 miles it has a fsh always used Castrol edge as recommended by VW! Serviced every 10k regardless and then this happened. I’m not the only one either. It seems to be a problem across the range of 1.9/2.0 tdi engines. Vw refusing to cover, at least that’s what I can gather from a lack of response from VW Ireland. This was the BMM engine used in A3 Skodas and seats so beware. It didn’t give any warning, didn’t seize and the oil pump didn’t fail. Worst of all I had the timing belt, water pump and service done at 51k. Impossible to find a second hand or recon engine as I can quote "that’s a common fault, very bad engine and like hens teeth" VW are having some serious problems of late, which is a shame as I’ve had a few that were very good, but newer ones don’t seem to have the quality. Lack of funding for R+D perhaps? Das auto?? More like that’s rubbish!

Volkswagen Crafter Mob high top 109hp 2007

I think the VW Crafter is a far better van than a Transit. Just the way it drives is better. A big quiet cab that is comfortable and easy to keep clean. I’ve had problems with Transits before, especially with fuel pumps, but so far the Crafter has mainly just had service items at correct mileage intervals. DPF problems have only been the occasional warning lights and having to drive for some distance at 2000 revs in fourth gear to clear warning lights from dash. I only took the Crafter the VW dealer whilst still under warranty, but since the warranty expired I have used a local independent ex VW/Audi mechanic who has all the latest diagnostic equipment. Van now on 80,000 miles and achieving about 23 mpg whilst loaded to maximum weight at all times. The van has some faults, but in my opinion is the best van out of the others on offer.

Volkswagen Golf Estate 1.6 TDi blue motion 2010

Disaster! NEVER BUY THIS VEHICLE! At less than three years old and at just 70,000 miles I have faced a dual mass fly wheel failure (£1,500 cost) and an EGR valve problem (£800 cost) within the same week. Having picked up my vehicle last night from the VW garage after the replacement of the dual mass flywheel and clutch, within 28 miles a warning light came on apparently indicating an EGR valve problem. I am disgusted that VW sell these vehicles without informing customers that these are likely to fail conveniently for them just outside the warranty period. DISGRACEFUL! Having had four VW cars from new never again will I buy these cars.

Volkswagen Golf 1.2 tsi s 2012

I bought my wife the 1.2 tsi s , 85 bhp on a 2012 plate. We were both very surprised at how well it drove as it was very nimble through the gears and as solid a ride as we would expect from a quality German car. We previously owned a 2006 BMW 318 and were shocked that we felt no difference in power and our BMW was a very low mileage car with full BMW service history. There are not a great deal of extras with the Golf, but we are happy with the extras it came with for a car that has 10000 miles on the clock but still feels like it’s come straight out of the showroom. We only cover about 40000 miles a year so were told by our VW dealership that this car would suit us. We would highly recommend this car to anybody that is thinking of buying a VW Golf, you will very surprised, as we were when we first drove it. A great car.

Volkswagen Touran BXE Engine 2007

I love my Touran, which I have had a year. It hasn’t been as economical as my sister’s ’53 plate. I had engine failure on the 19th of February 2013. Yes an internal, non-moving part suspected. Con rod through the block. VW said it is "nothing to do with us, it is out of warranty". I have complained to VW, Watchdog, VOSA and X ray. The car is sitting at the local dealers whilst I struggle with it. Please complain we might get somewhere if we join together. It is a known problem with this engine.

Responses to this review

I have had the same problem at 92000 miles on my ’57 plate VW Touran and the vehicle also has full service history with VW dealerships. I’ve also had VW denying that there is a problem (great customer service eh?!). I have just sent the defect report form off to Vosa and they say they are aware of this issue and are currently investigating. So, to reiterate other forum members pleas, if you have had a conrod failure on a BXE engine on VAG cars please please please let VOSA know ASAP. I am currently taking this matter through the county court to try and recoup my costs for another engine, so if you are willing to confirm on email (rather than through the forum) that this has happened to your VAG vehicle (VW, Seat, Audi, Skoda) too, please could you email me on conrodcon@yahoo.co.uk by the end of April? To submit my evidence in court, I need specific people’s names / addresses / vehicle details (including VIN number and engine number) - as I have been told this would be better evidence than that supplied on a forum. If you can email me with the following details that would be great:- Your initial and surname Address Vehicle details VIN number (These can be found on your V5C document) Engine number (These can be found on your V5C document) Brief description of your conrod failure Any other information you think of use. If you email me with this information, I will keep you informed of my case and provide you with any additional information I can to support you. Some forum members have said that VW has paid for work on their vehicle for conrod failure - again, please can you email me on conrodcon@yahoo.co.uk if this has happened to you so I can use as supporting evidence within my court case? Many thanks in advance - Jools from Staffordshire

Volkswagen UP 2012

The engine has knocking sound on first start of the day, the noise then disappears when the clutch is engaged, but then reappears. The noise then disappears when the engine is warm. VW said it’s supposed to do this and that there’s nothing wrong with the car. The noise was heard on the first day of use till present day.

Volkswagen Golf 2.0 gt tdi 16v 2005

Bought my car when it was a year old and had 17000miles on the clock. The leather interior is good, comfortable and still looks sharp for 8 years old. It now has done 115,000 miles. I have replaced the timing belt, alarm siren, egr valve and flap motor, rear brake pads, number plate bulb and one brake light bulb. VW recommend servicing at 20,000miles. I change the oil and filter three times a year and so far mine seems to have avoided turbo problems. I had the car remapped with bluefin (170 bhp) three years ago. I’m happy with my purchase and would buy within the VAG group again.

Volkswagen Transporter 2006

My husband bought a 2006 Volkswagon Transporter in 2010 and at 60,000ks the engine exploded and we’re told by VW that it needs a new engine. The warranty has expired and VW in Glen Waverley, Melbourne tried to get Volkswagen Head Office to consider assisting us with the replacement of a new engine, but we’ve been told by the dealer that they will not and that’s it. I feel sick. My advice to anyone out there is don’t buy a Volkswagen; they’ve become our nightmare!

Volkswagen Passat CC Standard 2008

Excellent looking car and fast for a diesel. Main problem is the suspension - absolutely bone shaking over the slightest pothole or worn surface, which ruins this car for me. Does not have adaptive suspension so have been told it has been set to sport. I have had a more refined ride in a leaf sprung Landrover, which I used to own. Been to VW and they say it is how the car is set up?! Unbelievable - an expensive mistake.

Volkswagen Golf GT Tdi 140bhp 2004

Felt I needed to provide an alternative review to the doom and gloom I have just read. I bought my car from new from Spirit in Banbury. It has now done 145,000 miles and up until the last service had been serviced exclusively by them. Services come up on a variable basis, but tend to be every 18,000 miles and roughly every year. Aside from scheduled work the only two things I have had to replace are a turbo at 90,000 (this replacement from Turbo Technics has been quietly whining now for the last 40,000 miles and still going strong so not necessarily a sign its going to go!) and a fuel pump at 143,000 miles. That to me says this is a reliable car. Next things to replace are the shocks, roll bar bushes and springs, but at this mileage you would expect that. I find the seats the most comfortable next to Recaros I have sat in, the handling very precise and predictable (would recommend always use Continental Sport Contact 2 to get the best all weather performance - I get about 18,000 out of a front set) and even now, with the shocks and bushes well past it, the only thing I get is a little under steer and movement on bumps. No Dual Mass Flywheel replacement as yet, so given that back in my days of owning my first cars you were lucky if a clutch made it to 80,000 this feels very robust to me. I did have to replace one in my Alhambrah recently at 120,000 miles, but that was after 10 years of hauling 2 adults and 4 children around including numerous trips to France and camping in the UK, so again I feel that was good reliability from a VW part and not something I would expect a recall on. The whole package is just a dream to drive and live with. I would recommend this car to anyone.

Volkswagen Transporter Transporter 2.5 auto 2006

Bought this all singing all dancing 2.5 Turbo auto with dual air con as I carry show dogs. The vehicle has only done 69,000 miles and has had a water pump, two head gaskets - skimmed head - two turbo’s and now the front suspension bushes are so worn you can see daylight through the mounts. What a pile of poo. Took the vehicle in to part ex it for a new one - New Camper is £43,000 and they valued it at £7000 for part ex. and told me that all the turbos go at around 70,000 miles and the new bi-turbo will do the same due to the design. So if I buy a bi turbo it will cost me £3000 every 70K miles just for a known design fault - wow-ee. Guess what? A Mazda Bongo looks value for money!

Volkswagen Transporter 2013

I went for a test run in a new 180bhp VW Transporter, which had great power. I then tried a 84bhp which had no guts. Abbsolutely rubbish!

Volkswagen Eos 2.0 sport diesel 2011

Have fitted 18" Nokian WR A3 snow tyres and it’s been brilliant to drive in snow slush and ice. It tows a 1.5 ton caravan in the summer without any trouble at all.

Volkswagen Transporter 174 T5 2007

The managment light keeps coming on even though VW have plugged into the on board computer to get the failure codes and have replaced the same parts 3 times. The managment light has now been on for 6 months now because VW dealer can not fix the problem.

Volkswagen Golf 1.9tdi sport 2006

Having just got a low mileage golf at 40k. I hope that it will keep going for a few more miles yet as it seems a very comfortable car to drive and a lot quicker and less gear changing than my previous Vauxhall Astra 1.3 cdti, which expired in a big way. To date I am quite pleased with the Golf. I will change the cam belt very soon and 10 k servicing. This is the first VW I have owned in 40 years of motoring, I also run a Morris Minor and a 1957 Wolseley 1500, which give no problems. Will the VW last as long?

Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle Multivan 2011

I used to love my VW Multivan, it was the best thing for my large family, and I did not hesitate to recommend it to all who enquired. This has changed since an incident that happened on August 18, 2012. That was the day that the left side front passenger air-bag exploded when I drove over an open man-hole on a 3 lane highway. (My vehicle had six children ranging from the ages of 6 to 14 years all properly seat-belted). The result of which was damage to the rear right rim, which cracked. 7 other vehicles also suffered blow-outs when they drove over the open man-hole just after me, but no air-bags were deployed in any of them. At no time did I lose control of the vehicle, and there was no collision or crash. Myself and the other 7 motorists whose cars had tyre blow-outs calmly pulled over to the soft shoulder and changed our tyres. My vehicle went to the dealership, ATL Autohaus in Kingston, Jamaica, on August 21, 2012 and there it has remained. I am told that the report from Germany says the sophisticated safety system has determined that my vehicle CRASHED even despite the claim as follows: "VW UK WEBSITE: And there’s no need to worry about your airbags being set off unnecessarily. The sophisticated system is able to tell the difference between a crash, however severe, and shocks to the car caused by hitting a stone or a deep pothole, for example." ATL Autohaus told me in October that the replacement parts required are unavailable and have been back-ordered. They told me that I would get my vehicle shortly. Then in December they told me it would be delivered on Dec 14, 2012. Then in January they said the incorrect parts came the right parts are on back-order and they will try and let me know soon when they can return my vehicle to me. I only wanted to change the back right rim and tyre! The GM of ATL Autohaus in December offered us a new vehicle as replacement, we only had to pay the price difference between our 1 year old vehicle and their new vehicle. How kind! Except they forgot to mention that their "new" vehicle was an un-sold 2011 model they had. The difference in price? US$19,000. Why? Because my 2011 Multivan had been devalued by 30%, and their 2011 Multivan was at show-room price. So not only is something seriously wrong with this VW T5 Multivan something is seriously wrong with the integrity, honesty, and overall approach of the VW dealer in Jamaica.

Volkswagen Crafter 109 2007

Hi, I bought my Crafter 109 xhi xlwb in Oct 09 with 129000 on the clock. I knew at that milage that there were problems around the corner and bingo 7 wks after purchase the EGR valve failed. But having done 330000 miles I can honestley say it’s been general wear and tear, with most faults listed on the forum. The reason most faults appear is the DPF, it should be taken off production! I travel right across Europe on urgent deliverys and the only time she’s never got me home is getting back on the Channel tunnel train and the clutch went in the semi auto box! £1600 fitted VW Manchester. Service these vans regulary and keep your eyes on warning lights and they will serve you well, as with all vans they are work horses. Cleaned up mine still looks great in the factory Silver and you wouldn’t believe she’s done 333000 miles. Happy driving!