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Saloon

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

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PASSAT

All the family car you'll ever need

Used Volkswagen Passat Saloon 2005 - 2015

While you can pick up a Ford Mondeo or a Vauxhall Vectra for Not much money, the Passat, like Honda's Accord and Volvo's S40, doesn't come quite so cheap, but it's still great value.

Cheapest to insure is the 1.6-litre entry-level car, which incurs no more than a group 7 rating, along with the 1.9 TDI diesel. The 2.0 TDI 138bhp SE sits in group 9, while the V6 4Motion is the most expensive to insure with a group 16 rating.

With an official 28.2mpg, the V6 is also the thirstiest engine in the range. The most economical is the 1.9 TDI with 47.9mpg, while the 138bhp 2.0 TDI manages 46.3mpg and the 168bhp version 47.1mpg. Service intervals are variable and costs are on a par with what you'll pay for a Honda Accord or a Volvo S40. The efficient Bluemotion versions of the diesel deliver between 55.4mpg and 57.6mpg.

As long as you stay away from the entry-level model and the range-topping flagship, you'll be fine; the 113bhp 1.6-litre FSI petrol hasn't got enough power for such a heavy car, while the 3.2 V6 4Motion SEL isn't exactly short on power with 247bhp, but it's far from cheap to run. Other petrol engines include a 148bhp 2.0 and a 197bhp 2.0 turbo.

The majority of used Passats are diesel powered, and we'd opt for the 1.9 TDI with 104bhp. It's not as powerful or refined as the 2.0 TDI, but it's noticeably cheaper on the used market, and still performs reasonably. There's also a 168bhp 2.0 TDI diesel. From 2008, a new generation of 2.0-litre diesel engines was introduced, with greater refinement and lower emissions. Ultra-frugal versions of the diesels, labelled Bluemotion, are also available.

Top-specification SEL cars come with leather as standard, while Sport models have electric seats. Entry-level S cars only come with a CD player, air-con and electric front windows - there's no cruise control or rear speakers - but they are plentiful and well priced. A well-cared-for SE will provide more creature comforts.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

Family

There were a couple of early recalls - visit www.vosa.gov.uk for VIN details. The most serious concerns a risk of fire on 2.0 TDI models with the six-speed manual gearbox. The car's ECU also needed a software upgrade.

Oil levels require regular checks - especially on diesel models. If it's neglected, then reliability can suffer.

The interior should prove durable and hardwearing, but check all electrical systems thoroughly. It's also very important to have the suspension looked at on high-mileage cars, especially if you plan to carry heavy loads or tow.

The steering system can also give problems, so make sure the power assistance feels even and consistent, and keep an ear out for any unusual noises. The DSG auto gearbox can be a cause for concern, but this should be covered under warranty.

The Passat is an excellent car; in fact, it's almost good enough to step out of the Ford Mondeo class and have a crack at the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. Even on standard suspension it feels nimble, alert and involving. Sport models give even sharper handling, although a little of the standard car's excellent ride comfort is sacrificed.

It's easy to get comfortable behind the wheel - and in any of the seats for that matter - although a little more shoulder support wouldn't go amiss. There's plenty of room in both the front and rear, and there's generous cabin stowage and a good-sized boot. While the interior quality may not be quite up to Audi standards, it's still well ahead of what the Vauxhall Vectra and the Mondeo offer.

The Passat scored a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and all models get six airbags, plus traction and stability control, as standard.

Used Volkswagen Passat Saloon 2005 - 2015 reliability

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Used Volkswagen Passat Saloon 2005 - 2015 review

There were a couple of early recalls - visit www.vosa.gov.uk for VIN details. The most serious concerns a risk of fire on 2.0 TDI models with the six-speed manual gearbox. The car's ECU also needed a software upgrade.,Oil levels require regular checks - especially on diesel models. If it's neglected, then reliability can suffer.,The interior should prove durable and hardwearing, but check all electrical systems thoroughly. It's also very important to have the suspension looked at on high-mileage cars, especially if you plan to carry heavy loads or tow.The steering system can also give problems, so make sure the power assistance feels even and consistent, and keep an ear out for any unusual noises. The DSG auto gearbox can be a cause for concern, but this should be covered under warranty.

What to look for when buying a Volkswagen Passat 2005 - 2015, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Volkswagen Passat Saloon 2005 - 2015 reliability

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