Used Volkswagen Passat (B6/B7) review

Likes

All the European vibes for not a hugely outlay
Excellent driving characteristics (especially R36)
Understated style
Everything you’d want from a car in this class

Dislikes

Long list of potential issues
Can be very expensive to repair and maintain
Very poor reputation for reliability
Not special enough to consider over many of the alternatives

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Publish: April 20, 2023

Stuff you should know

Available in both wagon and sedan body stylings, the B6 and B7 Passat ranged from 2006 to 2015, however a slightly jacked up almost SUV Alltrack wagon model and a 4-door coupe Passat CC have also been available, however, these are rare on the used market.

From 2008 to 2010, the performance focussed Passat R36 model was available in sedan and wagon body stylings and it was both the fastest accelerating and flagship Passat model available at the time.

It’s excellent performance was thanks to its Haldex 4-Motion all wheel drive system getting the 3.6 litre V6’s copious power to the ground with minimal slip, not to mention near instantaneous gear changes thanks to the 6-speed dual clutch transmission, although, these DSG transmissions are not without their gremlins.

In terms of the more regular Passat models, mechanically the range features everything from front wheel drive 1.8 and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol fours and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesels, all of which will vary on power outputs depending on the trim spec, through to all wheel drive 3.2-litre V6’s and obviously the 3.6 in the R36.

Speaking of trim specs and sub models, there have been no less than 15 different variants spread across the 2006 to 2011 B6 pre-update and 2011 to 2015 B7 post-update Passats.

The 2011 to 2015 Passat revised pretty much every body panel and it received the expected updates to tech and features; however, under the skin, not a whole lot changed.

What goes wrong

Exterior:

The electric windows can have issues, these can range from the windows hesitating to just failing altogether.

Across the range, although it’s not a hugely common, the fuel lid/doors can fail or just come off easily if they’re bumped.

The parking brake can have issues, including seizing up and being stuck on, not engaging properly or just complete failure. This can be down to EPB switches failing.

Passat wagon models in certain climates are prone to building up rust on the boot/tailgate, mainly around the number plate lights.

If a sunroof is fitted, it is critical to ensure the drains are regularly cleaned because if they get blocked water can make its way into the footwells and your car will smell like wet dog.

Interior:

The most common complaint we found was the headlining giving way and sagging due to the foam delaminating from the fabric.

The front seat base bolsters on the R36 are usually collapsed from people sitting on them sideways getting in and out.

Across the Passat range, the soft touch coating on various bits of the interior trim is known to peel or bubble easily.

Air conditioning compressor failure is a known issue.

Electrical gremlins with the keyfob have been reported, with the engine just not starting once the key is in the ignition and the steering column lock is known to lock itself automatically which means it’ll refrain you from actually steering the car. This often requires a VIN coded replacement.

Satellite navigation and bluetooth issues are known to occur and many of the infotainment functions can be a pain.

Then there are many reports and complaints of rattles and other noises in the cabin, this can be more apparent on the R36 as it does have a firmer ride, almost encouraging bits and pieces to shake loose.

Mechanically:

In Australia there are a variety of different engine and transmission options available in this generation of Passat so as to not have you reading the next “War and Peace” we will generalise a little bit.

Also, with the huge number of Passats sold worldwide equates to not having to look too hard for horror stories about every possible failure imaginable.

In terms of the petrol engines, excessive oil consumption is really common. At this age most owners choose to live with it and top it up between services instead of spending thousands fixing it.

There are also PCV issues that cause air fuel ratio issues.

There are some timing chain complications with higher mileage example too.

The earlier V6 models are known to have an issue with the oil pump drive gear retaining bolt leaving the chat. Some owners are replacing it as preventative

Exterior:

The electric windows can have issues, these can range from the windows hesitating to just failing altogether.

Across the range, although it’s not a hugely common, the fuel lid/doors can fail or just come off easily if they’re bumped.

The parking brake can have issues, including seizing up and being stuck on, not engaging properly or just complete failure. This can be down to EPB switches failing.

Passat wagon models in certain climates are prone to building up rust on the boot/tailgate, mainly around the number plate lights.

If a sunroof is fitted, it is critical to ensure the drains are regularly cleaned because if they get blocked water can make its way into the footwells and your car will smell like wet dog.

Interior:

The most common complaint we found was the headlining giving way and sagging due to the foam delaminating from the fabric.

The front seat base bolsters on the R36 are usually collapsed from people sitting on them sideways getting in and out.

Across the Passat range, the soft touch coating on various bits of the interior trim is known to peel or bubble easily.

Air conditioning compressor failure is a known issue.

Electrical gremlins with the keyfob have been reported, with the engine just not starting once the key is in the ignition and the steering column lock is known to lock itself automatically which means it’ll refrain you from actually steering the car. This often requires a VIN coded replacement.

Satellite navigation and bluetooth issues are known to occur and many of the infotainment functions can be a pain.

Then there are many reports and complaints of rattles and other noises in the cabin, this can be more apparent on the R36 as it does have a firmer ride, almost encouraging bits and pieces to shake loose.

Mechanically:

In Australia there are a variety of different engine and transmission options available in this generation of Passat so as to not have you reading the next “War and Peace” we will generalise a little bit.

Also, with the huge number of Passats sold worldwide equates to not having to look too hard for horror stories about every possible failure imaginable.

In terms of the petrol engines, excessive oil consumption is really common. At this age most owners choose to live with it and top it up between services instead of spending thousands fixing it.

There are also PCV issues that cause air fuel ratio issues.

There are some timing chain complications with higher mileage example too.

The earlier V6 models are known to have an issue with the oil pump drive gear retaining bolt leaving the chat. Some owners are replacing it as preventative maintenance but the transmission need to come out for access which means that peace of mind costs a lot of bucks.

The diesels suffer from all the usual modern diesel things, EGR complications are common and the whole inlet system in general just choke up on these things.

Speaking of choking, it should be noted, when these things are in the running in the workshop, they stink and it’s a stink unique to them and they stink more than any other small modern diesel.

The transmissions have their fair share of problems. The DSG’s most common issue is the mechatronics unit and they commonly have clutch and dual mass flywheel complications too. Typically, all very expensive repairs.

So, if the question is are they reliable? There is plenty that goes wrong with these Passats yet there are plenty around that have no issues at all. Then there’s the ones that have problems everywhere, like rattling dual mass flywheels, coolant leaks, oil leaks electrical problems and every fault code possible, and have been that way for years, and are still running.

So, in a way that is a type of reliability.

Exterior:

The electric windows can have issues, these can range from the windows hesitating to just failing altogether.

Across the range, although it’s not a hugely common, the fuel lid/doors can fail or just come off easily if they’re bumped.

The parking brake can have issues, including seizing up and being stuck on, not engaging properly or just complete failure. This can be down to EPB switches failing.

Passat wagon models in certain climates are prone to building up rust on the boot/tailgate, mainly around the number plate lights.

If a sunroof is fitted, it is critical to ensure the drains are regularly cleaned because if they get blocked water can make its way into the footwells and your car will smell like wet dog.

Interior:

The most common complaint we found was the headlining giving way and sagging due to the foam delaminating from the fabric.

The front seat base bolsters on the R36 are usually collapsed from people sitting on them sideways getting in and out.

Across the Passat range, the soft touch coating on various bits of the interior trim is known to peel or bubble easily.

Air conditioning compressor failure is a known issue.

Electrical gremlins with the keyfob have been reported, with the engine just not starting once the key is in the ignition and the steering column lock is known to lock itself automatically which means it’ll refrain you from actually steering the car. This often requires a VIN coded replacement.

Satellite navigation and bluetooth issues are known to occur and many of the infotainment functions can be a pain.

Then there are many reports and complaints of rattles and other noises in the cabin, this can be more apparent on the R36 as it does have a firmer ride, almost encouraging bits and pieces to shake loose.

Mechanically:

In Australia there are a variety of different engine and transmission options available in this generation of Passat so as to not have you reading the next “War and Peace” we will generalise a little bit.

Also, with the huge number of Passats sold worldwide equates to not having to look too hard for horror stories about every possible failure imaginable.

In terms of the petrol engines, excessive oil consumption is really common. At this age most owners choose to live with it and top it up between services instead of spending thousands fixing it.

There are also PCV issues that cause air fuel ratio issues.

There are some timing chain complications with higher mileage example too.

The earlier V6 models are known to have an issue with the oil pump drive gear retaining bolt leaving the chat. Some owners are replacing it as preventative maintenance but the transmission need to come out for access which means that peace of mind costs a lot of bucks.

The diesels suffer from all the usual modern diesel things, EGR complications are common and the whole inlet system in general just choke up on these things.

Speaking of choking, it should be noted, when these things are in the running in the workshop, they stink and it’s a stink unique to them and they stink more than any other small modern diesel.

The transmissions have their fair share of problems. The DSG’s most common issue is the mechatronics unit and they commonly have clutch and dual mass flywheel complications too. Typically, all very expensive repairs.

So, if the question is are they reliable? There is plenty that goes wrong with these Passats yet there are plenty around that have no issues at all. Then there’s the ones that have problems everywhere, like rattling dual mass flywheels, coolant leaks, oil leaks electrical problems and every fault code possible, and have been that way for years, and are still running.

So, in a way that is a type of reliability.

Should you buy it?

This is a tough call but let’s start with the standard non-R36 Passat, simply, no, you shouldn’t buy one.

Yes they’re lovely to drive, they’re practical and they exude all the lovely Euro image stuff but the long list of common issues are only going to get longer, as will the costs in repairing them, plus for very similar money, if you want a sedan, buy a Lexus IS and if you want a wagon, buy a Mazda 6, both will provide everything the Passat has to offer, yet both come with far superior reputations for reliability and lower maintenance costs.

But what about the R36? Well, how committed are you because the R36 is purely for the enthusiasts. There’s no denying the R36 is a very special car and may go down as a future classic but like many classics, it requires its fair share of love and care. If you’re happy to provide the levels of commitment and attention needed, and your wallet is deep enough to justify the expenses involved, sure, why not, buy one.

But, there are a few other cars that tick very similar boxes that are arguably less risky.

If you want a comfy yet sporty all wheel drive, 6 cylinder wagon or sedan, a Subaru Liberty or Legacy fits the bill, sure it lacks the euro cool of the R36 and they do have their own maintenance issues but they are a worthy alternative.

As are the turbocharged 4 cylinder variants, which are

This is a tough call but let’s start with the standard non-R36 Passat, simply, no, you shouldn’t buy one.

Yes they’re lovely to drive, they’re practical and they exude all the lovely Euro image stuff but the long list of common issues are only going to get longer, as will the costs in repairing them, plus for very similar money, if you want a sedan, buy a Lexus IS and if you want a wagon, buy a Mazda 6, both will provide everything the Passat has to offer, yet both come with far superior reputations for reliability and lower maintenance costs.

But what about the R36? Well, how committed are you because the R36 is purely for the enthusiasts. There’s no denying the R36 is a very special car and may go down as a future classic but like many classics, it requires its fair share of love and care. If you’re happy to provide the levels of commitment and attention needed, and your wallet is deep enough to justify the expenses involved, sure, why not, buy one.

But, there are a few other cars that tick very similar boxes that are arguably less risky.

If you want a comfy yet sporty all wheel drive, 6 cylinder wagon or sedan, a Subaru Liberty or Legacy fits the bill, sure it lacks the euro cool of the R36 and they do have their own maintenance issues but they are a worthy alternative.

As are the turbocharged 4 cylinder variants, which are quicker, easier to extract more power and available with a manual transmission.

Or if you really want something unique, and you need a wagon, and it needs to be fast, have you considered the Mitsubishi Legnum VR-4, Toyota Crown Athelete or my personal pick, the Nissan Stagea.

Which, depending on the spec, add turbos to their 6-cylinder power plants and prioritise driving the rear wheels instead of the fronts, just saying.