500K Mile VW Passat: Is it Really Built to Last? (B5 review)

The humble Volkswagen Passat might be a fairly unexciting car, but it's actually rather capable. What's it like after half a million miles and 23 years?

Car on review: 1999 Volkswagen Passat (B5 generation) 1.9 TDI SE 110 PD, sold from 1997-2005

#volkswagen #passat

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[darthimperius]

My dad had it for 10 years, now it's mine, it's incredibly preserved and I love it a lot.

[unluko]

These kind of cars are the true climate change heroes. They are so environment friendly because you can drive them hundreds of kilometres without having to fix or scrap them.

[andrewsmactips]

I for one think it’s one of the best looking cars ever made. Every part is exactly the right size and shape in exactly the right place.

[LotCARS]

In 1.9 TDi form probably the best vehicle at that age for durability.. ideally with Highline trim

[bobibest]

Overall a good car. It is popular here in Bulgaria. Because you get a lot of car for the price. But it does have a weak spot. The suspension is somewhat complicated and costly to repair. Could be a problem in countries with bad roads.

[imstuman]

I remember liking the look of these cars at the time. I was a company car driver and comfortable driving position, armrests and cupholders were very important.

[jgodwin]

I have had one of these for years (130 PD estate) and have driven it in four countries, taken it on trains, on ferries, been camping in it, surfing in it and maxed it out on the Autobahn in Germany with three bikes on the back. It has become part of the furniture of my life. It's an unobtrusive car in the best possible way. It throws an invisibility cloak over you, a safety net when the doors thunk shut. The familiar churr of the motor as the red needles rise around the instruments has become something comforting and reliable like the rushing static on an un-tuned TV. Noticed or unnoticed but always there in the background.

[paulchubar]

I own Passat B5 1998, 1.6 liter, 260000 kilometers and i totally in love with this car.

[theyoungstuff]

I now own this Passat. Saw it and grabbed it. Never missed a beat. If you ever want to do a further review when it’s on higher mileage you’re more than welcome

[ggrey]

My Passat has 520, 000 km (1.9 AFN 110) and has just got back from her latest trip around Germany, did 160 on the Autobahn no problem at all and averaged 4.9l/100km over the whole 3000km trip. It is also my everyday car which I use for everything. Change the oil twice a year that's it. Also only on second clutch from new :) I love it.

[colinmcnally]

Im on my 5th Passat! Best cars VW ever made imo. I had an R reg. 1.9TDi 90 bhp. Took her up to 200, 0000 miles before selling and the only thing I had to change was an Air Mass Meter. Michelin tyres returned 105, 000 miles on the rear and 55, 000 on the fronts. 60mpg all day long. Currently have a B5.5 1.9tdi PD 130 Highline Estate on an 05 plate. Awesome cars.

[RyanMoran]

This was my first car and I still have it. A top of the line 2.8 v6 with leather and a sunroof. Its got over 300k kms on it now, which I thought was a lot, but maybe not! I use it as my bash about car because its so old, but people still think it looks good. I love the driving position too - very comfortable and feels a lot bigger inside than it is. And mine has NEVER let me down.

[Happy-Me.]

I have the B5.5 2002 2.0 litre petrol. I've had it for 14 years. It's my favourite Passat shape and is nearly at 100, 000 miles, still on the same clutch, exhaust, has no rust and has never let me down or failed an MOT. It's so well engineered! I'm going to miss her when she eventually goes!

[acnas]

I've had B5 Passats all my life, two wagons that were 1999, 1.8t, and now a 2001 which is also the 1.8t but not a B5.5 as it was the last b5's made. I did have a B5.5 in a manual gearbox. Overall great vehicles

[MohammedJanjua]

A Great Car The B5 Passat, because is was Based on the B5 Platform of the MK1 A4 B5 this Passat was very advanced as it had Double Wishbone Front Suspension. These Cars had it all, Proper High Quality Piece of German Engineering. VW at there finest. Proper 90s/Early 2000s Legendary Built Quality, Real Comfort, Reliable and Efficient Engines, Good Interior Space and Proper Weight and Feel from the Controls. The perfect combination of being new enough but also good old school at the same time.

[MatthewRoss-yj]

My uncle has a V5, he's had it for over 23 years., bought it brand new on a V reg back in 1999 and it's still going strong!

[juancarlosmacias]

I owned a 01 Passat 1.8T, 5 speed manual, owned for a little over 75k miles in a little over 5 years; fantastic car! I regret having parted ways with it so soon. I, ve found myself still comparing cars I have purchased since, to this one… and have realized things don’t always progress for the better…

[StuffOffYouStuff]

Thanks for doing this! I still have my Passat B5 from 1997, 110bhp TDI. Got it off the old man in 2004. Done 260, 000 so far. The Aircon is bust and there's some internal bits falling off and there's a mild leak somewhere but it's been so reliable. I love it.

[bensmithkent]

Getting out a 97 mondeo xantia or laguna into one of these or even a 156 made you appreciate build, damping, shut lines and quality. The interiors were mind blowing for me. It felt and looked so solid and classy.

[Seelingfahne]

Ive got a 1.8t 4motion with 330, 000 km of harsh Canadian duty, when you repair something on it the problem is likely sorted for life. The body of the car was so solid and well sorted, only gets a fraction of the rust of cars half its age.
Original powertrain (including the turbo), only the big ZF automatic is starting to protest on downshifts occasionally. Still shifts butter smooth 90% of the time, makes it a real pleasure to drive. New shocks going on soon, I never regret a cent I put into this car!