The Volkswagen Passat can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles before any major repairs are needed. This will depend on the condition the car is kept in.

One of the best ways you can prolong your Passat’s life is to

schedule regular maintenance

for it. That means consistently

changing the oil

and addressing any mechanical issues in a timely manner so that they don’t get worse.

Volkswagen Passats can last 13-17 years

The Volkswagen Passat is a stylish midsize sedan that was built to last. You can expect your Volkswagen Passat to last anywhere from 13-17 years.

Again, the way you take care of your Passat will be the biggest determining factor of how many years you’re able to drive it before it breaks down. If you’re good about sticking to a maintenance schedule, you’ll likely be able to make it last longer and drive your Passat for well over 10 years.

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The Volkswagen Passat is often a reliable car

Some people swear by Volkswagen’s German engineering and the comfortable driving experience they create. Others find VWs complicated—even when it comes to making minor

car repairs

After more than four decades of production, the Volkswagen Passat has had its good and bad years in regard to its overall reliability.

Most reliable model year: 2018 Passat

By most drivers’ standards, the 2018 Passat is a great used car option to test drive at the dealership. With a starting MSRP of $22,995 when it was brand new, the 2018 Passat models attracted buyers on account of its reasonable price.

It also came with great upgrade options, like a V6 engine or GT performance package. Depending on your engine choice, it’s capable of generating 174 to 280 horsepower. Popular features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also available.

Available safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, lane assist, park assist, rear traffic alert, and more.

The 2018 Passat earned high marks for its spacious cabin and comfortable ride. The fuel economy isn’t too shabby either—with 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

All in all, for the sticker price, the 2018 Volkswagen Passat base model was well-equipped and sold well—41,401 units were purchased in the U.S. that year.

Least reliable model year: 2002 Passat

You can’t win them all and the Passat certainly did not come out on top in 2002 due to engine issues. Drivers of the 2002 Passat complained of oil sludge inside the engine that caused it to die almost without warning.

This model year also had problems with its ignition system after around 11,000 miles. Ignition problems can result in your Passat catching fire—not exactly the selling point Volkwagen was hoping for.

The 2002 Passat gets decent gas mileage for its model year with 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, but more recent models can perform better.

Volkswagen Passats can be expensive to maintain

Volkswagen Passats are somewhat expensive to maintain. European cars have a reputation for being more expensive to repair than other models. According to Repair Pal, the average annual maintenance cost for a Volkswagen Passat is $639.

As we mentioned earlier, the costs of repairs will be contingent on the Passat’s age, mileage, and how well it was maintained in the past.

Brakes

You can plan on Volkswagen Passat brake pads to last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. A good way to lengthen the lifespan of your brake pads is to try to go easy on them.

If you drive frequently or have a traffic-heavy commute, you should make a point to get your brakes inspected regularly.

Tires

Volkswagen-issued tires can last you 50,000 miles or more, as long as you keep them filled with air and don’t take them out on terrain they weren’t built to handle.

If you have all-weather tires on your Passat, you should anticipate having to change them every three to four years—but again, it all depends on how often you drive.

Transmission

The Passat’s transmission can last between 175,000 and 195,000 miles.

Practicing good habits like monitoring your transmission fluid levels and letting your car warm up for a few minutes before you drive can give your transmission staying power.

Spark plugs

You should replace the spark plugs on your Volkswagen Passat about every 60,000 miles. One sign that your spark plugs need replacing is if you notice that your engine is laggy when you accelerate.

Don’t ignore engine issues. If it’s the spark plugs, the repair is a simple one—so it’s best to not wait. Otherwise, you could end up with more serious engine problems.

How to prolong the lifespan of your Volkswagen Passat

If you’re wondering how to care for your Passat properly, consider these tips:

Keep a maintenance schedule: Keep your Passat manual handy for guidelines on a maintenance schedule—that way you’ll know exactly when certain services are needed, including oil changes and tire rotations.

Buy quality parts: This is true especially if you have a newer model Passat. If you need to replace a part, make sure what you buy meets Volkswagen's specifications. If your car takes premium gas, opting for the cheapest fuel could end up costing you more in the long run.

Pay attention to your car: Don’t ignore your

check engine light

or crank up the music because your rotors are grinding. Cars can develop problems despite being regularly maintained. If you suspect something is amiss, read over your car manual to clarify what each warning light means.

Keep your car clean:

Washing and waxing

your vehicle helps preserve your car’s paint. Vacuuming inside and keeping the cabin free of garbage or clutter can minimize wear and tear.

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