Owner Review: A straight forward and pleasant ownership - My Volkswagen Passat B7 2013 (CKD)

** This article is published on WapCar Community. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://forum.wapcar.my

Basic information about my car

Volkswagen Passat B7 2013 (CKD)

Reasons why I bought this car

Previous car (Insight) no longer viable with additional family member. Just welcomed my newly born 2 months prior (baby number 3).

Car Selection Process

• Model(s) that I have considered include: Accord 2.4 (CP-2) & Camry 2.4 (XV40)

Reasons why I chose this car:

• More forward gear ratio (7-speed)

• I wanted to try something new (never owned any conti prior to that)

• Space just about right (not too big)

• More power to weight ratio against the Japs at that time

• Cheap Road Tax

• Relatively cheap for a 3-year old used car

• Aahh...that unmistakable solid feel and touch

User Experience

• I have already done 80,000 km

Since the purchase, my thoughts about the car are:

What can I say, apart from thrice (yep only 3 times) went to workshop to change faulty speed sensor which only cost me RM60 a piece all in, I've replaced V-belt, fuel pump module, plugs and coils before they screw me up in the middle of nowhere and boy I was right...apart from the aforementioned problems with speed sensors, I've never had any problem with that car for 4-satisfying-years.

Apart from that, the drive was nice, firm and confident. Being my 3rd car, (2 previous cars were Honda) I can feel the vast difference, almost a world apart in terms of the thrill especially how it handled at corners. I can almost felt my body floated while at the same time planted in the seat at times to stress about the confidence feeling from the well-tuned chassis and suspension.

Oh it's very frugal on the fuel as well. I managed to scored on average 15-17Km/L constantly (mix Highway and City mind you)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cheap Road Tax (no shit Sherlock)

• Feel and Drive Solid (it's a conti after all)

• Relatively low fuel consumption

• Straight forward and no-nonsense features and spec

• Relatively low maintenance cost (surprisingly)

• Never felt underpower (adequately powered)

• All windows were auto

• Huge boot volume (managed to stow a tall baby stroller longitudinaly lie down of course)

Cons

• Errgghh...slow AC blow fan speed 

• No Bluetooth Connectivity

• Manually-fold side mirror

• Wide rubber (235) for 17" wheel means not many choices out there to choose from

• I really hate the rim design and to make matter complicated, the width was 8" whereas all aftermarket models are 7.5" widest for 17", so to play safe, I had to settle with whatever fitted from factory

Ratings

• Total Score: 4

• Performance: 4

• Quality & Features: 4

• Space: 5

• Ride Comfort: 5

• Fuel Economy: 5

• Price & Cost: 5

Summary

Would I buy it again if I can turn back time? hell yeah. Definitely worth, engaging and fun to own & drive. If somehow I can technically relay my feeling to it, I'd say thanks for wonderful 4 years and all the precious lessons and knowledges I managed to learn about conti cars which I can say pretty straight forward perhaps because I did my howework and study the model and potential problem & headaches for couple of years before I bought it. Also I'd like to thanks to all Passat B7 FB Page forum members for all their shares and thoughts. I'd urge all owners to follow the old timers for tips and knowledge to ensure pleasure and fun ownership of this hugely misundertood and under-appreciated gem.

Interesting events that happened to my car

Apart from normally & intermittent occuring speed sensor problem, nothing 'interesting' ever happened to my ex-car. It's been a straight forward and pleasant journey & ownership. Perhaps... maybe, just maybe because I replaced all potential problematic parts like v-belt, fuel pump module, coil, plugs etc in the early stage of my ownership that I've never experienced any of the inconveniences the model so regularly associated with.

📢📢Announcement:

After reading a countless number of Owner Review stories, are you interested in sharing your own story also? WapCar sincerely invites YOU to share the genuine feelings of your car!

You may receive special souvenirs from WapCar! Sign up now to know more! WapCar staff will contact you shortly after you sign up.