Volkswagen Passat Problems

The most likely cause of the shudder are the clutches, which probably need to be replaced. It doesn't mean you will have long-term issues with the gearbox, but you could be up for replacing the clutches regularly.

Both are fine choices. I believe it comes down to the use you plan for it. A diesel works at its best when it's constantly running and fully warmed-up, preferably at a constant speed. The petrol engine is better in transient traffic conditions where the car is always accelerating or slowing. If you live in the city I would go for the petrol engine, if you live out of town then the diesel is probably better.

You are choosing from a good line-up as all three of your contenders get The Tick from me. My personal ranking puts the Passat ahead of the Outback but there is no reason not to go ahead with the Subaru.

That’s the problem with VWs, you can get six good ones in a row, but the next one could be a lemon. Rather than a wagon you’re probably looking at an SUV. I would suggest a Kia Sorento, Subaru Outback, or Toyota RAV4.

The VW brand has been tarnished somewhat with the automatic gearbox and the diesel emission issues, and that could be turning people off. It does sound like a decent car, however, one that would be worth looking at. It might be a case of setting a price that no one can ignore. The guiding price range is $11,000 to $13,000, so perhaps consider dropping it below that.

You’re buying a used car, it’s not new, so you have to expect some wear-and-tear issues. The older the car, the greater the wear-and-tear, and the more likely it is to have suffered mechanical failures or even a crash. That means you have to thoroughly check the car before purchase, and you have to rely on the honesty of the vendor. If the car has had clutch problems it should be recorded in the service book. It’s the same with the others you’re looking at, check them thoroughly, and if you’re uncertain have an expert check them for you. Of the three others you are considering I would avoid the Passat as a potential money pit, and go for the i40 in preference to the Commodore.

As it transpired, it was only a loose hose that affected the turbocharger on the Passat test car but it's the first time I've had a test car that needed to be trucked away. You can read the full report in this week's Tick.