I have no experience with Passats, but, I wouldn't mind a Platinum Gray one with the W8 in it. I can only imagine what repair costs on one of those would be like. :shock:
As for other VW"s .
I've owned a 92 GTI 16V since new (11 years this month
) and I have put about $500 into it in repairs in that time
(replaced the fuel pump a couple years ago).
About 4 months ago I bought a 2002 Golf TDI (50-60MPG, 1200km/tank
). The GTI is going into semi retirement. I plan on keeping the TDI for at least as long as the GTI unless VW comes up with something new that I like more.
I've owned alot of different makes of vehicle (Ford, GM, Mazda, VW etc) and luckily never had a problem with any of them. But for now I can't see myself buying anything but VW's from now on.
JMHO