I have a 2007 Passat 2.0T FSI with manual transmission. I have almost 97000 miles on it. Bought it new, dealer maintained per owner's manual. All service performed within 200 miles of schedule. All stock except I had the APR stage 1 test flash (lasts for about 8 hours of driving) done a few years ago. I drive 46 miles each way to work, with maybe 3 stops each way on average, otherwise all highway speed and up. I wind it up pretty much every time. I fill it up with 93 octane, mostly from BP, but lately from Shell.
Most important maintenance items for me:
1. check the oil. Since about 40K miles I have noticed some oil consumption. I need to add about 2 quarts every 10K miles. VW spec castrol exclusively.
2. Rotate the tires at 5K miles intervals (or more often). If you wait for each 10K service interval the tires get really noisy very quickly. Have noticed this with the OEM continentals and Cooper CS4 16" tires. I have the Michelin Primacy MX4 tires now, they are outstanding, especially in the wet at high speed. Think I have about 20K miles (not certain, but the others didn't make it to 40K (each set) for sure). I will definitely buy them again.
I haven't had issues with the cam follower although the idle seems a tad rough. VW sent out special warrantee info several weeks ago extending coverage to 120K miles for the cam follower. It appears to be an easy fix anyway, and the part is maybe $40.
I have not gotten the stage 1 flash done "permanently" for budget priority reasons and because it was the family car until the end of April this year. Now it is all mine and we have a backup vehicle other than the new family ride (2011 Flex Ecoboost Limited, love it). Maybe next year I'll meet the guys from APR again at Mid Ohio.
I really like the Passat. I don't have the sport package, just the basic 2.0T trim. Seats are just right for me, although the Flex's seats are very comfy in a different way. Stereo is not bad at all for stock. Pretty zippy engine, no turbo lag with the stock programming and the manual transmission.
The auto hold (hill holder electronic parking brake) is really nice to have. I like the "comfy blinkers" which the 2x more pricy Flex does not have.
Wait a minute.... I had to change dip beam headlight bulbs at 96K miles. Forgot that. Also, wiper blades are special. They cost pretty much the same at ECStuning as it is at the dealership. OEM blades work very well for a long time. I am on my second set and am starting to see streaks on the driver's side so it will be time for another set soon.
One electrical gremlin: rear passenger window switch occasionally doesn't work. It must be programming-related. Always returns to "normal" if I shut the car off. No constant idiot lights on the dash as it seems so many claim (wonder if it is really true / are VAG cars especially susceptible to faulty electronics).
There were a few recall-related service events, but no problems ever manifested, so they were taken care of concurrently with scheduled service events.
I guess that service is relatively costly (synthetic oil and all that) from what other people say. Hasn't put me in the poor house, so I don't know what to say about that.
The Passat is fun to drive and doesn't lull me to sleep on the long commute.
33mpg summer (60 miles per hour speed average per trip computer, includes stops, idling, etc). 31mpg in the winter for different gas formula.
Traction control and stability control aids have saved my ass, notably on a long, slow uphill bend with a big ditch on the edge of the road. Can use it in a moderately deep snow driveway, too: floor it in first and let the computer take over the throttle and you'll make your way, albeit slowly. Sometimes you can make faster progress by disabling the driver's aids.
Good car and I wouldn't turn down a hot deal for a new GTI based on my experience with the Passat.
p.s. the APR stage 1 tune is incredible. Car is already zippy at ~200 lb ft torque, is an animal with a 50% increase.
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