i am interested in purchasing a 2003 w8 passat. I would really like some feedback from anyone who has had one or owns on the maintenance and or the common problems they have had with this car, if any. Thanks  

i own a 2003 passat avant w8. i bought it new in 05 because the dealer never sold it, I got it for 28,000 and it had 107 miles on it. It now has 63000 miles and the first problem has now occured. It needs cv boots (common for car that heavy), but the main problem now is the thermastat. The part alone is 500 and the labor is another 500. It is now parked until I free up the 1800 to fix both of these. It is a excellant car but if buying used, check it carefully! My wife calls it her german tank and that it is, it is powerful and smooth! Keep in mind this is a high dollar car and the average oil change is 150, since it takes nine quarts. The upside is you can find a decent one for about 12 grand. Good Luck!    dustin