 My Passat was a great car until we hit 45,000 miles.  Then we needed to replace the secondary air pump ($600), then the brakes, now at 58,000 miles the secondary air pump is out again ($600) and the tie rods need to be replaced ($500), plus the paint is peeling off of the bumper (no accidents). Oh yeah, the control for the outside mirrors fell off.  I love the car but the maintenance has become a bit much to bear.