 This is my second Passat, at the end of the lease now. I loved my 2002 B5. This, however, is not a B5.  I enjoyed this car, but had some problems with it. The electronic parking brake has been repaired 2x now and still glitchy. It actually disengaged itself and rolled across a parking lot once! AC compressor had to be replaced and the AC is anemic anyway. The film on the dash bubbled up in the sun.  In its favor: the car is just a blast to drive. I have the 6 speed, and it's a hoot. The automatic was anemic compared to the 6 speed. The sensation of a big car moving like a little roadster is comical, enjoyable and uniquely entertaining. 