As I understand it the 010 automatics are bulletproof so long as you keep the fluid fresh and the differential oil at the correct level. The 5 cyl is the standard VW 1.8l + one cylinder. Very reliable engine. That car might also have the Prototen (sp?) safety system... cables run from the rear engine mount to the seatbelts and steering column. In a crash the engine being driven backwards tightens the belts and moves the steering wheel up into the dash.

By the 90s the Passat was moved off of an Audi platform.

-Jason

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.