Follow the regular maintenence per your user's manaul with the exception of oil change and transmission fluid. VW makes cars that are fun to drive when new but as they age, they become money pit. The electronics on them are too high tech and when they break down, it cost a fortube to fix.

Also, I think your car has a direct injection only. If this is the case, add an oil catch can to prevent the carbon build up on valves. 

My dad's got this car, so here's my advice.

Change the oil every 5k miles, keep an eye on the oil buildup and timing chain, and don't drive like a maniac.

Also keep an eye on the wheel speed sensors, they commonly fail on these cars.

As for the Passat in general, I am assuming you are talking about the North American market one, it's a comfortable and roomy cruiser, but the electronics lets it down too much and fixing it costs a lot of money. These reasons are why VWofA is no longer making them anymore.

The European Passats are better built and nicer than what we get, considering most of them are made in Germany.

junk