Looking at buying a TDI Highline what to look for?

[richardsbox]

Hi everyone

Looking for some advise, i'm looking at buying a Passat tdi 130pd Highline model, the one i'm looking at has 116k on the clock with fsh on a 05 plate 2005, so 4 years old now. The dealer says its had a cambelt change at 80k.

What shall i look for when i go and view the car? I've heard about suspension problems will this be something which couldbe wrong even though only 4 years old. Its obviously been up and down motorways to cover 30k a year.

What is the service intervals for the passats so i know ruffly how many stamps it should have in the book

Cheers for any help:Blush:

[boidy]

give it some shoe ( approx 3500-4000 rpm ) in 3rd gear up the steepest hill that you can find if it has a limp mode problem it'll find it out. they can be a complete pain and could be a number of things to correct. look up limp mode in the search box.

[Col]

Good point above.

Also search on here for;

Blocked plenum drains.
And listen for any clonks from the front suspension.

Other than that, just look for what you would on any other car.

However, VW revised the cambelt interval to 60k so to be on the safe side, factor in a cambelt, waterpump and aux belt change soon. If I were t buy it, I'd be looking to get it done at 120k which is fast approaching as the car is at 116k. Not strictly necessary but it would be the best insurance policy you could invest in on the car.

[cazyp]

But if the cambelt was done @ 80'000 it wont need doing again til 140'000?

Look for rusted area around the numberplate lights. VWUK REFUSE to replace/repare under anti corrosion warrenty. Common fault.

[Col]

But if the cambelt was done @ 80'000 it wont need doing again til 140'000?

Look for rusted area around the numberplate lights. VWUK REFUSE to replace/repare under anti corrosion warrenty. Common fault.

True.

But it is unlikely that the waterpump would have been done and it is the waterpump that is most likely to give bother.

[cazyp]

True.

But it is unlikely that the waterpump would have been done and it is the waterpump that is most likely to give bother.

I accept that! When I got my current passat I phoned and asked the servicing dealer what had been done at the last cambelt change - waterpump was listed on their records. Worth asking I suppose. (Don't ask with a leading question though - just ask WHAT was replaced.)

[richardsbox]

Good point above.

Also search on here for;

Blocked plenum drains.
And listen for any clonks from the front suspension.

Other than that, just look for what you would on any other car.

However, VW revised the cambelt interval to 60k so to be on the safe side, factor in a cambelt, waterpump and aux belt change soon. If I were t buy it, I'd be looking to get it done at 120k which is fast approaching as the car is at 116k. Not strictly necessary but it would be the best insurance policy you could invest in on the car.

thanks for the above advise, the links suggest that there is a recall on the issue with the Blocked plenum drains but that is for Audi, do you know if VW have a recall for the same?

If i check all the carpets as much as i can when i view the car is it worth taking the battery out and checking if there are any leaves underneith, I'm not great with cars is it obvious what i'm looking for when i've taken the battery out.

I'll prob go between the two suggestions and get the cambelt and the kit replaced at the next service. The dealer says its just been serviced anyway, so will wait 10k and get it done then.

If the car does have water issues is it awalk away job?

[cazyp]

No, it's an unblock the plenum holes job and get the passenger carpet up to check for water/corrosion on the CCM. Feeling the top of the carpet is unlikely to reveal damp as the carpet is so damn thick! Use it as a bargaining point.
It's something that you will need to keep on top of throughout the ownership of your car. Very easy to check.
I think there is a VW recall on this now.

Remember to open the boot and check the number plate lights for corrosion/rust on the boot lid.

[boidy]

you could always get a RAC inspection done for peace of mind, this should show up any problems and it's not really that expensive when your shelling 5k out.

[ChillOut]

Check if its been used for towing. Check the clutch for judder. The clucth is not strong on this car and won't survive long if used for towing.

Servicing is variable - should be every 16-18K miles from my own and knowing 3 others who had the same model.

The knocking from the suspension is common and is expensive - several hundred pounds even from an independent. There several upper and lower ball joints.

Seat belts - can be lazy to retract - was a known fault, but no one ever admitted it. Had several done under warranty.

I would suggest perhaps haggling the cam belt/water pump/aux belts from the dealer. It's a buyers market after all. Perhaps offer to pay for the parts if he stumps up for the labour. Just a thought.

Not wanting to poor cold water on your ideas but I have two views on this car (I own one which has done 65K from new).

It was a great car new - for a couple of years at least I considered it the very best car I have ever owned for power, economy, comfort, superior paintwork, well made etc etc. However, it has had more problems than I would expect from a car of this make, age and mileage - one new clutch, another on the way out, many new seatblets, suspension knocking, leaky headlight. Expensive cam belt servicing that VW will make annual if they keep on the way they are reducing the intervals. Now its smoking - perhaps overfilled, perhaps not. I have never had a car ever that I was constantly worried something pricey was about to fail on me. And I have had two cars up to 11 years old - neither ever required such expensive repairs - cam belts were a piece of cake to replace and each only ever had the failure of a wheel bearing and a water pump - again both cheap.

To quote some footy commentators "its been a game of two halves"

[richardsbox]

In some ways it puts me off from buying, I currently own a Golf mk4 with 150k on the clock but need to get rid as its just not big enough if you have young kids, back seats to small and same with the boot. Hence looking at the Passat but it sounds like it will need a lot of maintenance to keep on the road. Issues with water leaks etc.

I was also looking at the Audi A4 which is more expensive. Are these issues with water very common:zx11:

[ChillOut]

In some ways it puts me off from buying, I currently own a Golf mk4 with 150k on the clock but need to get rid as its just not big enough if you have young kids, back seats to small and same with the boot. Hence looking at the Passat but it sounds like it will need a lot of maintenance to keep on the road. Issues with water leaks etc.

I was also looking at the Audi A4 which is more expensive. Are these issues with water very common:zx11:

Regarding the water - it seems so reading this forum, but it also seems easy to prevent.

The A4 had the same potential water issues, and I would say is even more expensive to maintain. It also has rubbish rear leg room for kids if you are a six foot driver and still not much if you are more average in height. Its a nicer car for sure, but the sensible money says Passat.

Adding to my list of woes, I also had a Climate Control fault under warranty and a fault parcel cover, again under warranty, although replaced without quibble - no other maker would have done that, it could have been called wear and tear or abuse.

Do bear in mind that on here you will normally only see people with problems - that's why we come here. For a more balanced view compared to other makes, use What Car, Honest John, your local non-franchised speciliast and ask how expensive cars are to run and how reliable.

My experience of cheaper cars to run is based on cars designed in the 1980's - they were simpler, much cheaper and more reliable then IMO. Back then VW's were bullet proof; our local VW repair specialist confirms that VW are better for his business than 10 years ago.

Makes come and go - they develop a good name, then squeeze the profit margins built on that name, then they loose the name and round it goes. For example, Vauxhall were down in the 70's, up in the 80's, down in the 90's and are up again in the 00's, but I don't think anyone has noticed their last resurgance. (Our 2005 Astra is better built than our 2005 Passat, although the paint is not as good) Only my opinion, but I think VW are drifting off their high point if not falling from it.

[cazyp]

Passat cost wise should be similar ££ to maintain than the golf. The water issue is easy to prevent - just clear the leaves out of the plenum every 6 months - 15 min' job. I've had no problems with any of my (taxi) passats other than standard running costs and the odd climate flap/vacuum leak. Certainly more reliable than Vauxhalls.

Infact - if you want to buy a reliable car look at what taxi companies are using for Private Hire work. Mainly Skodas and VW's. Superbs - if you can put up with looking at the skoda badge on the steering wheel, have masses of legroom, but rear doors like barn doors - annoying on narrow streets esp' if getting a kid in/out.

We tried Vauxhalls - too many elec faults and Mondeos - TDCI engine not up to the long running hours, and went back to VW/Skoda (and Pugs..)

[ChillOut]

Passat cost wise should be similar ££ to maintain than the golf. The water issue is easy to prevent - just clear the leaves out of the plenum every 6 months - 15 min' job. I've had no problems with any of my (taxi) passats other than standard running costs and the odd climate flap/vacuum leak. Certainly more reliable than Vauxhalls.

Infact - if you want to buy a reliable car look at what taxi companies are using for Private Hire work. Mainly Skodas and VW's. Superbs - if you can put up with looking at the skoda badge on the steering wheel, have masses of legroom, but rear doors like barn doors - annoying on narrow streets esp' if getting a kid in/out.

We tried Vauxhalls - too many elec faults and Mondeos - TDCI engine not up to the long running hours, and went back to VW/Skoda (and Pugs..)

Can't argue with your experience, and the logic of what taxi drivers use is hard to disagree with. Your experience of Vauxhall may stem from the 90's designs when they were dreadfull - we have had two cars replaced FOC, one for a nominal amount and the latest we paid just 25% of the new price - all because of a catalogue of problems. I am not sure I'd put my money into buying another if I had to pay full price again. I think they are now underrated but people were scared off because of their past problems.

[cazyp]

Can't argue with your experience, and the logic of what taxi drivers use is hard to disagree with. Your experience of Vauxhall may stem from the 90's designs when they were dreadfull - we have had two cars replaced FOC, one for a nominal amount and the latest we paid just 25% of the new price - all because of a catalogue of problems. I am not sure I'd put my money into buying another if I had to pay full price again. I think they are now underrated but people were scared off because of their past problems.

Experiance with Vauxhalls (infact an H reg 2.0i Cavalier was one of the best/reliable cars i've ever had!) is based on 02-07 plate Vectras/Zafiras.

[PeteK]

In some ways it puts me off from buying, I currently own a Golf mk4 with 150k on the clock but need to get rid as its just not big enough if you have young kids, back seats to small and same with the boot. Hence looking at the Passat but it sounds like it will need a lot of maintenance to keep on the road. Issues with water leaks etc.

I was also looking at the Audi A4 which is more expensive. Are these issues with water very common:zx11:

Sometimes reading these forums can put you off buying a car, however what you have to remember is that people tend to post on here only when they have a problem and there are thousands out there that have never had the same issues. The way people drive can also affect the reliability of the car; some are mechanically sympathetic whilst others abuse and kill their cars very quickly.

I bought my 2004 Passat 130TDi Highline last year when it was 3 years old and had done 96k miles in the hands of a company car driver. A year later it has now done 124k miles and has never missed a beat, it feels as tight and solid as a 24k miler! I'm not concerned about the suspension as being an ex company car most of the miles have been done on a motorway which causes minimal wear; most of my driving is done on smooth A roads and motorways so I do not expect to have to replace anything in the near future. You do read about problems with the VNT vanes sticking on the turbo; personally I think this is caused by people driving around in too high a gear at too low revs. I always try and keep the revs above 1500rpm when crusing and change up at 2500 / 3000rpm with the occasional blast, this ensures that you are exercising the vanes properly. The plenum chamber can cause problems if the drains block; I advise keeping a regular check on this. Personally I removed the rubber drains so there is less chance of any blockage occurring. People also say the clutch & DMF is a weak point - my clutch works very smoothly and feels as though it has loads of life left in it, probably again as a result of being used mainly on motorways. I have recently had my engine remapped to 170bhp and 360 NM torque and again this has caused no issues - as long as you treat the clutch carefully and avoid riding or holding the car on the clutch it should last a long time.

All in all, I think the Passat is a great car and would recommend one to anyone.

[Hex69]

Sometimes reading these forums can put you off buying a car, however what you have to remember is that people tend to post on here only when they have a problem and there are thousands out there that have never had the same issues. The way people drive can also affect the reliability of the car; some are mechanically sympathetic whilst others abuse and kill their cars very quickly.

I bought my 2004 Passat 130TDi Highline last year when it was 3 years old and had done 96k miles in the hands of a company car driver. A year later it has now done 124k miles and has never missed a beat, it feels as tight and solid as a 24k miler! I'm not concerned about the suspension as being an ex company car most of the miles have been done on a motorway which causes minimal wear; most of my driving is done on smooth A roads and motorways so I do not expect to have to replace anything in the near future. You do read about problems with the VNT vanes sticking on the turbo; personally I think this is caused by people driving around in too high a gear at too low revs. I always try and keep the revs above 1500rpm when crusing and change up at 2500 / 3000rpm with the occasional blast, this ensures that you are exercising the vanes properly. The plenum chamber can cause problems if the drains block; I advise keeping a regular check on this. Personally I removed the rubber drains so there is less chance of any blockage occurring. People also say the clutch & DMF is a weak point - my clutch works very smoothly and feels as though it has loads of life left in it, probably again as a result of being used mainly on motorways. I have recently had my engine remapped to 170bhp and 360 NM torque and again this has caused no issues - as long as you treat the clutch carefully and avoid riding or holding the car on the clutch it should last a long time.

All in all, I think the Passat is a great car and would recommend one to anyone.

All in all I can only second that opinion. I've a B5 (same car underneath really) with a 115 BHP diesel (again very similar to the 130) with 224k on it, apart from regular (i.e. every 10k miles) maintenance, and a couple of supsension arms (again more to do with the state of the roads I think) and the radiator being replaced. I've got nothing to complain about. Just look at the number of high mileage examples on here......http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=11965 and http://www.editgrid.com/user/mycarsavw/VWAF_High_Mileage_-_Volkswagen

[ChillOut]

Last two post interesting. "drive on smooth roads, treat your clutch carefully, suspension arms the fault of the roads" All suggests its a bit of a delicate flower.

I don't ride or hammer the clutch and the cars done more than an average number of motorway miles.

Most garages will tell you that all DMF asbestos free clutches in a lot of makes of car these days are basically weak and not up to the superior torque of modern diesels. VW may not be any worse than others, but I still maintain that the clutch is not up to the strength/power/weight of this car.

Fords have the same suspension issues. Doen't make it right.

[Hex69]

Last two post interesting. "drive on smooth roads, treat your clutch carefully, suspension arms the fault of the roads" All suggests its a bit of a delicate flower.

No more than the BMWs, Mercs, Hondas, etc, etc,..... that have suffered due to



the appalling state of our roads
the huge increase in sleeping policemen.

[PeteK]

Last two post interesting. "drive on smooth roads, treat your clutch carefully, suspension arms the fault of the roads" All suggests its a bit of a delicate flower.


On the contrary, I would say that the fact my car has done 124k miles and still drives like new shows what good build quality these cars have. I just choose to try and avoid rougher surfaced roads to prolong the suspension life. The last car I owned, a BMW E36, needed new wishbones and struts at approx 80k miles. I also treat the clutch carefully on any car I drive; i.e. dont leave the clutch depressed whilst waiting at lights, never hold the car on the clutch, avoid using it abruptly etc and have never had to replace a clutch in any car i've owned, most of which have covered over 200k miles.

[cazyp]

As said, mine is a taxi, gets 12 hour constant running shifts with a mixture of city/national speed limit driving (lots of speed humps and curbing) and the top arms needed replacing at 130'000. Clutch still original @ 169'000. Can't complain at that.

[richardsbox]

pick the car up on tuesday so hopefully everything will be ok, cheers for the help, i'll keep an eye out on the water issues under the battery. Is it worth pulling out those rubber grommits