Passat Buying Advice... what to check

**A1Dan75** · 05-07-2010,05:34 PM

I'm looking to buy my first Passat (estate), and could do with some advice on how to best avoid ending up with avoidable repair bills... after all, having owner an Alfa Romeo for the last few yearss, one of the things I want from a VW is reliability!

Apologies if I sounds a bit clueless on any of this. I know a lot of things have been covered in various threads, and I've picked up some bits and pieces, but a "duffers guide" on what (and how) to check would be invaluable!

I'm looking at getting a 2006/07 2.0 TDi - not decided between the 140 or 170 yet. I drove a 140 which was very pleased with, but I would appreciate the extra pull of the 170 for overtaking. Will ultimately come down to what I find available for what price.

The main things I've seen mentioned are oil-pump issues, with some scary sounding oblique references to calamitous failure causing widespread damage. Can anybody fill me in on the details?

Is this issue specific only to the BKP engine (in which case does that mean 170 engines are not affected)?

If it has been covered by a recall, should this be clearly shown in the SH?

If I am buying from a VW dealer, I'm sure such things can be easily verified, but if I'm buying private / independent dealer, how is it best approached?

What else should I be looking out for, other than the usual FSH with all correct intervals, and signs of crash damage etc?

Thanks in advance guys - Really looking forward to finding the car for me, but want to make sure I don't rush in and come away disapponited!

**patomlin76** · 05-07-2010,07:11 PM

I believe it was just the BKP engines which had the oil pump drive failures, but also the early TDI's that suffer from injector failure too. And I don't think they were covered by a recall either. Ultimately I think you'd find fewer problems with a 170 as long as you can find one at the right price. I'm sure others with more TDI knowledge will also help out...

Other things to look out for would be sawtooth wear on the rear tyres (incorrect alignment at the rear).

What spec are you looking at?

**billythetidd** · 05-07-2010,08:48 PM

I have a 140TDi S estate with a 58 plate and around 30,000 miles. I have had it from new and the only thing that's wrong is this problem with the rear tyres. The sawtooth effect. Apart from that this car is brill. I have had to get two new front tyres as but that was just wear and tear.

**A1Dan75** · 05-07-2010,08:48 PM

Sport would be nice, but SE pretty much has everything I need. 170 didn't come in SE though, right?
Is SEL pretty much the same as Sport equipment wise, but just without the firmer suspension?

**A1Dan75** · 05-07-2010,08:49 PM

What needs doing to remedee the saw tooth effect then?

Cost?

**billythetidd** · 05-07-2010,08:50 PM

All info here

**A1Dan75** · 05-07-2010,08:54 PM

Originally Posted by billythetidd

All info here

Can't get that page to load, Billy...

Edit: Has now!

Doesn't have much about the 06/07 models there though?

**billythetidd** · 05-07-2010,08:55 PM

Well there hasn't really been a proper fix found. There are a few threads on the forum about this. Get your tracking done, wheel alignment done, and camber done. Pricey though, about £500 all in. Just need to replace the rear tyres now, about another £200