Buying new Passat B5.5

[rinupanu]

Hi Guys,

New to the Passat forum, used to own an A3 8L but just got rid of that due to loads of problems!

Now I wanted something bigger, and I like the Passat B5.5 (2001-2005)

I've just found one for sale

• 2001 (Y reg)
• Saloon
• 143,000 miles
• Manual
• 1.9L
• Diesel

TAX(July) + MOT(Feb 2012) and has had cambelt done at 120,000 miles, and it's going for £1495, is there any thing I should be checking on this car when I go and see if apart from the normal stuff? also is 143 high? my A3 petrol had 110,000 but i'm told Diesels (if looked after) will last a very long time, thanks in advance for any responses! and sorry if I have posted in the wrong section!

[PeteK]

143k isn't too bad for a 2001 car - my 2004 130 TDi has done 176k. I would prefer to buy a car with high mileage that has been looked after than a lower mileage one with a dubious history.

Main things to check are the usual damp carpets on the passenger footwell - check all the electrics work as they should including the heater / climate control system. Make sure it has been regularly serviced using the correct PD spec oil. With regards to the cambelt change, I would find out if the water pump has been replaced at the same time which is usually recommended. Clutches and front suspension components are quite expensive to replace so check the transmission changes gear smoothly and the clutch is smooth, also listen for any knocks and rattles from the suspension. Give it a good test drive and check the the turbo is working correctly - try driving from just above idle with your foot to the floor in 3rd gear a few times and check it doesn't go into limp home mode (the turbo veins can start to stick causing this if the car has been pottered around). They are great cars if you look after them, mine is still all original despite the high mileage other than having a new radiator and alternator clutch pulley.

[Hex69]

Hi Guys,

New to the Passat forum, used to own an A3 8L but just got rid of that due to loads of problems!

Now I wanted something bigger, and I like the Passat B5.5 (2001-2005)

I've just found one for sale

• 2001 (Y reg)
• Saloon
• 143,000 miles
• Manual
• 1.9L
• Diesel

TAX(July) + MOT(Feb 2012) and has had cambelt done at 120,000 miles, and it's going for £1495, is there any thing I should be checking on this car when I go and see if apart from the normal stuff? also is 143 high? my A3 petrol had 110,000 but i'm told Diesels (if looked after) will last a very long time, thanks in advance for any responses! and sorry if I have posted in the wrong section!

1. Check to see if waterpump was done when cambelt was changed.
2. Check plenum chamber is clear and all electrics work.
3. Check Brake servo is ok (see above).
4. Check suspension at front (has a habit of needing replacing).
5. Check rear bushes.
6. Check Alternator Pulley is quiet and runs smoothly.
7. Check it's been regularly serviced with correct oil (VW505.01 or VW507.00)

That looks like a long list, but if it's a good one it should run and run (mine went to 227k and was still returning 60 mpg when some stupid woman wrote it off.

I'm sure I've missed something, but someone else will come along and put me right.