Passat Virgin!

[Turkster]

Hi guys

yer im new, so please let me off for asking,

Im about to buy a VW Passat, I want a diesel not a petrol, I want to get a diesel for fuel reasons, Iv been in a few, love the space inside and the safty side of the car, Not the most sexiest car on the road i know, but that not why im buying one, iv got a little girl who i want to protect the most as poss when on the roads in England when i get back from Turkey,

Im looking to pick up in England a 97-2000 model, iv seen lots for around £2-3k and thats a nice price if you ask me for a lot of car,

What id like to know from you guys in the know,

What to look out for on them ? Problmes that could cost me a lot of cash if i buy a pig of a car,

Also high milers, iv always been aware that diesel engines go on and on as long as the oil and glo plugs are changed regular, is that true ?

Im not a compleat nobby when it comes down to cars, i just find its best to ask people who have owned or own a Passat 1st.

Any advise you can give will be read with great detail,

Thanks in advance

Paul

PS can you tell me what the difference is for teh TDI 90, 110 and 115 ?

[snapdragon]

Hello, when you look at them, (assuming right hand drive) feel the carpet under the passenger side front floormat, if it's wet there is a leak from the pollen filter housing and the water could have got into an electronic control module under the carpet, or worse the wiring loom and connector that plugs into it. Other than that, I can't think of much, they aren't particularly reliable or well built, so check everything for faults.
Check that the power steering fluid is green and the coolant is pink or lilac if they aren't the wrong ones were used which shows a previous owner who wasn't very bothered.
Good luck!

[Turkster]

thanks for the reply mate, yer i was under the impression that the passat was a german tank in a new shell, yes it will be a RHD car, Be a bit strange getting used to driving on the left again, but im sure i be ok after a few mins, back in the saddle as they say!

Do the only real issue is a slight water leak via pollen filter area, is it an easy job to resolve shoule one be found ?

thanks again,

Paul

[MalcQV]

Just bought a 2003 2.0S. When I was looking (at a main dealer) a 53 plate 2.0SE had this swimming pool to the rear. I knew nothing of the pollen filter problem at the time. Needless to say when I pointed it out to the salesman he quickly moved me on!!

I would personally not touch one that has had this problem. Even from a main dealer IMHO it sounds like the problem may continue well past a warranty date.

[Turkster]

well iv found a great passat, a lot of car for so little money , 2.500 pounds!

1999 in Met Black,
Sport 115bhp
All the toys, air con trip computer etc etc,
Alloys,
No bangs
No Water leaks or wet passenger side floors!


heres the advert


http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www...00640251894258

[adamss24]

Be quick and buy that car asap mate, if that car is genuine its a lot of car for the money...! Beware all VAG car from 1997 to 2001 are verry easy to clock(mileage corection !??) and the timing belt should be replaced as per book. If in doubt check the condition of belt, if in bad shape or doubts change ASAP. Other than that check the car for blue smoke on start-up with the engine cold, check for mayonaisse like on the oil cap(sign of blown head gasket), check for wear and tear, check the brakes ,CV joints gaitors, noisy driveshafts on full lock, noisy/notchy gearbox, excesive black smoke on WIDE OPEN THROTTLE, oil leaks under and around engine bay, climate control/air conditioning in full working order- verry expensive to fix, leaky/ shot shock absorbers front and back( its a 1750 kg car !!!), odd rattles/ odd noises from the front suspension(worn track rod ends, susp.links, wishbones, susp.arms). Keep your eyes open. Always ask questions, why they selling how manny owners, ckeck the mileage with the service history, if theres big differences, walk away. Just remember, you are buying and dont settle for less. If somthing needs doing just get the price down... accordingly ! Hope this helps.

[adamss24]

Just bought a 2003 2.0S. When I was looking (at a main dealer) a 53 plate 2.0SE had this swimming pool to the rear. I knew nothing of the pollen filter problem at the time. Needless to say when I pointed it out to the salesman he quickly moved me on!!

I would personally not touch one that has had this problem. Even from a main dealer IMHO it sounds like the problem may continue well past a warranty date.

mate, wet rear floors indicates a rear end shunt ! Check for misaligned panels, different paint shades, Sometimes if car has a sunroof the drains may block and end up dripping on the floor. If there is watter sippage on the front passenger side just check the bulkhead drain behind the brake servo for blockage. Also be aware that most of the cars electronic control modules are on the floor and water and electricity dont mix!!! best luck.

[adamss24]

thanks for the reply mate, yer i was under the impression that the passat was a german tank in a new shell, yes it will be a RHD car, Be a bit strange getting used to driving on the left again, but im sure i be ok after a few mins, back in the saddle as they say!

Do the only real issue is a slight water leak via pollen filter area, is it an easy job to resolve shoule one be found ?

thanks again,

Paul

The old A6 were built like tanks, new A4 A6 passat are all built on same platform and yes they handle better, they slighty weigh less but are a lot more fragile compared with the old model. Too much plastic and aluminium...and the fuel consumption isnt better tough...! My old c4 a6 used to do 55 Mpg...with a 6 speed gearbox and a 2.5 tdi engine 140 Bhp and that engine shifted. Do that with a 1.9 Tdi...

[MalcQV]

mate, wet rear floors indicates a rear end shunt ! Check for misaligned panels, different paint shades, Sometimes if car has a sunroof the drains may block and end up dripping on the floor. If there is watter sippage on the front passenger side just check the bulkhead drain behind the brake servo for blockage. Also be aware that most of the cars electronic control modules are on the floor and water and electricity dont mix!!! best luck.

S'ok I did not buy this car, in fact even if I would of wanted to the salesman would not of let me.