1997-2000 Passat TDI questions....

**Possu** · 30-12-2006,11:49 PM

Hi, first post here, been looking for a decent VW forum for a while, looks like this could be the one.

Hoping to buy a 1997-2000 model Passat TDI manual estate. I've got a rough ide of the differences between the S, SE & Sport packages but have no idea how to determine the engine power output?

I believe they come in a variety of outputs ranging from 90 to 130bhp?

The car will be used for a variety of journey types including towing a two (motor)bike trailer carrying two dirtbikes, combined bike weight approx. 300kg. I like the idea of the Passat estate because of the decent boot size.

I've heard that the 90bhp engine is a bit sluggish but very torquey? I'm not after a sports car or incredible handling, just something reliable that can cruise @ 80-90mph with little effort without guzzling fuel.

I'm thinking that the 110bhp may be the one but stand to corrected. Single disc CD player would be nice, not bothered about multi-play. All the ones I've on Autotrader are trade sales, have what I consider highish mileage (90,000+) & start at around the £3,000 mark.

Not sure what to buy, how much to pay & whether paying a bit extra for a Warranty is worthwhile.:confused

All feedback welcome & appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

**minty0_10** · 31-12-2006,09:45 PM

ive had both 90 and 110 bhp models the 90 model i found give better mpg around 55mpg but the 110 is a all round better car lot more torque and a great towing car to. around 50 mpg up to 60+ on a long run.
friend of mine has the 130bhp witch drives and perfoms better than a lot of petrol cars in the same class.
dont worry to much about milage if the cars been looked after is will go for ever my own car has over 250k on the clock and still going strong.

alway worth a look on ebay sometimes there are good buys to be found there. i personly would rather but privet then from a dealer

**Possu** · 31-12-2006,11:27 PM

Thanks for the reply, have been keeping an eye on Ebay already.

Does the Skoda Octavia use the same engine & chassis as a Passat of the same age?

**minty0_10** · 01-01-2007,12:28 AM

i would have thought maybe the same running gear but not sure if maybe there may be a diffrence in the bhp still suposed to be a good car through see loads of them being use as taxis

**Possu** · 01-01-2007,12:49 AM

Thanks.

I've just found a 1998 1.9 S TDI on 103,000 miles with FSH for sale @ £2,995 (110bhp)

Just in the process of emailing the seller to enquire to ask the following:

Tax expiry date?

MOT expiry date?

It’s advertised as having a FSH – is this through VW dealers?

When was the cambelt changed?

Is there an Immobiliser and/or Alarm fitted? If so, is it a VW system or aftermarket?

Does it have a Radio/Cassette or CD fitted?

Does it have alloy wheels – hard to tell from the photo?

Are there any bodywork or interior trim issues I should be aware of – scratches, scuffs or cigarette burns etc on the seats?

Is there anything of importance that I've forgotten to ask?

Is there anythin in particular that I need to check on inspection? The only specufic item I know of is the damp carpet thing in the n/s passenger footwell.

Your help is appreciated, Happy New Year to you!

Regards

Steve

**Turkster** · 01-01-2007,05:28 AM

look for a damp passenger footwell, just rub the carpet with your hand, if its wet or damp, walk away,

**Lex Luthor** · 01-01-2007,11:11 AM

Originally Posted by Possu

Thanks for the reply, have been keeping an eye on Ebay already.

Does the Skoda Octavia use the same engine & chassis as a Passat of the same age?

No it's based on the Golf platform.
The Skoda Superb is based on the Passat.

**herby0001** · 12-01-2007,05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Turkster

look for a damp passenger footwell, just rub the carpet with your hand, if its wet or damp, walk away,

After reading a few threads regarding dampness in the passenger footwell, couldn't this simply be blocked drain holes by the pollen filter and battery? If so, it's easy to fix, but if the seller is selling because of this, it could be an opportunity to knock down the price.

What does anyone else think about my logic here?

Herby.

**Possu** · 12-01-2007,09:00 PM

I've read about the blocked Pollen Filter resulting in a damp footwell - is this a case of unblocking it causes the problem to disappear or does the excess water lead to other issues?

**Turkster** · 13-01-2007,05:07 AM

you could knock down the price because of this, but what problems are you buying into when electrics snd water dont mix well, as iv learnt!

try www.autotrader.co.uk and your news agents.