whitehouse Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Hi All, Joined this morning, and been browsing thru the forum and impressed with the knowledge on show. I'm looking to buy a used Passat and have about £7,000 to spend. With all your expertise, does anyone have any advice on what to look out for, best models/ages to buy, tell-tale signs of duds, etc. I'm not too technically-minded, so would be grateful of any tips and pointers. Thanks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulkbear Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 Buy a PD TDI and don't be put off by high miles, and good luck car hurting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnalu Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 I spent £8000 on a 51-plate 2.0SE a year ago (from a dealer) and I regret it. The Passat is a good car in many ways, but it has been the most troublesome car I've ever owned. The alarm and locking has failed three times in the last year for two different reasons and the coolant temp sender failed. Truem I've probably been unlucky, but these are common faults for passats - as you can see in this forum. If you are sure you still want one, and not a much more reliable car (e.g. mondeo, accord or avensis) then feel the carpets in the front footwells - especially passenger side. If they are damp, walk away. Water gets in due to an amazingly stupid design flaw in the form of a seal on the pollen filter that is guaranteed to perish. If water has damaged the electronics under the carpet there then the alarm, remote locking, power windows and other things may go crazy and cost hundreds to put right. Take a look at Which magazine's roundup of cars - I wish I had! good luck Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pa55aT Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 House, I bought a 2000 X reg Passat tdi pd sport 2 years ago with 60000 miles on it. I have never regretted it in the 30000 miles I have drove it. The one to go for (in my opinion) is the tdi Sport, it has a much nicer interior than the SE or S models. Things to look out for seem to be the water ingress (check under the passenger seat in the rear footwell)and the cambelt change. Make sure it is done at 60000 miles or 5 years, if it is nearly due try to get the dealer to change it in the deal. Other that that mine has been through a cv boot and thats it outside of regular servicing. I was going to buy a new car upto about 10k but cannot find anything that does a better job that the car I have, think I'll hold on to the money and try and get the latest shape one in a couple of years Good Luck Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobby Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 I bought a 2001 Passat 12 months ago, already had 104k on the clock, paid £6500. Its coming upto 149k now, no problems to mention. Engine is sounding more worn, only concern is my MPG have dropped off a little. Go for a 130 PD. When Tian arrives, just ignore him. He's a bad bad person. I think the Passats are going down hill from my first one that was a 1995. But they are still a good car, better than any mondeo, avensis. I do like the new accord (very nice looking car). Its all peoples opinions, depends what you are wanting. How many miles do you expect to do? For 7k you should get a 2002 or newer with a few miles on. make sure it has been VW serviced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M8CKN Posted September 18, 2005 Report Share Posted September 18, 2005 I have a 2000 1.8 20v Passat, just turned 181700 miles today. 2nd owner (dad the first) and all ive had to replace is the throttle body. The car still has its original exhaust and only had the original clutch replaces as it was contaminated by an oil leek. Can not fault them a bit, I would recommend them to anyone that will listen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 I'm on my second Passat, they are a lot of car for the money, not had any problems with either of them, 1st one was a puny 1.6 on S-plate , and sold with 125K on the ODO, was still going strong, but fancied something quicker! My current Passat is an x-plate TDI PD Estate with 106K on the ODO, drives almost like a new car, hasn't let me down - touchwood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitehouse Posted September 19, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Thanks guys, now i'm not so wary of the high mileages I see around. I've heard a lot about the cambelt issues but not so much about water ingress (checking those carpets from now on). Armed with this knowledge I'm now looking at the PD 1.9 TDi (2001/2) - they nearly all have high mileage it seems, but mostly motorways. Mcnalu, even if u haven't scared me off you've made me much more cautious. I'll let u know how i progress. Cheers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rustynuts Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Don't get a 115 bhp PD. Look for a much better engined PD130. The 115 was the first attempt at a PD engine and they managed to iron out a lot of problems with the 130. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnalu Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 I feel I should clarify a few points. I've owned and driven VWs for 15 years - I think VW reliability has dropped in recent years, but may be improving with their most recent cars. When I implied that the passat has poor reliability, I was referring mainly to the electrical and water ingress problems. The following faults are common on Passats due to bad design: Pollen filter seal, coolant temp sender, central locking control in driver's door and boot lock. I think the engine, gearbox and other mechanicals are very reliable. I also think the Passat is a great looking car, very comfortable to drive - in these respects better than a Mondeo, Avensis or Accord. Horses for courses. I have a baby son, a demanding life and so I need a car I can rely on and that won't gobble up my time (and wake me up at night) by constantly going wrong, if even in niggly ways. This is where the Passat has let me down badly. Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asta Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Hi I was in the same position as you earlier this year except i wasnt looking for a passat. I was looking for a golf. I got a pd130 se and im happy with it. Very nice car. Its been well used and had the water ingress problem when i got it but its a good car. It was fixed under warranty. Recently the window mechanism clip broke but it was fixed pretty easily when my car was at the bodyshop for the second time (not my fault!). I like the passat and i want to keep it for as long as i can. Its a car i can feel confident in, gives fantastic economy and pulls very strongly. Plus i can get my mountainbike in the boot no probs. I guess some people have some problems with them but on the whole they are well regarded. Never seen the Which report but all other reviews ive seen reckon they are good. I dont have any problems recommending a Passat to anyone. Its the only car of the size I would have at the money. Even if i did have mecanicals with it i would still rather have it than a mondeo or accord. They would depress me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixthecat1 Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 [ QUOTE ] I bought a 2001 Passat 12 months ago, already had 104k on the clock, paid £6500. Its coming upto 149k now, no problems to mention. Engine is sounding more worn, only concern is my MPG have dropped off a little. Go for a 130 PD. When Tian arrives, just ignore him. He's a bad bad person. I think the Passats are going down hill from my first one that was a 1995. But they are still a good car, better than any mondeo, avensis. I do like the new accord (very nice looking car). Its all peoples opinions, depends what you are wanting. How many miles do you expect to do? For 7k you should get a 2002 or newer with a few miles on. make sure it has been VW serviced. [/ QUOTE ] How can you see where you're going with you're head so far up your own chuff Rob? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobby Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 I cant be ar$ed with you Tian, talk to someone else. Fed up with being careful not to offend you, your too temperamental for me. Like a big baby, got to have your own way. I try not to reply to anything you put from now on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Come on Tian and Wobby, please don't turn this into a personal spatting area - House is looking for some sound advice not a kids playground. House - go for as young a car as you can. If you're looking for a diesel, then go for the PD130 - it is the 130 bhp version and goes really well. My wife runs a TDI Sport Estate with the PD130 engine and it's a great car. 45+ mpg and a good family wagon. Colour is always subjective - silver is easiest to resell, but you'll find a lot of dark blue metallics and some black ones around, steer clear of green or red if you are thinking about the future saleability of the car. I've personally nothing against green or red, but know that they're harder to shift second hand. There are a few options on the type - S, SE and Sport. SE has a higher spec than the S on the interior and some of the exterior (chrome strips). Sport has 15mm lowered suspension, sports seats and some other bits. SE or Sport will be easier to sell when you come to it. Make sure the car has got a full VW main dealer service history and ask for any other receipts the seller has got. If you're buying from a main dealer (which I'm not sure you will be able to with a £7K budget), make sure you get everything fixed on the car if there is anything wrong with it. HTH and best of luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobby Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Sorry for the rant, i have posted my opinions earlier. Its his fault.... he started it!! I joined this forum to gain knowledge and offer advice to problems if its something i have seen before. Take enough hastle at work all day, dont need to come on here for more I was having a joke with Tian, just a joke. It wont be happening again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rustynuts Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Come on Wobbly, calm down a little. We know you've had a bad day ('cos you've just told us) and taking it out on here just means we suffer as well. And what have we all done to deserve it? Forums are impersonal places and you have to be carefull that what you post isn't taken the wrong way. Sticking a smiley at the end of a post makes a big difference to how it's seen by other people. Conversely, the lack of a makes people think you really mean it when you say something and I note the lack of them in your posts recently. Are you in a serious bad mood or is it likely to pass by tomorrow? Now, settle down, give Tian a big hug, and lighten up. No-one wants any fighting here, and you're upsetting the cat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnalu Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 And I thought I was in for a flaming for not being very complimentary about the Passat... How about if I say that my 25 year old mercedes 280ce is a much more reliable car (though a little rusty in places). I love it much more than my Passat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rustynuts Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 [ QUOTE ] (though a little rusty in places). [/ QUOTE ] OI! I resemble that remark. Mercedes 25 years ago were a different beast to todays tin pot stuff. Everything now is electric and electronic whereas back then it was all mechanical. Mercs were built to last back then, now they're built to impress. Tis the way of the world, and it's what people want. Nowadays people like the auto wipers, climate control, blinding torque figures, impressive performance and economy, and we have to put up with these things going wrong. If the Passat didn't have a pollen filter, it wouldn't leak into the electrics which also wouldn't be there for the cenmtral locking etc. Would make the Passat a lot more reliable. Bit like your Merc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobby Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Well, i am saying nothing. I am just going to stand in the corner and keep quiet. Rusty... my lack of emocon things is because i am using the quick reply option and forget to add them at the end. I agree with all you just said regarding Mercs. Another thought is the price of a Passat, the 1995 GL Estate i used to have was 21k new! They are definately making them cheaper now, probably to compete with the likes of Mondeo etc. Then let the Audi take on the better luxury end of the market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixthecat1 Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 [ QUOTE ] I cant be ar$ed with you Tian, talk to someone else. Fed up with being careful not to offend you, your too temperamental for me. Like a big baby, got to have your own way. I try not to reply to anything you put from now on [/ QUOTE ] Nobody will ever go on my ignore list, so go ahead and ignore me if you want I'll still reply to you as I do to everybody on here. Besides, I thought it was you who was offended by my opinions on the Passat that started all this handbag stuff. I'm cool with it just as it it, me slating it and you defending it. What's a 'chuff' between friends anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted September 20, 2005 Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 [ QUOTE ] And I thought I was in for a flaming for not being very complimentary about the Passat... How about if I say that my 25 year old mercedes 280ce is a much more reliable car (though a little rusty in places). I love it much more than my Passat. [/ QUOTE ] That's the great thing with web forums mcnalu. It would be boring as feck if everyone agreed on everything all the time. The 280CE was/is a great car, just not for me. As for the 1954-57 300SL Gullwing Coupe? Different story The public handbag swinging doesn't do anything for anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asta Posted September 20, 2005 Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 [ QUOTE ] There are a few options on the type - S, SE and Sport. SE has a higher spec than the S on the interior and some of the exterior (chrome strips). Sport has 15mm lowered suspension, sports seats and some other bits. SE or Sport will be easier to sell when you come to it. Make sure the car has got a full VW main dealer service history and ask for any other receipts the seller has got. If you're buying from a main dealer (which I'm not sure you will be able to with a £7K budget), make sure you get everything fixed on the car if there is anything wrong with it. [/ QUOTE ] only the later SE's have chrome strips, they also have 6 disc changers instead of the single cd. The SE comes with alloy wheels which the S doesnt unless it was added as an option. You can get a Passat from my local main dealer for around 7k. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontyslapper Posted September 20, 2005 Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 If you can stretch to 10k there are a batch of 2.0S Estates on 04 plates from Europcar floating about. Most are under 15k on the mileage, some even have alloys. In the dealer network they are asking 11-14k for them. I got mine from an independant in South Wales, who managed to get 2 S estates and about 10 saloons in various specs. He bought the estates in for 10.5k and had them up for 11k and then reduced them to 10k due to the fact they were 2.0 petrol!! I don't really mind as its a bit of luxury for not a lot of money - previous cars were a 97 Polo 1.4CL (sold) and a 96 Escort 1.8LX (which we kept?!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jojo Posted September 21, 2005 Report Share Posted September 21, 2005 I would personally avoid the 2.0, unless you can stand the rattle of a diesel. The TDI are so much more desireable and easy to sell on, with better residuals to boot, can't go wrong really. But if you intend to keep the car for a fair few years, with a bit more refinement, then go for the 2.0 by all means. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixthecat1 Posted September 21, 2005 Report Share Posted September 21, 2005 JoJo, my overall opinions aside for a moment surely the 1.8T is a better option. The 2.0 is just too slow and under powered. At least with the 1.8T you get some kit, alloys and the option of tuning it is always there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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