Should I get a Passat TDI?

[86audicoupe]

Hello peeps

Have been thinking about getting a Passat TDI for a while now (50-ish mpg economy)! So what's the story with them? I don't really want anything too new or fancy being a work vehicle, found this on eBay (1997 model):

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

What do you think? It's not far from me and seems like a genuine sell. If everything's been done then the car might be ok, but then I'm a bit worried about the perishable parts (rubbers underneath) and suspension etc.

[AAN 5pot]

could be a good buy. Avoid the 2.5 v6 tdis as they have expensive pumps that go wrong. also the can slip timing chains.


AAN

[Acidburn]

very nice cars to drive, I picked up my 99 v plate one for a very good price. I've had it around 4 months now and managed to do nearly 20k on it, currently standing at nearly 221k on the clock and still going fine.

[Isimmo]

Should I get a Passat TDI?

No...

[martinws]

i have a 55plate passat estate which is amazing for packing full of people to go places, driving miles for next to no money and towing classic audis around the country when they cant drive themselves with an average of 40mpg.
My dad had a 1996 passat saloon and hes still is pissed off that he got rid of it, reliable, cheap to run and nice to drive.

[20vcqdriver]

Don't listen to anyone who says NO! I had my 98 passat sport TDi for 8 years and the most reliable car I've owned and although the standard suspension is aweful (sport no different on this year plate) it can be easily remedied with a good suspension kit. Later cars from around 2001 came with a sport suspension if you bought a sport model that helped and a quick injector change and tuning box had my engine upto 155bhp and 240lb/ft. And could still do over 600 miles on a tank of fuel if you were careful, Think my record was 638 before I bottled it..

[86audicoupe]

Originally Posted by 20vcqdriver

Don't listen to anyone who says NO! I had my 98 passat sport TDi for 8 years and the most reliable car I've owned and although the standard suspension is aweful (sport no different on this year plate) it can be easily remedied with a good suspension kit. Later cars from around 2001 came with a sport suspension if you bought a sport model that helped and a quick injector change and tuning box had my engine upto 155bhp and 240lb/ft. And could still do over 600 miles on a tank of fuel if you were careful, Think my record was 638 before I bottled it..

The car in question is here...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Not too far away from me so have the option to pop up the road and have a look at it. Asked him a few questions and he came back with sensible replies so may be worth a punt!!! Knock him down on the price a bit!

[20vcqdriver]

Originally Posted by 86audicoupe

The car in question is here...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Not too far away from me so have the option to pop up the road and have a look at it. Asked him a few questions and he came back with sensible replies so may be worth a punt!!! Knock him down on the price a bit!

Yep, red version of mine prior to my additions of 16" wheels and suspension upgrade. Well worth a test drive. Although I bought mine at 43K miles, I sold it with over 150k on the clock.... Check cam belt (due another at 120K), fan/alternator belt and tensioner (should have been replaced with cam belt), cooling fan operation (tend to go at around this mileage and have a spare in my garage ). Suspension is often an issue and although I have replaced all the arms on my old A4 the Passat still had its originals on when I sold it though I did re-grease the joints when they started to squeak, also still had the original clutch.... Oh and check the undertray is still fitted, if not knock £100 off the price
Hope its a good one.

[86audicoupe]

Originally Posted by 20vcqdriver

Yep, red version of mine prior to my additions of 16" wheels and suspension upgrade. Well worth a test drive. Although I bought mine at 43K miles, I sold it with over 150k on the clock.... Check cam belt (due another at 120K), fan/alternator belt and tensioner (should have been replaced with cam belt), cooling fan operation (tend to go at around this mileage and have a spare in my garage ). Suspension is often an issue and although I have replaced all the arms on my old A4 the Passat still had its originals on when I sold it though I did re-grease the joints when they started to squeak, also still had the original clutch.... Oh and check the undertray is still fitted, if not knock £100 off the price
Hope its a good one.

Thanks for your info, you obviously know a lot about these during your ownership! The chap said it's the due cam belt in 5K but I'd say it was overdue anyway if you take into account the age, rather than mileage. Is there any need to worry about the turbo on these? Surely they must have a service interval and then need an overhaul when they're knackered?!

[86audicoupe]

Originally Posted by Isimmo

No...

Not my colour!!!