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Volkswagen Passat Maintenance and Repair

3340 messages,  Last post on Apr 25, 2013 at 10:07 AM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Passat, Sedan, Wagon

    
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Messages Page 258 of 335

#2565 of 3340 considering buying this 02 passat GLX wagon by videokris

Feb 22, 2008 (4:44 pm)

hey guys, im new to this site, and am looking and reviewing all the details about passats. im looking into buying a 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX Wagon that i found on sale. hes asking $8,750, but im hoping to get it for $8,000. here are some details about it:
 
60,000 miles. Beautful Car, Owner sale, Fully loaded, one owner and very low mileage , V6 engine. Recently fitted with new tires, brakes and battery. All scheduled maintenance completed. Purchased new car and must sell.
 
he also told me he had an oil leak but just recently got that fixed.
 
so, what im asking is, if it all checks out, does this seem to be a good deal. anything you would suggest me asking him? he said i can take it to a mechanic, which i will, but you guys have any tips for me

#2566 of 3340 Re: considering buying this 02 passat GLX wagon [videokris] by 600kgolfgt

Feb 23, 2008 (9:31 am)

Replying to: videokris (Feb 22, 2008 4:44 pm)
The first thing I would investigate is whether the timing belt service has been performed. At 60,000 miles, the main concern usually isn't the timing belt itself, but the water pump (with a plastic impeller) that has been known to disintegrate at the 60,000 - 70,000 mile interval.
 
If that isn't the case, the seller should knock at least $750 - $1000 off the price (which is what will likely cost to have the timing belt service performed - which includes the timing belt, serpentine belt, tensioners, water pump, thermostat).
 
If these terms are met and you wind up purchasing the car, I would then do the following:
 
1) Purchase the timing belt service kit from germanautoparts.com. It includes everything you will need - including the improved aftermarket water pump with a metal impeller. Do this and you will extend your timing belt service interval from 60,000 to 100,000 miles (as recommended by the factory).
 
Here's the link for the timing belt service kit:
http://www.germanautoparts.com/Volkswagen/Passat/Engine/290/5
 
2). Find a reputable mechanic who specializes in VWs, and have them install the timing belt kit (that way you will only have to pay for labor). I would not take it to the dealer because not only are their labor charges much higher, they will insist on installing their factory parts (including the plastic water pump) - and you will pay accordingly $$$$$.
 
Also find out whether the following recall items have been addressed:
 
1) Brake light switch
2) Coolant temp sensor
 
In addition, check the condition of the brakes - especially the rear ones, as the rear brakes tend to wear more quickly than the fronts on Passats.
 
Good luck...

#2567 of 3340 Re: considering buying this 02 passat GLX wagon [600kgolfgt] by videokris

Feb 23, 2008 (11:42 am)

Replying to: 600kgolfgt (Feb 23, 2008 9:31 am)
thanks for the info, i went ahead and forwarded him my post and your post. i actually left out the fact that i know he just got the timing belt recently changed, but not sure if he did the rest of the timing belt service like the water pump, thermostat, etc. i also talked with my mechanics about the car a bit and they pretty much said the same thing. thanks for the help, it was paragraphed and explained well where i could send it to him and see if he gets the hint

#2568 of 3340 Rough Ride after Timing Belt Replacement by earls21030

Feb 28, 2008 (3:30 pm)

I recently had timing belt, tensioner, water pump, etc. replaced on my 2002 1.8L Passat at 98K miles. I noticed a rough ride after the repairs and the "engine light" lit within the next day. The dealer replaced a leaking vacuum hose to solve the engine light issue at no additional cost but the rough ride continued. Nearly 4 weeks later, the rough ride still continues.
I noticed an earlier post suggesting a loose engine mount. Could this instead be due to an inproper alignment of the crank and cam shafts (incorrect timing)??
I will be returning soon to the dealer to get the problem corrected on their dime (it is not only annoying but is probably damaging my engine) since the car ran smoothly prior to the repairs.
Any other suggestions for getting the dealer to acknowledge this problem and to fix it??
Thanks

#2569 of 3340 Re: considering buying this 02 passat GLX wagon [600kgolfgt] by bjss

Feb 28, 2008 (3:41 pm)

Replying to: 600kgolfgt (Feb 23, 2008 9:31 am)
Great post! Was just getting read to take in my 2002 GLS wagon (1.8T) to replace the Timing belt, water pump, Thermostat, Serpentine belts....called the dealer, was quoted $1600 to complete. Looks like the Timing belt service kit on the website you recommended is ~$285..I plan to order and take to a reputable mechanic (if I can locate) and have them install. Have you had any issues with the parts ordered from germanautoparts.com? I assume they meet all VW specs. Also, any idea on how I can locate a good VW mechanic (Dallas, TX Area)? Thx

#2570 of 3340 Re: Rough Ride after Timing Belt Replacement [earls21030] by misto7

Feb 29, 2008 (8:04 pm)

Replying to: earls21030 (Feb 28, 2008 3:30 pm)
I just had the same timing belt service done on my passat (2003 1.8T with 98K miles). No rough ride so far, but I did notice that my temp gauge is now dancing between 0 and straight up. Dealer offered to take me right back in as soon as I can get back there. Curious... how much did you pay for the service? Mine was $929 but I got 10% off the labor.

#2571 of 3340 Re: Rough Ride after Timing Belt Replacement [misto7] by sclaark

Feb 29, 2008 (10:59 pm)

Replying to: misto7 (Feb 29, 2008 8:04 pm)
I was quoted 850-1100 for a timing belt service from a European Specialty Shop...no VW dealers where I live. the floating temp gauge could be due to a bubble in the cooling system. When the heater core is drained, you need to follow a certain, simple procedure for re-filling or an air bubble can/will develop. I did my belt draining only the radiator and block to change the water pump.

#2572 of 3340 Re: considering buying this 02 passat GLX wagon [bjss] by 600kgolfgt

Mar 03, 2008 (6:38 am)

Replying to: bjss (Feb 28, 2008 3:41 pm)
germanautoparts.com (a.k.a. GAP) is highly regarded in the VW enthusiast scene. I've been dealing with them for years and have had no issues whatsoever. They specialize in VW OEM parts and aftermarket VW parts that meet or exceed VW specs. I purchased the timing belt kits for my 2003 Wolfsburg Jetta 1.8T and my wife's 2003 Passat GLS 1.8T and have been more than happy with the quality of the parts.
 
I'm an East-Coaster, so I wouldn't personally know any mechanics in the Dallas area.
However, here's a link (specific to your area) that has some recommendations for VW mechanics:
 
http://www.city-data.com/forum/dallas/112640-vw-mechanic-dallas.html

#2573 of 3340 Re: considering buying this 02 passat GLX wagon [600kgolfgt] by bjss

Mar 03, 2008 (7:45 am)

Replying to: 600kgolfgt (Mar 03, 2008 6:38 am)
Thanks for the reply..found this shop in Dallas that specializes in VW's and Audi's (shop name - 'Lord of the Rings')....have seen several good posts recommending them. They quoted me $900 for the Timing belt service.

#2574 of 3340 2004 Passat? or any Passat by vogpooh

Mar 03, 2008 (12:41 pm)

We just got a passat and have been having issues when you come to a stop. It has died out on my twice and I'd say about 85% of the time it feels like it's going to die out... It acts like if it were a clutch you didn't put the clutch in. I have had it to the shop twice and they told me they dont know what is going on... They did tell me that I needed to put prem. gas in it not regular. I find it hard to think that with 55,000 miles on it that it all of a sudden needs this gas, they told me because of the Turbo.... I think since putting this tank of prem. in it that it's acting up more... Any ideas or suggestions??? Thanks!!

Messages Page 258 of 335

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