In the mist of looking for a manual sorento the inlaws decided to offer us their 08 Passatt for loan pay off price. Not really what I was looking for but it is a good deal and we need two vehicles anyways.
It has 22200 miles and has been garaged kept, usually taken to the dealer for repairs as neither bothers to open the hood.
Although SWMBO's mother had just taken it t othe dealer where they told her it did not need an oil change, I found the oil 2 quarts low and very dark. Not a good sight on a turbo vw.
The good year eagle ... front tires are also chunking a little on the outside, worn on the inside and driver's has a buble on the sidewall. Back are fairly new and one is said to have been changed.
The rest of the mechanicals seem fine although the engine bay seems extra complicated with hoses and sensors everywhere. The car physically is in pretty good shape.
What should I look out for in this vehicle? A search talks of cam journals on some of these motors. Anyone know when the timing belt will should be replaced? How is the car's longevity?
Any ideas for front tire replacement? i'm thinking one of the falken azenis family.
This will be SWMBO daily and may get about 10k a year or less. Buying it will mean we won't get a $15k car later on instead to replace the current 05 Mini (auto). Still buying a Sorento as family car and keeping the 99 XJ for boat, dog and home depot duties.
AS always thank you.
Adrift
New Reader
2/5/14 7:24 p.m.
NoBrakesRacing wrote:
It has 22200 miles and has been garaged kept, usually taken to the dealer for repairs
This would be cause for concern unless you mean maintenance.
Don't know much about the 08 other than I like the style. I had a 98 with the 1.8T which I thought was a good motor especially when chipped. I think VW had some coil issues in the early 2000s which I hope would be corrected by 08.
how cheap are we talking? I would never look for that car ordinarily.
By repairs I meant maintenance, we are supposed to get records.
They bought it with 2000 miles 4 years ago. Asking around $8k which seems to be trade in value.
Thanks
Not sure if that is the TSI or FSI turbo motor. If it's FSI, the cam follower that drives the fuel pump is considered a wear item it seems. Parts are not expensive and apparently (at least on the GTI) it's a well documented DIY item. If it fails it is catastrophic. I recall reading that it should be replaced every 50,000 miles I think?
I know little else about them, but I do like the styling.
I'm still learning about them and not sure if it's the tsi or fsi. But the googles have been my friends in many a repair in the Mini and xj.
I've learned that the oil was changed last april at 19000 miles, so being two quarts low in 3k miles and 9 months is a little worrying.
It was probably always driven short distances without getting warm, so maybe good oil and some highway miles would help.
I do agree that it is a lot of car for the money and we would probably end up spending more if not. Maybe there will be room in the budget for a project car then... Wishful thinking with a baby on the way.
