Passat TDI 04 - any good???

eamo127

Test drove passat diesel today (47K miles) as well as a petrol version. Diesel was impressive. Anyone have one of these advise me on what to watch out for when buying?

Also, which is better value, all things being equal:

04 - 47K miles 7000 europs
05 - 79K KM 8000 europs

Cheers!

EPM

Diesel would be a better choice on a Passat. Petrol models aren't very popular secondhand

_Kaiser_

If you could stretch to it, try and get the newer/current model that came out mid-05 .. far better car all round.

That said, I've owned both (have a 06 2.0 TDI at the moment) and the last gen model is a good reliable car for the most part.

Make sure you get the 130 Bhp version (don't go by the color of the TDI badge on the boot, check under the bonnet for the KW rating)

Make sure the timing belt has been done (expensive job otherwise)

Check for water leaks in the footwells

Make sure the door locks all work correctly (on my 02, the front passenger door started acting up a few weeks after I got it)

Find out if it's an import or not, and check the history either way

eamo127

Nice advise Kaiser - thanks!

R.O.R

Don't try and stretch for a new shape 05 model! The outgoing 04/05 model is much more reliable.

The only thing less reliable than an 06 Passat is an 05 new shape Passat.

_Kaiser_

R.O.R wrote: »

Don't try and stretch for a new shape 05 model! The outgoing 04/05 model is much more reliable.

The only thing less reliable than an 06 Passat is an 05 new shape Passat.

I'd have to disagree. I have had no real issues with the 06 model I now have - yea ok I did need to get the boot struts regassed or whatever when they stopped lifting the boot lid automatically, but aside from that I've had no problems and I've done 60,000 km in it since I got it in April last year.

Whereas with my older 02 version there was problems with the door locks, warning lights on the dash, started drinking oil/diesel etc etc

By now a 05/06 will have had any issues worked out I'd imagine, so if the OP checks the history on one, I think he'd be fine. The new model handles a lot better, is bigger inside and the DSG box is far superior to the older auto box I had in the last one.

R.O.R

Kaiser2000 wrote: »

I'd have to disagree. I have had no real issues with the 06 model I now have - yea ok I did need to get the boot struts regassed or whatever when they stopped lifting the boot lid automatically, but aside from that I've had no problems and I've done 60,000 km in it since I got it in April last year.

Whereas with my older 02 version there was problems with the door locks, warning lights on the dash, started drinking oil/diesel etc etc

By now a 05/06 will have had any issues worked out I'd imagine, so if the OP checks the history on one, I think he'd be fine. The new model handles a lot better, is bigger inside and the DSG box is far superior to the older auto box I had in the last one.

I'm glad you haven't had many issues with your 1 2006 model Passat. It would appear you've been luckier than most.

We have 81 of the damn things and have had varying degrees of expensive problems with around 90% of them.

BlackWizard

What do you think you will be replacing them with R.O.R? When the time comes of course.

eamo127

R.O.R wrote: »

I'm glad you haven't had many issues with your 1 2006 model Passat. It would appear you've been luckier than most.

We have 81 of the damn things and have had varying degrees of expensive problems with around 90% of them.

I've read a lot of posts here about issues with the newer passat.

macrubicon

R.O.R wrote: »

I'm glad you haven't had many issues with your 1 2006 model Passat. It would appear you've been luckier than most.

We have 81 of the damn things and have had varying degrees of expensive problems with around 90% of them.

I had a 2005 B6 from new until recently and had no problems with it ( aside from the ones caused by dealers doing warrenty work !)

Must be one of the lucky ones as well... put nearly 98k on it in total.

R.O.R

BlackWizard wrote: »

What do you think you will be replacing them with R.O.R? When the time comes of course.

Very much depends on the drivers and the companies. A lot will probably be replaced with Insignia's - but the reliability of those is proving a lot worse than we'd hoped for as well.

EPM

R.O.R wrote: »

Very much depends on the drivers and the companies. A lot will probably be replaced with Insignia's - but the reliability of those is proving a lot worse than we'd hoped for as well.

Just out of interest, what are the problems with the Insignias?

Drummerboy08

R.O.R wrote: »

Very much depends on the drivers and the companies. A lot will probably be replaced with Insignia's - but the reliability of those is proving a lot worse than we'd hoped for as well.

I honestly think we'll be seeing more of the Octavia and Superb in years to come. Cheap to buy and run, generally cheap to maintain, and they seem to be fairly reliable.

In saying that, the Insignia's that we have out havent given us too many problems so far.

cadaliac

04 - 47K miles for a TDI????

That sounds a little like a clocked car to me.......

Check the service history. Unless it is stamped in the original book (with matching vin number - inside front cover) walk away.
If its the 6-speed gear box be prepaired for a gearbox failure.
Front cv joints give in around 80k.

Saab Ed

cadaliac wrote: »

04 - 47K miles for a TDI????

That sounds a little like a clocked car to me.......

Okay 47k is very low for a 04 Diesel but you cant just say " That sounds clocked" . Thats a crazy assertion to make without knowing anything about the car. OP any link to the car in question!!!!

R.O.R

EPM wrote: »

Just out of interest, what are the problems with the Insignias?

Today's issue was a power steering pump failure. Opel assist kindly put him in to a Fiesta :rolleyes:

Think we've had 2 full gearboxes replaced and a third car with bits of the gearbox replaced. Radiator has gone on at least 2 cars and we've had loads that have had to go in to Opel dealers with various warning lights on the dash. Those are simple re-sets, but's it's a PITA for the drivers.

Drummerboy08

R.O.R wrote: »

Today's issue was a power steering pump failure. Opel assist kindly put him in to a Fiesta :rolleyes:

Think we've had 2 full gearboxes replaced and a third car with bits of the gearbox replaced. Radiator has gone on at least 2 cars and we've had loads that have had to go in to Opel dealers with various warning lights on the dash. Those are simple re-sets, but's it's a PITA for the drivers.

Jaysus! :rolleyes:

What do they be doing to them eh??!

cadaliac

Saab Ed wrote: »

Okay 47k is very low for a 04 Diesel but you cant just say " That sounds clocked" . Thats a crazy assertion to make without knowing anything about the car. OP any link to the car in question!!!!

I said - "That sounds a little like a clocked car to me......."
I did not say the car was clocked.
Crazy isn't it?

EPM

R.O.R wrote: »

Today's issue was a power steering pump failure. Opel assist kindly put him in to a Fiesta :rolleyes:

Think we've had 2 full gearboxes replaced and a third car with bits of the gearbox replaced. Radiator has gone on at least 2 cars and we've had loads that have had to go in to Opel dealers with various warning lights on the dash. Those are simple re-sets, but's it's a PITA for the drivers.

Not good, especially when they were playing the quality card on that one:rolleyes:

BlackWizard

I drive a 03 Passat myself OP and I like it. No major issues.

I heard of problems with them just like most cars. The engine shouldn't produce too much smoke and try see it start from cold. Test all the electrics too. Wind the windows up and down on all doors. Check the condition of the wiper blades too because they are nearly 40 euro to replace Make sure all the seat belts are working. They should go back in to their holders very easily.

The car should drive straight too. I don't know how many Passats I test drove which didn't drive straight. The alignment was off on all of them. If the steering wheel shakes when above 100..120 then that's normal. Happened on all the ones I drove. Costs 20 euro to fix.

patzer

BlackWizard wrote: »

I
The car should drive straight too. I don't know how many Passats I test drove which didn't drive straight. The alignment was off on all of them. If the steering wheel shakes when above 100..120 then that's normal. Happened on all the ones I drove. Costs 20 euro to fix.

Wizard

Have a '01 TDI and am staritng to have this problem, though it might have resulted from kerbing a wheel but is it the tracking?

Pat

BlackWizard

If it's pulling to the side when driving then it's the tracking alright.

I haven't a clue on the price to fix an issue like that. Also I'd wonder if you may need to bring it to a specialist who has the equipment and knowledge to fix it. (This sounds expensive, but it really shouldn't be.) It may take an hour to do? So 80 euro..but that's a complete guess.

If you create your own thread on it you might find a better response and a good garage that does it close to where you live or work. Fast Fit and Kwik Fit should give you an ballpark quote over the phone.

EPM

You should be able to get a 4 wheel alignment on your car for about €50. Get the wheels balanced while you're at it to stop any wobbling. If that doesn't solve your problems then it may well be something else

HungryJoey

I wouldn't bother try and "stretch" to a new model, you're only going to get something down the bottom of the line. I guy I work with has had nothing but stupid problems with his 06 passat since he got it. It's back in the garage every few weeks to clear stupid warning lights off the dash, he's had issues with brakes and the electronic handbrake getting stuck. Far more electrics to go wrong in it compared to the older model.

My ould lad drives a 05 (old model) tdi, 105bhp its no rocket ship but drives quite well for only 100bhp. I'll be honest he's had a few issues like Rad having to be replaced, water pump went on it but apart from that it's been perfect. Flew through the NCT without any advisories too.

brownswiss

R.O.R wrote: »

Don't try and stretch for a new shape 05 model! The outgoing 04/05 model is much more reliable.

The only thing less reliable than an 06 Passat is an 05 new shape Passat.

....

I should have joined this forum before i bought the new model... What's the BAD news and what trouble am I likely to encounter?

Getting timing belt etc done this week ( about €399 ).

I noticed on the TDI forum problems with balance shafts. Does this relate to my passat??

Thanks

brownswiss

2005 passat diesel new model.

Dash lights, main beam + indicators failing + coming back on by itself..

Wondering if this is a common problem..

Thanks