Should I Buy A Passat

Just Wonderd If Anyone Would Recommend Or Not Recommend A 1999 Passat 1.8 T

As an owner of a 99 Passat 1.8T I would never buy another one. It has litereally costed thousands of dollars to fix all the problems, broke down twice and had to be towed. Right now the AC leaks water inside and it makes a noise that I am told could possible be the turbo about to go bad. I have about 97k miles on it, and I do drive it a lot. I could understand if with that many miles I started having problems but problems with this car are constant from day one. Its great when it does run, but not worth all the problems.

i also own a 1999 1.8 turbo [uk spec] and the only problem i,ve had was a dead battery when i first got it . thats 2years ago.waiting to take it to the loccaly dealer to find out if the bearing arms need replacing.but be warned the newer vw,s aren,t cheap to repair no matter were u live.would i buy a newer one mmmm... no i like the engine os a seat cupra is my next car or something like it.

YES!!! We just bought a 1999 1.8T 5 speed standard that is in immaculate condition. It literally looks and drives like new. We did our homework before buying. Go to the dealership where it was serviced and they will give you a print out of the service history. Ours was owned by an Audi/VW sales manager previously. We have not owned it long enough to have any problems with it so cannot say anything bad about it. It is an absolute joy to drive. Don't buy it if somebody run the shit out of it.

Excellent Question:

I love my newly purchased as used 2000 Passat GLX with 42,000 miles.
I am tall and I purchased it not only because of the high ceiling and wonderful range in the electric seat adjustments, but also because of the beautiful color combination of green exterior with tan leather seats, the quiet comfortable ride, the quick pickup, the spaciousness, the huge trunk. It is quite wonderful to drive. Everyone that gets in the car raves over it, and wishes they had one too. They all think it is a brand new car because it appears to be in such good condition.

However, I HATE the constant problems I seem to be having. It is embarassing to be apologizing for my car to everyone who gets in it for this bell and whistle and alarm that goes off. I am in fear I will be locked out of my own car. It behaves as if it were possessed!!

Now ... See my post for what went wrong immediately after the 3 month warranty was up on the that I just bought in July 2004. I see I forgot to add that my console cover clip broke - and there is no replacement part for the little clip. They want you to buy the WHOLE console! What a rip-off.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2522372

Make sure of the following before purchasing:
1) Take the car to your favorite mechanic and have it fully checked out.
2) Find out who the last VW dealer was (a dealer can look this up on the computer).
3) Find out what recalls and other service was done on the computer. (a dealer can look this up on the computer).
4) Go through and open/close the doors, locks, and check all the things in my post to see that they work every time.
5) Buy a used Passat "certified" if at all possible. Yes, it will probably cost you $2,000 more, however, you get the 2 year VW warranty just as if it were a new VW purchase.
6) If the one you have your heart set on is not "certified", then definitely pay for the extended warranty. I fear the dealership cleaned all the sensors up before they sold it to me, as it is just too coincidental that they all went bad right after the warranty ran out. They definitely must have cleaned up the oil leak - so make sure you ask your mechanic to check for that.
7) On carsurvey.org, I read on numerous posts that all 4 ignition coils go bad - vw will pay for replacement of only those parts that will fail - not the labor, brakes go bad (3 different brake systems in one model year!), oil sludge is a problem, the console cover and glove compartments break and everyone HATES the pathetic cupholders!
8) There is one recall re: the gas tank.


Check out all the sites you can find on user satisfaction, if you are still determined to buy one!! The newer model years have less complaints so perhaps they've fixed some of these issues.

I fear you will not purchase one after doing that, however, if you don't want to be stuck with maintenance costs. Not everyone has these kinds of problems, of course, and I don't know the law of averages that demonstrate how the actual numbers of dissatisfied people who search out a survey site to complain compare to the actual percentage of unsatisifed buyers.

Here's one to check now: http://www.carsurvey.org/model_Volkswagen_Passat.html

Nope, I had to sue VW over the treatment I was given because the dealer(s) had no idea what was wrong with my car.

Do yourself a favor. Get the VIN of the Passat you wish to buy. Then contact VWoA (1.800.822.8987) ask them if there as been any major repairs done to the vehicle. Also ask them if the vehicle has had "oil sludge" repair done. If not make sure you secure the possiblity that it may need to be done and that it will be the responsibility of VWoA. If they baulk this, DO NOT BUY THE CAR! I have that vehicle and I'm legally fighting VWoA for them to repair the "oil sludge" problem (over $6,000 repair).

I also own a 1999 B5 w/ the 1.8T engine. I think what it boils down to is do you want a car that you can treat like an appliance, that will get you from A to B with little to no maintenance required and will be solid and reliable all the time, or do you want a car that is fun to drive, has that certain something about it but is a bit tempermental, needs more than its share of tlc and can be expensive to maintain? If you want an appliance (and my second car is one so this is not a slight by any means) do NOT buy a Passat. Go get a Camry or an Accord. They're pretty much bulletproof. If you want the latter, then the Passat is a great car to fill that desire.

The list of problems is a long one though so be prepared. As you approach 80k + miles, the repairs get expensive (second owners are only covered up to 50k miles) including tie rods, timing belt, cv joints, MAF sensors, and miscellaneous other problems.

I bought the passat because I always wanted one but could see from the feedback that the electrics are a problem. Mine has done 97K. I have had it since 82K but I have a history of all the work even done (like a grommit for the AC that leaked water into wheels well...common fault). Alarm is stuffed, wheel bearings are a bit noisy (since I started drifting it around...) apart from that, I must be one of the lucky owners who have a good passat and rarely subscribe to these forums?

This reply may be a little late but oh well. My wife and I just bought a 2000 Passat wagon w/63,000 miles and we love it. It has an all leather interior, heated front bucket seats and the sound system in it is awesome for factory. There have been a few things we had to do to it, replace hoses and such but what car never needs maintenance. I would say get one if you are still deciding.

Although i am having difficulties right now with an oil leak problem, it is being fixed as we speak, not too bad a price either, took some time to find the leak however. I would reccommend, going up to the 2.8 V6, i have that 1999 model, and love the fact that if needed i have all the speed i need, with just a little pressure, the steering and handling is AMAZING, and despite what you may think, i get great gas milage. Had the vechile at 150mph a few times, the few times i found a long enough straight away, living in a mountainous place sucks, for speed anyways! hahaha

READ This post by me to another thread...then consider buying a 99 Passat.




Starship, i have the same EXACT problem with my '98. Right at 3000 RPM....I've been wondering what it was. Veedub says it the cam adjuster...any ideas on how much that is to fix, or if it even needs to be fixed, Veedub? I've owned my Passat since 1/20/04 and today is 2/25/05...in that time period i have replaced the following...

1.) CTS (coolant temp. sensor)--just read "0" all the time.
2.) Tie Rods--Rattled
3.) Dipstick holder-- Became frail over time b/c of heat and broke one day when i was checking the oil level
4.) Air Mass Flow sensor--Driving along, and car suddenly had no power and sputtered...idle was irregular.
5.) Locking mechanism (driver's door)--never worked right...sometimes lock would never go down when locking the car. Express window/sunroof feature wouldn't work.
6.) Brakes: Rotors, Pads (Front)
7.) Air Filter
8.) 4 tires
9.) Light switch assembly for headlights/foglights.--Tail lights, and parking lights would not come on.
10.) Radio...simply a P.O.S.
11.) Bought more coolant from dealership because coolant was lost when i sprayed it everywhere while replacing the CTS. (Coolant level is fine after all of this, if anyone was thinking that might be the problem with the coolant light flashing...mentioned below.)

Problems I still have...but can't afford right now.

1.) Can't lock the car via the key FOB, b/c alarm goes off every 10 mins. Also, interior lights flicker like strobe lights when I try to do this. "fix it all shop" couldn't figure it out, but they did say that it is probably the control comfort module under the driver's seat. (Will need replaced/checked by dealership)

2.) On very cold days (<30F) when my car has sat outside over night--I start the car, and the coolant light flashes and beeps. Supposedly means that the coolant level is low...checked it and is just fine. Flashing usually goes away once the coolant temp. is reading 190.

3.) When stopped, and car is running there is a constant odor inside the cabin like burning oil. ( could this be any one of the 1,000's of oil problems, sludge?) Also, my oil level is "bone dry" when I take my car for an oil change. Oil light comes on around these times.

4.) Spark Plugs have "white" residue on them. Mechanic said it's from the engine running too lean...can't figure it out.

5.) Of course, I still have the "Screaming banshee" sound at 3000 RPMs on cooler days (<40F).

6.) Just recently, the sunroof started opening randomly while driving, or car is off and parked.

7.) Sometimes, when I push any rear window button on the driver's window console to go down, the window goes up instead, and vice versa.

I have EASILY put $3,000 into this car in one (1) year!! That does not include oil changes or the premium gas.

As An Owner Of A Vw Passat 2000. This Car Did Have Many Problems But Not So Difficult To Repair My Check Engine Light Went On A Couple Times Which Was Nothing. I Had To Repair The Ac Because Barely Used It But That Was My Bad. Always Use The Ac So You Have These Problems Battery Was Replaced Twice At No Additional Cost.

The Passat Is Now Really Doing Better The 2005 Has Little Problems Because It Was Remodeled From Scratch.
The Older Models Had Problems Because They Were New Body Models At The Time I Had Bought It

If you like ur sanity , for Gods sake , DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE ROLLING PIECES OF SH**!!! I implore you, dont do it to yourself or your finacial well being. This effing car has caused me more stress and anger than any other car ive ever owned. The design is such, that you need to take it to a VW dealer and be overcharged for repairs unless you have special tools or computer diagnostics. Its been one thing after another with this thing. Im never buying another VW product as long as live, nor will I let anyone I half way care about buy one.

I have to agree with the last post. I love my wife's Passat, but it adds stress to your life that you don't need. It'll just be going about it's business, working like a charm and then BOOM....a repair bill for over a thousand bucks. Not only that, the local VW dealer's service dept is WAY too small for the volume they deal with, so not only are you paying out the rear but you've got to go 2 weeks without a car in order to do it! I love how the car looks and drives, but I really want something that's less stressful to own.

<-------accepting side jobs =) lol

99 passats = $$$$

Hi Capt.Boomer,

Your post is exactly what I have been experiencing with my car. I have an ABS light flashing at me as well and have just scanned my OBD2 code and it now says my engine is running too lean (1.8t). My car also smells like oil when ideling... really sick smell... Has anyone told you what the smell is caused by... manifold...? It comes through the vents... strange stuff...

My dipstick broke as well... hope they aren't expensive!

Thanks in advance for some answers...

Jay

i just bought a passat and i rather like it, its very comfortable and fun to drive but maintenence and repairs are VERY pricy. my car had a cv bootleg that leaked grease so i bought the part to replace it...but now i need about 4 different tools that ive never really seen to much before. it was a $50 part and luckily my dad teaches an automotive program so i was able to find the tools. the dealership wanted $800!!! thanks VW but i think i'll fix my own half shaft thank you very much

Two main problems with passats: electronical and mechanical. If you want to buy vw, get a diagnostic tool (i.e. vag-com, OBDII, or someting like that), that will solve a lot of problems if they arive--and they will arive.
And as for mechanical: open your pokets and find a friend in parts business.

I'm on the market now for a newer Passat (2003 or 2004). I've done a lot of research and it appears Passat's have a horrible reliability record and aren't cheap to repair. It's a shame because they appear to have style and personality. I might have to get a boring Honda or Toyota. ugh!

I know my bout with my VW was the worse thing I've ever went through. I mean, the big cheese from VW international looked straight at me and said, "VW simply does not make a lemon".

Just remember, if you own a passat and it runs fine, you are not going to be frequenting an automotive forum board. These forums represent only a small portion of vw owners. I have had my passat for 3 years now and have only replaced the ignitor at $750. The part is very expensive but a monkey could replace it. I will agree with you that repair on vw's is expensive, but they are very fun to drive and superior to anything american. Every automaker has its flaws. You think Honda or Nissan is cheap to fix too.
Spend some smart money and have the car inspected prior to purchase. Every car has a history, do your homework on the car, as well as the previous owners if you can.

Totally up to you. I have a 1999 Passat 1.8 and have had it for three years. From Day one I have had problems with it on and off....Nothing in the past year (knocking on wood), but other wise, the poor car has had to had a new motor put in it last year, due to the timing chain breaking....oh yeah, bent or broke all 24 valve's......but other wise it is a good car when it is up and running. VW's can be a great car, or you can hate them over and over again. Just really all depends on what your looking for. As said before no car is 100% cheap to fix, but VW's are a little more on the expensive side. :grinyes:

One of my reps for my bizz always bought new Passats (acutally leased them) once every 18 months. He loved them and couldn't wait to get another one. Well, this last one he got ( summer of 2005) was a total electrical nightmare. The sad thing is the VW was unwilling to work with him. Once the lease was up, he was done with VW.

Totally up to you. I have a 1999 Passat 1.8 due to the timing chain breaking....oh yeah, bent or broke all 24 valve's......but other wise it is a good car

I have a 99 1.8 and it has 20 valves.

have only replaced the ignitor at $750. The part is very expensive but a monkey could replace it.

You sir, have gotten raped on that one. I had mine replaced for $200. My mechanic is local VW guru but now charges $60/hr... however, he does the work in half the time it takes the dealership. He's replaced 3 timing belts for scheduled maintenance (none broke) and replaced other things like wheel bearing and other stuff and probably saved us thousands.

My Passat has 188k miles on the original turbo and still runs like a dream. Mods are expensive for the B5 Passat so the car has remained completely stock and my wife is the actual original owner. This is just a testament that these Passats are awesome cars and (like any car) if taken care of will last a long time...

Quote:
Originally Posted by GirlsGot2<3Honda's
Totally up to you. I have a 1999 Passat 1.8 due to the timing chain breaking....oh yeah, bent or broke all 24 valve's......but other wise it is a good car


I have a 99 1.8 and it has 20 valves.


Sorry, I must have gotten excited and put in 24....20 is correct...thanks for catching that.....