Should I buy 2002 Passat W8

[BSVW]

I'm interested in a nice one with 60K. I've done some research and noticed there can be numerous problems with VWs in general. Has anyone had any experience with the W8? Good or bad? Is there anything I should look out for?

Any optinions will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[ricedarian]

in general I think the passat is a very reliable car...i have had one for years..there is rarely ever a techinical problem. The car isnt very old and it should be running fine. I think it sounds good.

[killermiller]

My wife has an '03 W8 and has had numerous problems. Brake light switch, fan controller, radiator, and some other stuff but I can't remember.

[zackiedawg]

I had a 2003 W8 wagon, purchased new in 2002, which I traded towards my current 2007 3.6 4motion wagon. I had the W8 for 4 1/2 years, and roughly 50,000 miles. I had a very good experience with the car - it was my second Passat, and I'm now on my third.

In the time I had the car, I had no mechanical failures or breakdowns...I drive fairly hard, lots of city driving, ran the car on the track twice. Only unscheduled maintenance or repair in the 4 1/2 years was:

1. Recall of ignition coils, performed under warranty at 15,000 mile service. Mine had not failed, but were replaced under the recall.

2. Replaced right front rotor after squeaking excessively when not applying the brakes - done under warranty during the 30,000 mile service. No failure or mechanical problem, but rotor had warped slightly and couldn't be turned. Given my hard driving and lots of rain in FL, it's not unusual to get warped rotors after a few years.

3. Replaced the sunroof control plastic surround trim piece, due to peeling of plastic coating, about 4 years into ownership. Replaced under warranty.

4. Replaced fuel sending unit to fuel tank due to leak around gasket, which caused fuel smell when car was garaged. This occurred at around 4 1/4 years and 47,000 miles, when I had placed my order for my 2007 wagon. Replaced under warranty.

That's it. It was a great car, and wonderful to drive. I might be afraid to own one with no warranty, not because I'd expect it to be unreliable, but because if it does need to be fixed, prices and repairs could be very expensive on a limited run engine like that. I'd pick up a warranty if I bought one used.

I know the person who bought my W8 from the dealership (I founded a very large annual VW/Audi show, so I know alot of the local enthusiasts)...he's had it for just about a year now, and has not had any issues or mentioned any problems.

Hope that helps!

[veedubmechanic]

in general the w8 are not reliable compared to the v6 or 1.8t engine. The w8 has some more things that the v6 or 1.8t dont like fsi cluster and optional navigation, fuel pump modules in the trunk that fail when the trunk seal leaks, hid headlights, sport suspension. The w8 engine is not reliable after 60k miles. They are not meant to last past 60k miles. My shop has replaced at least 5 w8 engines in the last years, mileage 60,500, 61,580, 59,800, 68,300 ect... all under warranty due to poor design. If it has more than 60k make sure you purchase a warranty that will cover engine failure. Other than that they have the normal passat issues - control arms, tie rod ends, steering rack leakage, climatronic head unit and comfort module failures.
I would love to own one but wouldnt want to spend the 15k to replace the engine when they fail.