1998 Passat??

[lmclax]

Hey, i'm currently looking for a new car, someone has offered me a very good price(right around blue book value, for 98 passat, 1.8 turbo 5 speed, with some nice extras. The car seems to be in very good shape and it only has 71,000 miles. I'm going to look at it in person this weekend...is there anything in particluar i should watch out for, or make sure that the owner has kept up with? anything would help. my last couple cars have been old porsches and through word of mouth, i've decided to look into passats for a more reliable car. So PLEASE, any info would help out a lot, Thanks

[lmclax]

Oh and also was this a right move looking into passats or should i look somewhere else for a reliable car???

[veedubmechanic]

unfortunately for you... 98-00 passats are problably the most unrelyable vw's of newer models (94-99 jettas/golfs worst)

One major thing, check for oil sludging ( take off oil cap and look for any black chunky stuff in the oil fiull area first before you start the car. if there is than say thanks and leave. new engine jobs are about $6,000)

Check for timing belt replacement. At that mileage and year it should be replaced soon if its all original (vw has lots probs with original style t-belt tensioner on those)

Check for suspension noise, mainly front. Its hard to check w/o the car being in the air but it theres clunking or squeeking then your lookin at least $500.

Check for performance- if you dont HEAR and FEEL the turbo then its time for a new one. there normally about $1200-$1500.
Hopefully the car turns out good. and well maintained. They are very nice cars IF they are well maintained. =)