There are a number of other issues to check for, too. Note that the Passat wasn’t a relatively enormous seller-- and most models were kitted with the 1.8 litre turbo engine and front-wheel drive. Online documentation by owners of problems and issues with this driveline is fairly thorough-- so we’ll focus on this Passat setup for the remainder of the column.
So, here goes. Like many German cars of this era, some of the Passat’s most prominent issues relate to electronics. Check for any warning lights and ensure all interior features work properly-- including locks, windows, climate controls, the instrument cluster, steering-wheel mounted controls and all lights. Electrical problems can be hard to track down, especially if they’re intermittent in nature. Best advice here is to have a look at where the car was serviced in the past, and see if any electrical repairs have been made.
Of course, a check of all consumable parts like the clutch, tires and brake pads is a good idea, too--as is a check beneath the car for rust, dents or leaks.
Note that the 1.8 litre turbo engine is known for an oil-sludge problem which can cause complete powerplant failure. This well-documented issue seems to be caused by an engine design issue that allows oil to burn and sludge-up quickly, even if oil changes are performed regularly. If you’re considering a Passat with this engine, ensure its former owners were fond of changing the oil religiously, and even ahead of schedule.
Hesitation or ‘misfiring’ under moderate or full throttle acceleration may be caused by faulty ignition coil packs, which are another well-documented and somewhat pricey problem with this powerplant.
Also, check the quality and consistency of automatic transmission gear shifts-- calling any hesitation, slipping, clunking or surging into question. Any of the above is likely a symptom of a problem with either the transmission’s electronic brain, or the transmission itself.
Ultimately, purchasing a used Passat 1.8T without getting a solid thumbs up from a VW mechanic is not advised. Opting for a model with the 2.8 litre engine may be a better idea-- though it will consume more fuel.
Regardless of which model you are considering, be sure to have it inspected mechanically and electronically by a qualified VW technician. While at the dealership, have the vehicle’s VIN number checked out to ensure all recall work has been carried out, too.
Ultimately, if you’re set on a Volkswagen Passat for its top-notch driving dynamics and comfort levels, be sure to use extreme caution, consider several models, scrutinize each, and opt for any extended powertrain warranty (ideally from the manufacturer) that may be available. Remember that resale values don’t necessarily reflect the Passat’s patchy reliability, either-- meaning it’s bound to cost at least a slight premium over something comparable from Honda or Ford.
All said and done, if you’re not set on the Passat, it’s probably a wise choice to consider something with a more proven track record.
So, here goes. Like many German cars of this era, some of the Passat’s most prominent issues relate to electronics. Check for any warning lights and ensure all interior features work properly-- including locks, windows, climate controls, the instrument cluster, steering-wheel mounted controls and all lights. Electrical problems can be hard to track down, especially if they’re intermittent in nature. Best advice here is to have a look at where the car was serviced in the past, and see if any electrical repairs have been made.
Of course, a check of all consumable parts like the clutch, tires and brake pads is a good idea, too--as is a check beneath the car for rust, dents or leaks.
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| 2001-2003 Volkswagen Passat (Photo: Volkswagen) |
Note that the 1.8 litre turbo engine is known for an oil-sludge problem which can cause complete powerplant failure. This well-documented issue seems to be caused by an engine design issue that allows oil to burn and sludge-up quickly, even if oil changes are performed regularly. If you’re considering a Passat with this engine, ensure its former owners were fond of changing the oil religiously, and even ahead of schedule.
Hesitation or ‘misfiring’ under moderate or full throttle acceleration may be caused by faulty ignition coil packs, which are another well-documented and somewhat pricey problem with this powerplant.
Also, check the quality and consistency of automatic transmission gear shifts-- calling any hesitation, slipping, clunking or surging into question. Any of the above is likely a symptom of a problem with either the transmission’s electronic brain, or the transmission itself.
Ultimately, purchasing a used Passat 1.8T without getting a solid thumbs up from a VW mechanic is not advised. Opting for a model with the 2.8 litre engine may be a better idea-- though it will consume more fuel.
Regardless of which model you are considering, be sure to have it inspected mechanically and electronically by a qualified VW technician. While at the dealership, have the vehicle’s VIN number checked out to ensure all recall work has been carried out, too.
Ultimately, if you’re set on a Volkswagen Passat for its top-notch driving dynamics and comfort levels, be sure to use extreme caution, consider several models, scrutinize each, and opt for any extended powertrain warranty (ideally from the manufacturer) that may be available. Remember that resale values don’t necessarily reflect the Passat’s patchy reliability, either-- meaning it’s bound to cost at least a slight premium over something comparable from Honda or Ford.
All said and done, if you’re not set on the Passat, it’s probably a wise choice to consider something with a more proven track record.
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