Again, I know this isn't a VW forum, but I trust the opinion of all the VW owners and fans here so I will continue to ask for advice on prospective purchases as long as I don't get reprimanded for it. Anyways, what's the scoop on the 2005 Passat TDI? Here is the one we are considering:

2005 Volkswagon Turbo Diesel Passat

Thanks for the help guys!

ETA : More pictures here:

http://www.trottercars.com/cars/38/2...-Diesel-Passat

 

That model was sold in the US 04-05 only, chassis designation is B5.5, all had automatic transmissions. The engines came with a deficient chain-driven balance shaft module which is prone to failure. They typically become noisy on the way to failure. Owners in it for the long haul typically replace with VW's gear-driven balance shaft module. VW has partially/fully covered a few BSM de-chains but those days are gone. A local friend paid ~$3K to have his dechained.

Original hydraulic motor mounts were leak-prone, VW has revised that part.

CV boot issues are more common on these cars than most TDIs.

Has PD engine (code BHW) so camshaft and lifters should be inspected for wear. Aftermarket cams are available.

Expect high-30s MPG on highway.

 

Does an answer get any better than that?!?!

The Brotherhood at work!

Pop

 

Impressive......here I thought I could weigh in on a VR6 question....figured it would be tdi related

 

At that mileage, you need to find out if the timing chain has already been replaced, which is supposed to happen at around 90,000 miles, IIRC, and then again every 90,000 miles unless you do the costly conversion mentioned above.

If it has a manual transmission, I believe that model also comes with a dual-mass flywheel which has to be replaced with every clutch replacement. When my oldest son had his clutch replaced in his 2005.5 Jetta TDI, the mechanic converted his equipment to the solid mass flywheel and larger clutch which is spec'd for the VR6... this conversion was not only less expensive, but it also resolved the dual-mass flywheel issue once and for all.

 

We have almost same car (same year and engine, different trim) for my wife, and we love it. Best mileage I have managed is 43 MPG, but we average in the upper 30's. I've read about the issues this engine can have, and I will eventually convert to the gear drive when the chain starts to become an issue but it doesn't really worry me too much. We just had the timing belt done by Kwikkordead, it's too bad you're not closer to him. He has a great shop here in Seattle.

The only issue we have had with ours is water pooling on the floor under the front seat. It was caused by a clogged sunroof drain. VW knows it's an issue, and their fix is to clean it out and then trim the tube a little shorter so that debris can't build up at the end of it.

Other than that, it's been a great car. We put about 500-600 miles/week on it, so it's getting a workout.

Josh