First Post / Introduction

[CBCTDI]

Hey all, own a 2000 Golf TDI, looking at a 2005 Passat wagon...just researching the oil pump / balance shaft issue.

Have done my own timing belt on the golf, but don't really need extra projects at home (that's why I'm trying to buy a newer car!!)

So, trying to find out as much as I can so I can talk to the guy at the car lot about it.

Thanks in advance for all the info!

Cheers

[chittychittybangbang]

Welcome! If you choose to tackle it yourself I can rent the special tools, unfortunately since you're in Canada you would be responsible for any duty.

[rookie]

What about the new Sportwagen? You also get a warranty and new car smell.

[CBCTDI]

Personal cash flow won't align with new car debt options!

Plus, I can't stand the thought of depreciation!!! I'm happier with an older vehicle that has all the bugs worked out (i.e. repairs understood) thanks to the help of forums like this :-)

[CBCTDI]

Thanks for the offer chittychittybangbang. I haven't seen the car yet (tomorrow morning hopefully). Will have a listen, and attempt the dipstick test. It's got just over 270K on it, so I'm hoping the upgrade to chainless was already done. If I can't tell but it's quiet, then I might take the risk. At some point I can drop the pan to check...(I think)...

[fclement]

Hi, Next tuesday I will be the owner of a new VW PASSAT (Europe model 2011) that will be slightly different from your US new 2012 model. It is the VARIANT model, for the US : sportwagon. Guess I will be one of the first driving around in the new model here. (Only saw 1 last week).
I've chosen the Bluemotion 105 hp new TDI engine for obvious reasons. Further its a full option comfortline model with the "premium" and "bussiness blue" packs.

Best regards

Frederic

[CBCTDI]

Single owner, dealer serviced by Autohaus Barrie - they faxed some of the service history.

It had been in a minor accident but I looked closely everywhere (pulled up carpets, looked under the spare tire, behind the tail lights, crawled under the car). Everything looked clean and in good shape.

Couldn't pass up on the extra room - after driving, with the front seat left in the position I use (I'm about 6'1"), I could get in the back seat without jamming my knees. Can't do that in the Golf!!!

I think I heard some chain noise, and the records from the dealer did NOT show an upgrade of the Balance Shaft Module to chainless. I'm also sure it needs a timing belt...sigh...another project. But I'm keeping the other vehicles on the road for now. I think I'll drive the Passat (and my 1990 Nissan Terrano 2.7 turbo diesel rust bucket), while I work in my spare time to do the timing belt on the golf. Then I'll do the passat.

[dutchviking]

Originally Posted by CBCTDI

Single owner, dealer serviced by Autohaus Barrie - they faxed some of the service history.

It had been in a minor accident but I looked closely everywhere (pulled up carpets, looked under the spare tire, behind the tail lights, crawled under the car). Everything looked clean and in good shape.

Couldn't pass up on the extra room - after driving, with the front seat left in the position I use (I'm about 6'1"), I could get in the back seat without jamming my knees. Can't do that in the Golf!!!

I think I heard some chain noise, and the records from the dealer did NOT show an upgrade of the Balance Shaft Module to chainless. I'm also sure it needs a timing belt...sigh...another project. But I'm keeping the other vehicles on the road for now. I think I'll drive the Passat (and my 1990 Nissan Terrano 2.7 turbo diesel rust bucket), while I work in my spare time to do the timing belt on the golf. Then I'll do the passat.

Just couldn't turn it down eh? Haha. Now you have MORE work to do! Ahhhh VW: eater of time, spender of money. Yet we wouldn't have it any other way.

[CBCTDI]

Oh I would certainly have it MANY other ways !! But with limited resources things are always a compromise.

Been driving it for a couple days. There definitely seems to be a bit of vibration at idle...from the chain driven BSM perhaps...

Idles at 900, which I think is about right, but it seems high perhaps due to the vibration and it seems always on the verge of trying to go (like the automatic transmission is pulling - more than I've encountered with other autos)...also the transmission is more busy than I'm used to, but I've never driven a 5 speed auto before and I have a lot of hills with varying traffic speeds that it is sorting out.

Steering is noticeably heavier than the golf...but that's to be expected.
Windshield washer jets don't seem to do as well as the golf...much smaller area of the glass gets hit.
The headlights seem to be aimed too low...but that's easy enough to take care of.
Louvers on the vents are a bit buggered at couple spots (come out of alignment when you work the wheel up or down).

Kids love it, and I'm not getting my back kicked all the time. With the hockey bag inside, there's still enough room in the back for backpacks and lunch bags and miscellaneous other daily crap, while still getting the retractable cover in place!