Hello all. I am in the process of purchasing a 2005 Passat wagon with 65k for my wife. I myself drive a 2005 Dodge Ram CTD and maintain it myself, so diesel mechanics is not new to me, but the PD engine is, as my truck is a common rail. That being said, this car has had regular and scheduled maintenance and is in very good shape with only minor problems at this time...needs headlight bulbs, tires, and 2 engine mounts are leaking. The hoses from the turbo to IC and IC to intake are also failing. The compression checked out at 675/680/680/675 and there is no audible chain slap at this time. While I won't take delivery of this car for a week or so, I DO have several questions that would be nice to have answered--
1) Is there a quality suspension upgrade that will allow me to RAISE the level of this vehicle??We live on country roads and during the winter there are often branches and rocks in the road that can be driven OVER, but NOT avoided. I WILL eventually replace the engine shield with an aluminum type shield, but I also would like to raise the vehicle 2 to 4 inches from stock height.
2) The IC hoses are due for replacement. I understand that the VW replacements are prone to failure due to the metal band that is used on one end. Is there a high quality, after market silicone replacement??
3) Are there high quality, aftermarket engine mounts available that are a better quality then the VW fluid filled mounts?
4) I am used to manual trannys only. How robust is the Tiptronic transmission on this car...Would it be a good idea to due a full fluid/filter change on the Tiptronic now instead of at the factory recommended 100k??
Thanks so much for having such a GREAT forum !!! You guys offer priceless info here and I sure do appreciate it. I hope that I will be able to participate more as I learn more about this car...
Happy Holidays !!!
1) Is there a quality suspension upgrade that will allow me to RAISE the level of this vehicle??We live on country roads and during the winter there are often branches and rocks in the road that can be driven OVER, but NOT avoided. I WILL eventually replace the engine shield with an aluminum type shield, but I also would like to raise the vehicle 2 to 4 inches from stock height.
2) The IC hoses are due for replacement. I understand that the VW replacements are prone to failure due to the metal band that is used on one end. Is there a high quality, after market silicone replacement??
3) Are there high quality, aftermarket engine mounts available that are a better quality then the VW fluid filled mounts?
4) I am used to manual trannys only. How robust is the Tiptronic transmission on this car...Would it be a good idea to due a full fluid/filter change on the Tiptronic now instead of at the factory recommended 100k??
Thanks so much for having such a GREAT forum !!! You guys offer priceless info here and I sure do appreciate it. I hope that I will be able to participate more as I learn more about this car...
Happy Holidays !!!