I paid 2800 for my '00 4mo waggie with 145,000 kms in BC, so this seems priced right. You'll only get 400-450 KMS per tank though...

 

On the face of it, it's a very nice car for a fair price. It appears to be 4Motion, which is an additional plus. However, on these cars it's not the features, it's how well they were cared for. The commentary in the ad indicates, not very well. If you want the car to be right, you're going to have to put some money into it. Just replacing the trim part at the front and repainting the rear bumper could easily be $500. The airbag - which IMHO you should NOT ignore - could be trivial or even more. The locks I wouldn't live with, so that would be a couple of hundred as well. Of course, cosmetic/convenience/safety stuff you might choose to ignore.

Since other things were allowed to stay unrepaired, I'd go through the list of all the other typical Passat faults, staring with a clogged heater core. Then water intrusion, control arm condition... you know the drill. The new rear pads thing is an indicator of sketchy maintenance - normally you replace the rotors along with the pads.

 

Thanks for the insight! I'll be sure to ask for a maintenance record and take a good look underneath the hood when I go take a look later today.

I didn't even notice it was 4Motion, silly me.

 

At the moment, it needs the spark plugs replaced, which I've been told can be done for a few hundred dollars.

That's a bit steep for a set of plugs! You can buy a set of NGK plugs for $36 US and install them yourself. There should be no need for new plug wires.

The broken trim on the front fender. If it is just the chrome piece that is broken it is sold as separate part for $45-$65 US and is another DIY project.

What the heck happened to the passenger side? both fenders are damaged and the wheels are in bad shape. You can repaint the wheels yourself, or look for some replacements. As for the fender damage that could be pricey to repair.

As well that rear bumper cover is in bad condition. I'm not so sure a re-paint will help that much. I would keep and eye on the junkyards and people parting out cars for a used one in the correct color and just replace it. Another DIY.

I have no idea about the regulations in BC, but I would think if you have any type of inspection process for cars that the airbag fault would be a FAIL.
Not to mention the liability if someone got hurt in your car with a known faulty airbag.

And there's the locks and whatever else is lurking undisclosed.
So, be prepared to drop some money.

Didn't see and pics under the hood. They can be very telling as to the overall condition of the car. Spend some time with your head under the hood while you are negotiating a better price.

 

"The car was driven by my mother and she is a very careful driver."

If he considers her a "careful driver," I'd hate to see what he considers to be reckless. That would also leave me to question what else he'd consider to be "no big deal" items not worth mentioning.

 

"The car was driven by my mother and she is a very careful driver."

If he considers her a "careful driver," I'd hate to see what he considers to be reckless. That would also leave me to question what else he'd consider to be "no big deal" items not worth mentioning.

:lol:

 

Check the underside for corrosion, in fact consider paying for a pre-purchase inspection. Also, make sure you're getting a good title. The price is nice and low, but just be aware you will be adding money to it regularly.

 

I forgot to add "DO NOT IGNORE the airbag code".
the code might be saying "we were in an accident, but for some reason the airbag did not deploy..."

Also, check the tire wear for irregularity, especially on the passenger side....due to the damages to fenders & wheels it may need an alignment...
although the "new tires" may well be hiding something.

Also seems to be missing the cargo cover...those are hard to come by.

FYI, There is a '01 waggie at pick apart in Chilliwack, it has been gone through, but the rear bumper cover is there (although a different colour).

 

Personally too many issues for me. The interior is nice but lots of other unknown issues.

Take to the BCAA inspection outlet in Burnaby across from BCIT. For about $200 they will go over it with a fine tooth comb and tell you the real deal.

Good luck regardless.

FWIW - I recently purchased an '02 wagon with lots more (but well looked after) kms and alot fewer issues for only $1100 here in Kelowna! No leather though 'cause it's cold on the butt when it's 10 below!

 

Thanks everyone for your input. I've decided not to purchase this '01 wagon after a viewing on Sunday. It turns out another potential buyer came and hooked up his ODB scanner which resulted in a transmission and cylinder misfire code. I asked a few questions about the transmission and she said the transmission fluid needs to be topped off every now and then but it's not a "significant" leak by any means. The entire passenger side looked a tad roughed up, but to be fair I wasn't too interested in the cosmetic damages, more so what's underneath. Even though she had a hefty folder of maintenance records, my first instinct was to stay clear and find a Passat in better shape for a little more money...

And so the search continues...