[owenmans]

My first car was a 1999 Passat GLX 2.8L V6 and I loved her dearly. Unfortunately her time has passed... I currently drive my cousins old 93 civic coupe but I simply cannot do it any longer. I have custom aftermarket headlights and side markers for a B5 Passat as well further making my choice clear in what kind of car I should buy next. I do know that this time around I want a manual car and would prefer the 1.8T engine for improved mileage. Anyways, my budget isn't all that high at the moment. I only have about $3000 at my disposal. I search around on my local craigslist daily and this Passat has stood out to me:
VW - Value Buy

What do you all think? How big of an issue is the control module box fan? Additionally, what are the consequences of a hose leaking coolant? I'm not very familiar with either of these situations.

Thanks for any help or advice you guys can give. Hopefully I'll be back in a Passat soon!

 

[Bdubskii]

It doesn't list miles, previous maintenance or much other information. Have you talked to the owner?

 

[vdubdad]

"Leaking Coolant"and CEL on-it's a pig in a poke.

Leaking coolant could be water pump. If you are handy with wrenches, it could be a deal. If you are not, it could be a money pit.

 

[owenmans]

I've talked to the owner a little bit. According to them they bought the car almost 2 years ago from a dealer and it's been very reliable. In an early message from the owners they said they were going to fix and keep it if it doesn't sell as is, but in a later message they said they were fixing it later that day (a few days ago) and would still be interested in selling it after they fixed it for $3000. It was lowered prior to them purchasing it (problems with a lowered suspension may start arising now...?). Milage is 169,500.

Thanks guys. How much do you think a water pump replacement would run at a local mechanic? If it isn't too difficult I could likely do it with my dad. We did some other basic things on my first Passat like replacing the oil pan/filter and fixing a window regulator.

 

[Bdubskii]

If you're going to do the water pump, you might as well do the timing belt and other parts with it at the same time. I'd personally pass on it. I've seen nicer ones with no work needed for around he same price.

 

[ylwagon]

So they've fixed the "leaking hose" and "control module box fan" and the price went up $1000? I'm always suspicious when people claim not to know specifically what's wrong with the car, then suggest the problems probably are cheap and easy fixes.

 

[caspershadow]

I'd keep looking

 

[scotts13]

Pass.

 

[keithwbloom]

But it's listed as "cute." You guys are gonna hurt its feelings. oke:

 

[Bdubskii]

But it's listed as "cute." You guys are gonna hurt its feelings. oke:

It is pretty cute though. :lol:

 

[Steve in Chicago]

"control module box fan needed" ?

This is not a BMW. No such fan on this car.

 

[-BEE5-]

"control module box fan needed" ?

This is not a BMW. No such fan on this car.

it also needs a new flux capacitor.

 

[dbrick]

The blinker fluid is probably up for replacement, too.

 

[Bdubskii]

The blinker fluid is probably up for replacement, too.

Remember to only use OEM spec fluid though. It can cause slow and dangerous blinks.

 

[owenmans]

it also needs a new flux capacitor.

Well shoot I don't have the money for that...

Thanks guys. You all confirmed my suspicions. I just really wanted to hear someone disagree with what I was thinking and tell me they were easy fixes and that I should pick it up. Very tired of driving my dang Civic. Back to the search I go.

 

[owenmans]

But it's listed as "cute." You guys are gonna hurt its feelings. oke:

Don't call my sexist, but I took the "cute" description as a good thing. Figured only a girl would describe their own car as cute, and thus the current owner was female. A female driver would have likely been easier on the car (GENERALLY, in my opinion) so I counted it as a plus. Anyways, I wouldn't exactly describe a lowered black on black B5 as "pretty cute" but to each their own.

 

[Bdubskii]

Don't call my sexist, but I took the "cute" description as a good thing. Figured only a girl would describe their own car as cute, and thus the current owner was female. A female driver would have likely been easier on the car (GENERALLY, in my opinion) so I counted it as a plus. Anyways, I wouldn't exactly describe a lowered black on black B5 as "pretty cute" but to each their own.

True, girls can sometimes be easier on their cars, but at the same time, I've seen girls who didn't know how to drive manual and then learned on their car and completely destroyed it within a few months. It all depends on the particular individual.

 

[ylwagon]

True, girls can sometimes be easier on their cars

Yes, but not my daughter. You really use those passenger side grab handles when she is driving her 3.0 A4.

 

[Bdubskii]

Yes, but not my daughter. You really use those passenger side grab handles when she is driving her 3.0 A4.

Haha, my sister's the same way. She had a 05.5 MKV Jetta, I use to grab the "Oh shit" handles around every corner. Switching lanes at dangerous speeds, it was scary.

 

[bigbea]

Pass