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828 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Drimbee23, Mar 16, 2016

PassATL

Discussion Starter · Feb 29, 2016 (Edited)

Hello Everyone,

Been getting info from here for a few weeks now, finally registered. Wanted to drop in and say hi.
I picked up a 2003 Passat, manual, 1.8T a few weeks ago with 190K miles for $2K. Just wanted something to tinker with since I used to love working on cars.
Been getting it into decent running condition. So far, I've done the following maintenance:

Oil/Transmission oil change
Spark Plugs
Replaced all struts/shocks
Replaced a cv axle
Installed a cone filter and heat shield (I've missed the sound of turbo spool and bypass)
Installed HID kit
Hood / Trunk shocks
Replaced coolant flange
Replaced plastic tube from the crank to the pcv (was completely snapped and had to remove the fuel rain and intake manifold to get to it)

I think I finally got it to a good point. Managed to do all of the above for under $600 using cheap online parts and the work myself (I think those hose clamps doubled the time it took for the last two items)
I'm new to german cars, but not cars in general. I've owned a Tiburon (nitrous), Eclipse (show car), Maxima, Altima, IS300 (turbo), TL, Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, GS450H, QX56.
I've done most of the work myself in the past 20 years, including tuning the turbo install in the IS300.
Wanted to thank everyone who shares their knowledge on here. It's helped me a lot and I hope to contribute to the forum.

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1 - 11 of 11 Posts

PassATL

Discussion Starter · #2 · Mar 2, 2016

Looks like I have found my third source of coolant leak. First was the line into the turbo, second was coolant flange, now the thermostat housing... I think I'm sticking with Japanese cars after I'm done with this passat. I haven't been impressed. Cheap plastic parts, sub standard rubber hoses, cheap hose clamps.
I guess I should have listened to my audi friends. They warned me it would be a love hate relationship. Ok, done with rant

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Steve in Chicago

· #3 · Mar 2, 2016

Keep in mind, that rubber is now 13 years old. Same with the plastic. There is nothing wrong with Oetiker clamps. Once you figure out the trick to removal, they aren't that great of a challenge.

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paublo

· #4 · Mar 3, 2016

PassATL said:
Looks like I have found my third source of coolant leak. First was the line into the turbo, second was coolant flange, now the thermostat housing... I think I'm sticking with Japanese cars after I'm done with this passat. I haven't been impressed. Cheap plastic parts, sub standard rubber hoses, cheap hose clamps.
I guess I should have listened to my audi friends. They warned me it would be a love hate relationship. Ok, done with rant

My thoughts exactly (I just got an 03 passat with 118k for $3k). After an additional $1k or buying replacement parts, a lot of which involved buying specialty tools for vw only, plus ordering special parts not carried at locally and having to stop every day to wait for something to ship a week later, plus their $50 oil changes with oversize filters and full synthetic stuff you can hardy find anywhere, expensive g12 coolant that's only found at the dealer, the ridiculous "service position" that requires you to take off the entire front end to do anything, and also the major sludging issues, all make me wish I just replaced the head gasket on my honda instead of getting into this mess. Every japanese car I've owned was 95% just routine oil changes and easy maintenance. . . I'm kinda wishing I bought that guy's Acura in ATL with 150k for $2k ($1k less than what I paid for this headache).

I had an old 98 jetta back in the day which was a fun, solid little car, which made me consider the passat. After this though, as far as European, I think I'm out too.

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paublo

· #5 · Mar 3, 2016

Also, I replaced my coolant flange too. I was going to just swap out the o-ring, but the dealership wanted $8 for that little 12¢ piece of rubber. So I had to just go online and by the entire flange aftermarket (with temp sensor, and both o-rings) for $20.

. . . okay vw. Thanks for the help and integrity.

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