[ameoba]

Well, we are seriously considering another car. Having one Passat, I would like to keep it in the family and get another VW. The price difference between the Passat and a comparable Jetta is so small, that I think we'll be looking for another B5.5.

So - my question to all of you is what are the things to look at and look for on the 2001.5 and 2002 models that seem to be problem areas (beside the obvious - crash damage, repairs, and the dreaded coil packs).

Our 2003 has really not had any problems other than the stupid brake sensor that has failed twice now. Any reports from those of you with higher mileage B5.5's would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[ShrinerMonkey]

Check every single electrical component and switch to make sure they work...I mean EVERYTHING. This is a real sore spot on most VWs.

 

[I<3myW8]

Electrical. And car history... make sure if it's a turbo to scrutinize just about everything that has to do with forced induction, manifolds, hosing, oil (especially coked crap...), and the turbo itself.

 

[crash893]

check the engine bay look for oil

take a look underneth look for oil / other liquid drops

look at there driveway as well
make sure the chairs work

definetly take it out and give it a variaty of conditons ( just slow, fast , find a rough road to listen for squeaks)

also take it to a parkinglot and do a complete circle as tight as you can listen for clicking or powersterring squeak

look for smoke in the exauste

double check all the eletronics

look at fluid / level & color ask them about it ( when was the last time you changed your break fluid /trasn/ oil


run the ac full blast make sure there is no smell and that it gets cold in a reasonbale amount of time same with heat ( might take longer)

inspect hoses and belts for tears ( see if hoses are swolen aroudn brackets ( oil in colant)

have some one drive behind you and make sure the car isnt crabing ( driving kinda of sideways but still going straight)

take yoru hands of the steriign wheel see if it pulls hard to one side concistantly

in a parking lot turn the wheel all the way left or right and then excelerate ( no hans) see if it straightens out


check for inconcistancys in the gaps between fenders and doors and turnk

keep an eye out for rust

 

[D.Passat00]

get a vag, and see if there are any codes. definately check to make sure every electronic thing worked. i learned the hard way