[ajpassat]

Just recently bought this 2001 1.8T Passat, 110k miles.

I want to upgrade things on it, but not sure where to start. Those of you that have been successful with yours, what would you do? I know I'm getting new headlights & taillights as far as exterior appearance goes. But even performance wise, I don't know what step to do first. I have the carfax on it and it was regularly maintained when it was the recommended time or mileage rather.

Bare with me, I'm new to all of this.

 

[scotts13]

First, make absolutely sure all required maintenance has been done - from the timing belt to the oft-neglected brake fluid change and transmission fluid change. Then, set aside $500 - $1000 for "surprises." Drive the car for a few months, to see what happens. I guarantee you'll find things you want/need to do that aren't "upgrades." If you get spectacularly lucky and the 15-year old German sedan doesn't jump up and bite your wallet - THEN think about extras.

 

[2002GLXV6]

With age comes wisdom! The above is good advice. A 3M headlight restoration kit will get you "new headlights" for $19.

 

[jjpark]

I couldn't agree more with the 1st 2 posts. Take it from them and me lol. I'm a new owner of a 2001 Passat V6. I would love to make some changes to make it 'Different' than the rest I see BUT...I knew it had issues so they are the 1st to get the attention before I start adding things to it.

I have loved driving it. There is something about it that fits. It has issues but I look forward to working on it and with the help from people here it's already been an experience

I am learning fast that this car isn't like my American cars. It can be very picky, moody.

Drive yours for a few months and see how it does. If you are looking to work on any part of it I suggest biting the bullet and get you a Bentley manual, one of the Vagcom's and do your research on anything you can here about your car.....

 

[ajpassat]

I couldn't agree more with the 1st 2 posts. Take it from them and me lol. I'm a new owner of a 2001 Passat V6. I would love to make some changes to make it 'Different' than the rest I see BUT...I knew it had issues so they are the 1st to get the attention before I start adding things to it.

I have loved driving it. There is something about it that fits. It has issues but I look forward to working on it and with the help from people here it's already been an experience

I am learning fast that this car isn't like my American cars. It can be very picky, moody.

Drive yours for a few months and see how it does. If you are looking to work on any part of it I suggest biting the bullet and get you a Bentley manual, one of the Vagcom's and do your research on anything you can here about your car.....

I absolutely love the car. It's fun to drive, and overall looks very nice. The day after I bought it the engine light came on and threw a code for "Secondary Air Pump Injector Incorrect Flow". I kind of laughed because I was thinking, 'what did I get myself into?' Lol.

I've just been driving real easy with it and not going long distances. I believe over the weekend is whenever we're checking out the air intake system. Definitely checking hoses for any kind of cracks, before I just go ahead and buy a new pump.

I'm definitely going to be buying the few things you've suggested!

After getting this pump fixed (if need be), and driving the following few months, I'll see how it does.

Any certain kinds of fluids (oil, etc) that anyone would suggest that do best?

Whenever I bought the car, it had 87 octane gas in it, and I actually filled it up again with 87. Two days ago I looked at the cap and the recommended is 91, but it isn't available in my area so I just put 93 in it and going to see how it does.

 

[ajpassat]

With age comes wisdom! The above is good advice. A 3M headlight restoration kit will get you "new headlights" for $19.

I'll just buy that for now then. Thank you!

 

[ajpassat]

First, make absolutely sure all required maintenance has been done - from the timing belt to the oft-neglected brake fluid change and transmission fluid change. Then, set aside $500 - $1000 for "surprises." Drive the car for a few months, to see what happens. I guarantee you'll find things you want/need to do that aren't "upgrades." If you get spectacularly lucky and the 15-year old German sedan doesn't jump up and bite your wallet - THEN think about extras.

I was very happy with what I have seen with its carfax records. The cars first owner took very well care of this vehicle, I was surprised to be honest. The timing belt and a bunch of other things were replaced September of 2014 by the 2nd owner. Now, the mileage was not jotted down of whenever it was last changed though, but if the current is 110k miles, the recommended is 105k correct? I will have the timing belt, thermostat, etc checked to see how it's holding up.

I appreciate all of your advice! It was very helpful, and I'll definitely set aside money for those surprises that are probably bound to happen. Hopefully not in the near future though haha. Thank you very much.

 

[nuclearseal]

Find a junk yard/pick n pull with a good selection of Passats ??


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[zak99B5]

Ok, after you have caught up on all the maintenance, CHIP IT.

I love the Unitronic flash I have on my B5 A4. Also I liked the Revo flash my 1.8T GTi had.

I would steer clear of APR, what with all their issues lately.

 

[RGeo13]

I'll just buy that for now then. Thank you!

If it isn't too late, I've had great great luck with the toothpaste technique. Two applications and my lights came crystal clear. Never really thought the kit was worth it, I would rather save the money(even though it's only $20) for something else.

As far as an awesome interior upgrade, highly highly recommend interior LED underdash kit from LEDglow. Coolest thing I ever did to my Passat.
Edit: Sorry for sideways pic...

 

[ajpassat]

I'll just buy that for now then. Thank you!

If it isn't too late, I've had great great luck with the toothpaste technique. Two applications and my lights came crystal clear. Never really thought the kit was worth it, I would rather save the money(even though it's only $20) for something else.

As far as an awesome interior upgrade, highly highly recommend interior LED underdash kit from LEDglow. Coolest thing I ever did to my Passat.
Edit: Sorry for sideways pic...

[iurl="http://www.passatworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=60297&d=1447425417"]

[/iurl]

My grandfather actually just mentioned that to me the other day, using toothpaste!

I never even thought to put under dash lights in, that's a good idea, and it's not very expensive either. Yours looks awesome. Thank you!

 

[V6er]

Find a junk yard/pick n pull with a good selection of Passats 


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BEst advice out there..

For instance my local pick&pull has kept my passats going over the years.
I only have the V6 wagon now, but the other day I saw one on the oil drain prep area same color, same year...
I'm so excited.. The second that hits the yard I'm out there..

 

[Doughboy613]

I've had my 2003 V6 4motion for about 3 weeks now, just finally buffed the headlights this weekend, now I've got to find a flat place to aim them. Mine threw a code for Evap system after 5 days of owning it, but so far I love the car. I am gonna agree with the others and say make sure everything is up to date before you mod.

 

[ajpassat]

Find a junk yard/pick n pull with a good selection of Passats ??


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That's a good idea. Thanks!

 

[CHEVDOG]

Just recently bought this 2001 1.8T Passat, 110k miles.

Those of you that have been successful with yours, what would you do?

here you go :

http://www.passatworld.com/forums/v...on/472186-husband-hand-me-down-mommy-car.html

 

[ajpassat]

Just recently bought this 2001 1.8T Passat, 110k miles.

Those of you that have been successful with yours, what would you do?

here you go :

http://www.passatworld.com/forums/v...on/472186-husband-hand-me-down-mommy-car.html

Thank you!