My 99 silver Passat Wagon (V4) with 85,000 died about 4 weeks ago. I took it to the dealer who said after 1 hours worth of diagnostics - would need 4 more hours of diagnostics and the best case scenario is a new head (3k) or a new motor (7k). As the car's value was worth 8K in top condition - I asked the dealer what they would give me for it if I wanted a new car. They said they did not want it and gave me 24 hours to either go forward with the repairs or get it off the lot. Needless to say, I was less than pleased with that answer and went out and bought a Saab. My question to the great vortex - what can/should I do with my Passat. Should I sell it for scrap or parts or simply use as a flower box? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
What to do with my 99 Passat Wagon?
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Re: What to do with my 99 Passat Wagon? (godot30)
Did they say what was actually wrong with it?
You can try calling around other dealers and independent VW specialist shops on how much it would cost to replace the head or engine. It is also possible that one of the other shops may figure out a way to repair it that does not require anything as expensive as replacing the head or engine.
No 1999 Passats came with V4 engines (all of the 4-cylinder engines were inline).
Did they say what was actually wrong with it?
You can try calling around other dealers and independent VW specialist shops on how much it would cost to replace the head or engine. It is also possible that one of the other shops may figure out a way to repair it that does not require anything as expensive as replacing the head or engine.
No 1999 Passats came with V4 engines (all of the 4-cylinder engines were inline).
Re: What to do with my 99 Passat Wagon? (godot30)
I thought VWs, bought prior to 2002, had a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty (My wife's 2001 Passat does!). Tell VW to fix it, unless the problem was due to neglect; then it's your problem.
I thought VWs, bought prior to 2002, had a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty (My wife's 2001 Passat does!). Tell VW to fix it, unless the problem was due to neglect; then it's your problem.
Re: What to do with my 99 Passat Wagon? (DrvVWs)
Yes - sorry, it is a 4 cylinder turbo (not a V4) and I bought the car at VW as a used certified in 2001 with 30k miles. I thought I had the 100k mile warranty as well and, of course, found out that I did not because I was the original owner - a warning to all those that buy used certified. The dealer told me they could not tell me exactly what was wrong with it (other than new head or new engine) without doing 4 more hours of diagnostics - at $125 an hour. As you can imagine, I was not looking to invest $500 dollars to tell me i needed a new engine. Also, they did not want to give me anything for the car as a trade in which told me it would not be worth it to fix. I did try to take to an independent mechanic, but I could not find one in my area (Essex/Passaic Counties in New Jersey) that would touch VWs. All signs were pointing me away from the car. My real question now - can I get anything for my car as is? It seems no matter what i invest, it would be more than what I could sell it for. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Modified by godot30 at 1:02 PM 9-11-2005
Yes - sorry, it is a 4 cylinder turbo (not a V4) and I bought the car at VW as a used certified in 2001 with 30k miles. I thought I had the 100k mile warranty as well and, of course, found out that I did not because I was the original owner - a warning to all those that buy used certified. The dealer told me they could not tell me exactly what was wrong with it (other than new head or new engine) without doing 4 more hours of diagnostics - at $125 an hour. As you can imagine, I was not looking to invest $500 dollars to tell me i needed a new engine. Also, they did not want to give me anything for the car as a trade in which told me it would not be worth it to fix. I did try to take to an independent mechanic, but I could not find one in my area (Essex/Passaic Counties in New Jersey) that would touch VWs. All signs were pointing me away from the car. My real question now - can I get anything for my car as is? It seems no matter what i invest, it would be more than what I could sell it for. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Modified by godot30 at 1:02 PM 9-11-2005
Re: What to do with my 99 Passat Wagon? (godot30)
In less than an hour, they can drop the oil pan and check the oil pump inlet screen for sludge (more correctly, coke) buildup. Assuming you have done all of your oil changes on time (no more than 5k mi / 8k km between changes) and with 502.00 certified synthetic oil, you should be covered by VWoA's 8-year sludge warranty.
Also in less than an hour, they can determine whether your timing belt has slipped or perhaps snapped. The 1999s and 2000s had defective timing belt tensioners. Since it died suddenly, I suspect this to be your problem, rather than sludge. Have you ever replaced the timing belt? This should be done every 6 years, irrespective of what VW may tell you.
Modified by John_E at 1:32 PM 9-11-2005
In less than an hour, they can drop the oil pan and check the oil pump inlet screen for sludge (more correctly, coke) buildup. Assuming you have done all of your oil changes on time (no more than 5k mi / 8k km between changes) and with 502.00 certified synthetic oil, you should be covered by VWoA's 8-year sludge warranty.
Also in less than an hour, they can determine whether your timing belt has slipped or perhaps snapped. The 1999s and 2000s had defective timing belt tensioners. Since it died suddenly, I suspect this to be your problem, rather than sludge. Have you ever replaced the timing belt? This should be done every 6 years, irrespective of what VW may tell you.
Modified by John_E at 1:32 PM 9-11-2005
Re: What to do with my 99 Passat Wagon? (John_E)
I would look also at just getting a used engine, not a new one. I have been told that a used engine can found and installed for between 1.5 to 3K.
I would look also at just getting a used engine, not a new one. I have been told that a used engine can found and installed for between 1.5 to 3K.
Re: What to do with my 99 Passat Wagon? (godot30)
certified pre-owned (CPO ) VW warranties are only 24,000 /2yrs. on used vechicles,what were you told in regards to warranties and why would you say dont but pre-owned because possibly some important scheduled maintenance items werent performed at the proper mileage intervals causing related failure problems ,such as the timing belt tensioner and belt that requires [email protected],000 ,60,000 and replacement @80,000miles for the cyl 1.8T motor also ,its your finances that dictate what you should do with it anyway ,motor work and /or motors are always less price than whole cars are in my book
certified pre-owned (CPO ) VW warranties are only 24,000 /2yrs. on used vechicles,what were you told in regards to warranties and why would you say dont but pre-owned because possibly some important scheduled maintenance items werent performed at the proper mileage intervals causing related failure problems ,such as the timing belt tensioner and belt that requires [email protected],000 ,60,000 and replacement @80,000miles for the cyl 1.8T motor also ,its your finances that dictate what you should do with it anyway ,motor work and /or motors are always less price than whole cars are in my book
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