05 Era Passat

SplitCartridge

This question has been asked a few times on here but I wanted to ask again for a fresher opinion. The threads I found were 5 years old.

I'm considering buying a Passat of the new shape. I know some of the earlier ones of the post 2005 shape can be problematic. I know someone with a 2L one and its given him nothing but hassle. His oil pump went and the engine seized up and the ECU was causing problems also. I've done a bit of digging and the common problems seem to be fuel pump, oil pump, and other lesser problems like hand break and wiper motor. But I hear that the 1.9 passats are much more reliable. The same guy I know who has the 2L had a 1.9 05 and it was in his opinion bullet proof in comparison.

Has anybody had any fresh experience of working on these cars or owning one over a few years that could share some opinions with me? I've a budget of 4.5k and I'm keen on the 1.9 for supposed reliability. Am I right in thinking the 1.9 is more reliable? If I do go for one what parts should I look for to have been changed recently? All tips and opinions on buying one of these cars are welcome.

If anyone knows of a recent thread on this site or another that may be of help feel free to link it to me.

Cheers

christy02

SplitCartridge wrote: »

This question has been asked a few times on here but I wanted to ask again for a fresher opinion. The threads I found were 5 years old.

I'm considering buying a Passat of the new shape. I know some of the earlier ones of the post 2005 shape can be problematic. I know someone with a 2L one and its given him nothing but hassle. His oil pump went and the engine seized up and the ECU was causing problems also. I've done a bit of digging and the common problems seem to be fuel pump, oil pump, and other lesser problems like hand break and wiper motor. But I hear that the 1.9 passats are much more reliable. The same guy I know who has the 2L had a 1.9 05 and it was in his opinion bullet proof in comparison.

Has anybody had any fresh experience of working on these cars or owning one over a few years that could share some opinions with me? I've a budget of 4.5k and I'm keen on the 1.9 for supposed reliability. Am I right in thinking the 1.9 is more reliable? If I do go for one what parts should I look for to have been changed recently? All tips and opinions on buying one of these cars are welcome.

If anyone knows of a recent thread on this site or another that may be of help feel free to link it to me.

Cheers

Plenty of threads on these engines. 1.9 is much more reliable but also quite trashy and unrefined.
Afaik only 110 bhp. The newer 2.0 engine had oil pump issues but is a much more refined and powerful engine.

Electric handbrake can give trouble and is pricey enough to get fixed. Not a fan of vags myself. Overrated imo.

SplitCartridge

christy02 wrote: »

Plenty of threads on these engines. 1.9 is much more reliable but also quite trashy and unrefined.
Afaik only 110 bhp. The newer 2.0 engine had oil pump issues but is a much more refined and powerful engine.

Electric handbrake can give trouble and is pricey enough to get fixed. Not a fan of vags myself. Overrated imo.

Cheers for the reply. What do you mean by trashy and unrefined though? Just not as smooth running as the 2L?

christy02

SplitCartridge wrote: »

Cheers for the reply. What do you mean by trashy and unrefined though? Just not as smooth running as the 2L?

Same engine from the 02 passat so bit like a tractor!!!!

SplitCartridge

christy02 wrote: »

Same engine from the 02 passat so bit like a tractor!!!!

Haha. Cool OK thanks for the heads up.

BrianD3

I know a few people with 05-07 1.9 TDI Passat and reliability has been patchy. Every one of the cars I know of have needed replacement brake calipers.

One car broke down a few times and the dealer was useless. IIRC the fuel pump in the tank was an issue. There was some issue with a wiring loom under the steering column, can't remember exactly what it was. It was fixed under warranty. That car hasn't given any problems in over a year now.

Another car didn't break down and went a few years with no problem but then in a relatively short period - Brake calipers, a couple of sets of brake discs warped, electric handbrake button failed, EGR valve needed replacing, dual mass flywheel. This car is very well driven by someone with a lot of mechanical sympathy so I wouldn't like to see what would happen with an abused example.

mickdw

A good 1.9 should be reasonably good. Flywheel should be mileage related so history of having that done would be good. Proper history of oil changed with right oil is important.
Caliper replacement is getting cheaper as is the steering column issue which was mad money in the early days.