10 yr old Passat – Is it worth keeping it on the road?

Op the problem is, unless you are going for something either new or pretty much brand new, there is always likely to be something that needs doing on a car. Are you based in dublin? if so I will give you name of a guy that changed timing belt for my mate for E140. Ring your local motor factors to see how much the belt is.

OP, newer cars cost money in maintenance also along with the initial purchase price. If you fancy a change then fair enough but unless the car is ready to die I would keep it.

I'm nearly in the exact same boat! I have the exact same car and year but with 185k miles on it.

NCT is out on it a month ago, tax due in February, cv boots need replacing and its overdue both a service and timing belt. I've had a few small issues with it in the last six months, mainly my boot doesn't close, back right door doesn't lock, glove compartment door hangs off when I open it and my radio doesn't work anymore. Also had to get alternator and fan belts and pulleys changed a month ago. Could do with a new battery now soon as well.

Looking at €1500+ to get in it taxed, NCT'd and driving as I want it in the next few months so think i'm going to cut my losses and upgrade instead.

Anyone want to buy a 02 Passat, low mileage, drives well, good clean car, priced to sell, pm me! :pac:

If you own the car already, your only costs are tax, insurance, maintenance and fuel. Chances are all of those will come in a lot cheaper than the cost of getting a new car, which will still have those costs associated with it, though perhaps at a lower level for tax and maintenance (in the short term at least).

The timing belt change interval seems to be either 60000 or 80000 miles depending on where you look for information. The owner's manual should tell you.

At 145k it should have had a belt at 120k or else be due one at 160k. When was the first one done?

On the TDI engines, NEVER leave the belt go past the change interval! The weak point in the TDI timing belt system is the tensioner, and they do have a habit of letting go when they're run past the change interval. If the belt breaks, an older car like this is effectively a write-off as it'll need at least a new head and possibly new engine. Unless you can get the parts cheaply and do the work yourself the cost of the repair will end up being more than the car is worth and it may be time to get something else.

IME the parts for the belt change on a 1.9 (belt, water pump and tensioner kit) should be around €200. After that it's down to how much someone will charge to do it. If they don't have the lockdown tools and diagnostics they can't do the job properly and you should find someone else to do it.

in relation to the tax, your probably best of just taxing it by the quarter if money is tight. My mate got another quote of E160 down the country for timing belt replacement. When getting work done, I would advise just getting the parts you need yourself in local motor factor and just getting your mechanic to just fit them, not supply and fit as this will be more expensive...

Keep it.

I have a 99 1.9 TDi 198,000 miles on the clock. I probably spend €400 a year on bits and pieces for it ( services, brakes etc).

If you compare repayments on a newer car thats only 1-2 months worth.

Although I have to say I am considering a 4 year old Octavia or Superb in the new year.

My 2 cents.

Have a ten year old a6 TDI. 215000 miles. Paid it off over the summer so it's finally mine. Debated selling it with a fresh Nct last October but considering its not worth all that much and I know it's service history (had it for last five years) I figured that its not worth selling.

I know it's been looked after and there is always a possibility that what u might buy to replace it has not. My advice keep her running. Those cars can take big miles. Best of luck with whatever u decide.

Zeek12 wrote: »

Yes, those combined costs are certainly less than the price of a newer car. Flip side to that point is a newer car would be an investment and would reduce the yearly tax and (possibly)fuel bills. Some of the bills with a 10yr old seem like "dead money" to me....particularly the tax! It's something to mull over I guess. I have options at least, as the Passat is still basically sound:)

As for the timing belt, a VW garage will tell you it needs changing every 60,000 miles. But other mechanics say you're pretty safe going to 70-75. It was last done around 75k. I won't be taking risks with it tho, and will get it done fairly soon (If I decide to hang on to the car).

I have an 08 alfa 159 1.9jtdm, tax is just gone up €89 to 570 ish
1 service, 2 front brake discs, 1 wheel arch liner, will need a full fluid service soon and a timing belt next year.

Just to show you that unless you go to a nearly new car, the maintenance costs are still there, and I'm still paying for mine:rolleyes:

No matter what car you have its going to cost money to maintain even a new one. I have a 03 with 113k on the clock and service it myself all in it costs about 80euro in parts for oil filter, long life oil, diesel filter, air filter and pollen filter. Skimping on maintenance is a false economy. That particular model of passat is light years area for reliability compared to the B6 model.

If it was me I would keep it! They can go for treble that mileage.

norrie rugger wrote: »

In all fairness though, you have an Alpha. That level of repair would be expected no?

37 Minutes for the Alfa gag.....

MugMugs wrote: »

37 Minutes for the Alfa gag.....

Motors is slowing up!

Just waiting for the 'yore ma' now:pac:

MugMugs wrote: »

I'll confess, it took a fair bit of self restraint myself

So what you are saying after my well intentioned and hopefully helpful post,

Is


Keep the passat op, it could be worse, you could have an alfa.

Thanks guys:D:pac: