VW Passat 1.9 TDI PD...
Discussion
Consistently in GG I see this car recommended as a solid, reliable, safe and frugal family car. Particular note is paid to the engine being "bullet-proof".
I am on the look out for a reasonably cheap estate and reminded myself of these.
My question is - how do I know what model to look for? Presumably not all 1.9 Passats registered in the noughties have the PD engine?
Would most recommend these? Other thoughts are Accord CDTI and Mondeo Estate.
I am on the look out for a reasonably cheap estate and reminded myself of these.
My question is - how do I know what model to look for? Presumably not all 1.9 Passats registered in the noughties have the PD engine?
Would most recommend these? Other thoughts are Accord CDTI and Mondeo Estate.
We still have a few B5 Passats on fleet, mostly the 130PD. They're fine, the engine is quick enough and they tend to get the high 40's mpg, but by god they're boring. No involvement at all, the huge bus steering wheel doesn't feel connected to anything, the brakes have little feedback, and they're pretty floaty and easily upset by bumpy roads.
I tend to go for the Mk3 Mondeos, or even the Vectras over the Passats.
I tend to go for the Mk3 Mondeos, or even the Vectras over the Passats.
Having driven all 3, the Accord is the best, the Mondeo is good at what it does and the VW is the worst car I've ever driven (and I've driven a 1.3 pushrod Vauxhall Viva!)
We have 8 Passat diesel pool cars at work and I've driven them all. The issues that I (and others at work) complain of are:
The auto handbrake works about 70% of the time on all of the cars. The other 30% of the time, the car rolls back and you have to use the foot brake.
When the auto handbrake is working an on and you want to pull away, the car has to take the handbrake off then there's a lag before the engine struggles into life which often results in stalling. I thought it might be just me but our industrial estate is littered with stationary Passats with perplexed drivers behind the wheel.
The controls don't seem to be intuitive. I want the drivers window down, the rear one goes instead, I want to turn up the volume and the radio re-tunes, etc. OK, if you're used to running one then it'll be fine but nothing feels at hand like it should be.
If you wnat to overtake, you can drop a gear and you don't go any faster, the engine just makes more noise. I tend not to try to get past anything unless I have a good stretch of dual carriaway ahead.
I could go on...
We have 8 Passat diesel pool cars at work and I've driven them all. The issues that I (and others at work) complain of are:
The auto handbrake works about 70% of the time on all of the cars. The other 30% of the time, the car rolls back and you have to use the foot brake.
When the auto handbrake is working an on and you want to pull away, the car has to take the handbrake off then there's a lag before the engine struggles into life which often results in stalling. I thought it might be just me but our industrial estate is littered with stationary Passats with perplexed drivers behind the wheel.
The controls don't seem to be intuitive. I want the drivers window down, the rear one goes instead, I want to turn up the volume and the radio re-tunes, etc. OK, if you're used to running one then it'll be fine but nothing feels at hand like it should be.
If you wnat to overtake, you can drop a gear and you don't go any faster, the engine just makes more noise. I tend not to try to get past anything unless I have a good stretch of dual carriaway ahead.
I could go on...
VAG PD engine bullet proof? Isn't this the one with the persistent injector problem?
My 2000 A4 TDI (115bhp engine) needed new injectors at huge cost and eventually an engine re-build at an even bigger cost (though this may have been due to a f
ked up re-map that over-fuelled and toasted two pistons).
By comparison, my previous '97 A4 with the 110bhp engine was bullet proof and had covered 198,000 trouble-free miles when I moved it on.
My 2000 A4 TDI (115bhp engine) needed new injectors at huge cost and eventually an engine re-build at an even bigger cost (though this may have been due to a f
ked up re-map that over-fuelled and toasted two pistons).By comparison, my previous '97 A4 with the 110bhp engine was bullet proof and had covered 198,000 trouble-free miles when I moved it on.
Riley Blue said:
VAG PD engine bullet proof? Isn't this the one with the persistent injector problem?
My 2000 A4 TDI (115bhp engine) needed new injectors at huge cost and eventually an engine re-build at an even bigger cost (though this may have been due to a fked up re-map that over-fuelled and toasted two pistons).
By comparison, my previous '97 A4 with the 110bhp engine was bullet proof and had covered 198,000 trouble-free miles when I moved it on.
The 1.9l and 2.0l PDs in the skodas can both suffer injector issues it's true...but doesn't the mondeo also suffer this? I think essentially all works on the 1.9l are cheaper than the 2.0l...but it's still going to hurt.My 2000 A4 TDI (115bhp engine) needed new injectors at huge cost and eventually an engine re-build at an even bigger cost (though this may have been due to a f
ked up re-map that over-fuelled and toasted two pistons).By comparison, my previous '97 A4 with the 110bhp engine was bullet proof and had covered 198,000 trouble-free miles when I moved it on.
As the owner of a Passat PD 130, I feel qualified to give an opinion. The B5 (pre facelift) latterly came with a PD 115 engine in about 2000, which superceded the old 110 TDI unit. The B5.5 (facelift model) came with a 100 and 130 PD engine.
Provided the correct oil is used, and changed every 10,000 miles, they should be fine. They can suffer from Camshaft wear if the incorrect oil is used. Unfortunately these cars all have DMFs, so be gentle with the clutch and don't pull away on tickover with it. The engine will happily facilitate this, but it will shag the DMF.
Things to watch out for on the car itself include checking the drain holes in the "trough" or "plenum chamber" at the back of the engine bay, which on the B5.5 is under a plastic cover so leaves and other crap doesn't fall in. If the drain holes are blocked, the trough fills with water, which will leak into the cabin and get into the CCM (Comfort Control Module) which leads to well documented electrical problems. If the drain is kept clear, all should be fine, just check front carpets for any damp.
If you can, although this is not always practical, get the car plugged into VAGCOM to check for any error codes
The Passat and Audi A4 of that vintage on which it was based have a complex multi link front suspension set-up, which can wear, so as with any other car, check for clonks on the test drive.
Other than this they are very solid, and arguably better built and more reliable than the newer Passats, which, as mentioned above, can have annoying problems.
Aside from this, this era Passat is a good solid workhorse, and if looked after will last for many years. Don't expect to set a track alight with it though! The engine being mounted longitudinally and slung ahead of the front axle will lead to heavy understeering when pushed.
Provided the correct oil is used, and changed every 10,000 miles, they should be fine. They can suffer from Camshaft wear if the incorrect oil is used. Unfortunately these cars all have DMFs, so be gentle with the clutch and don't pull away on tickover with it. The engine will happily facilitate this, but it will shag the DMF.
Things to watch out for on the car itself include checking the drain holes in the "trough" or "plenum chamber" at the back of the engine bay, which on the B5.5 is under a plastic cover so leaves and other crap doesn't fall in. If the drain holes are blocked, the trough fills with water, which will leak into the cabin and get into the CCM (Comfort Control Module) which leads to well documented electrical problems. If the drain is kept clear, all should be fine, just check front carpets for any damp.
If you can, although this is not always practical, get the car plugged into VAGCOM to check for any error codes
The Passat and Audi A4 of that vintage on which it was based have a complex multi link front suspension set-up, which can wear, so as with any other car, check for clonks on the test drive.
Other than this they are very solid, and arguably better built and more reliable than the newer Passats, which, as mentioned above, can have annoying problems.
Aside from this, this era Passat is a good solid workhorse, and if looked after will last for many years. Don't expect to set a track alight with it though! The engine being mounted longitudinally and slung ahead of the front axle will lead to heavy understeering when pushed.
Triumph Man said:
Aside from this, this era Passat is a good solid workhorse, and if looked after will last for many years. Don't expect to set a track alight with it though! The engine being mounted longitudinally and slung ahead of the front axle will lead to heavy understeering when pushed.
Longitudinal engine? are you sure? My 2001 B5.5 130PD SE was a lovely A-road and motorway cruiser, comfy, very quiet and gave a steady 50mpg.
The multi setting heated seats were fab and there was loads of room in it.
It's not sports car, but as a mile muncher which can be hustled in entertaining fashion I like them. They've aged very well too.
Parts plentiful. Radiators break at the bottom join. Had mine replaced. Cleaned the battery tray and enlarged the drain holes. Never missed a beat.
The multi setting heated seats were fab and there was loads of room in it.
It's not sports car, but as a mile muncher which can be hustled in entertaining fashion I like them. They've aged very well too.
Parts plentiful. Radiators break at the bottom join. Had mine replaced. Cleaned the battery tray and enlarged the drain holes. Never missed a beat.
HellDiver said:
We still have a few B5 Passats on fleet, mostly the 130PD. They're fine, the engine is quick enough and they tend to get the high 40's mpg, but by god they're boring. No involvement at all, the huge bus steering wheel doesn't feel connected to anything, the brakes have little feedback, and they're pretty floaty and easily upset by bumpy roads.
I tend to go for the Mk3 Mondeos, or even the Vectras over the Passats.
I'd agree. I had an Audi A6 1.9 tdi. I tend to go for the Mk3 Mondeos, or even the Vectras over the Passats.
It had to go though - whilst my wallet was grateful, my soul wondered where it had all gone wrong...
Triumph Man said:
The B5 (pre facelift) latterly came with a PD 115 engine in about 2000, which superceded the old 110 TDI unit.
This, I am reasonably sure, is the 115bhp AJM engine that had injector problems. It's reassuring to know the Bosch injectors are OK - I just hope that's what the replacement ones in my Audi are!I don't quite get the attraction to the old 1.9TDI engined VAG cars. Good economy yes, but the downside is a tiny power band, plumes of soot from the exhaust, crap refinement and a clattery lump under the bonnet. Go for a petrol 1.8t vag car instead. 10mpg less, but cheaper to buy and a much better drive.
Prof Prolapse said:
Go and have a look at a Mazda 6 first mate.
Very good value at the moment.
Yep. I have one of these. Apart from the dreaded dpf issues they fit the bill so well. In fact, its looking like I will be changing jobs soon and a company car beckons. I've had the 6 only 2 months after crashing my octavia, but sadly it might have to go.Very good value at the moment.
Drop me a pm if you want any info.
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