Passat 1.9 TDI: Buying Guide & Review

Hello,

'So far, I've only been reading in your great forum, but now I have a question for you. I'm planning to look at a Passat next Wednesday, and I'd like some tips on what to look for. Specifically, what's important regarding the engine? Where might someone try to tamper with things? As far as I know, and contrary to common rumors, you can't read the 'true' mileage (in case it's been rolled back), at least that's what my research has shown so far. If anyone knows more about this, feel free to contact me by email or private message. I've only dealt with gasoline engines before, which is why I'm asking my question here in the forum. The specifications are as follows:'
60,000 km, 96 kW (131 hp), First registration: 02/11, MOT (technical inspection): 06/08, Emission test: 06/08, metallic grey, 4/5 doors, diesel.

Features:
ABS, Stabilitätskontrolle, Klimaanlage, Zentralverriegelung, el. Wegfahrsperre, Lederausstattung, Leichtmetallfelgen, el. Power windows.
Description:
Ownership, Model '03, Highline trim, Climatronic, On-board computer, 8 airbags, Power windows, Power mirrors, Hands-free system, RC-Gamma, Heated seats, 6-speed transmission, Comfort leather steering wheel (radio controls), Center armrest (front and rear), Height-adjustable steering wheel, Leather upholstery, Cargo cover, Reading lights, Xenon headlights, Alloy wheels, Roof rails, Maintained with service records.

It's supposed to cost 19,500 euros. Is that too much?
I am grateful for any information.

Subject: Mileage Reading

I know from my own experience that even 'large' used car dealers, who present themselves as authorized dealers, manipulate the mileage readings.
In one case, a reduction of 50,000 kilometers was observed in an AUDI A3 TDI.
There are many ways to rule out manipulation.
However, this requires knowing the vehicle's history in detail.
The easiest way would be to ask the previous owner. However, if that person also tampered with the mileage, it would be almost impossible to find out.

However, I am also aware of cases where the mileage reading on the vehicle's odometer has been altered.
For example, 'field service technicians' who always receive a new company vehicle when they reach a certain mileage.

Subject: Price

You can check autobild.de, in the 'Used Car Valuation' section, to see if the price is significantly off the mark.
Otherwise, regional differences can certainly be significant.
In my area, which has a large population of Volkswagen factory workers, the price might be lower than, for example, in Munich. I think this is generally known.

Best regards, D.

But with 'service history well-maintained,' it's hard to imagine there's much that could be manipulated...

For a Passat TDI that is only 21 months old, 60,000 km is a perfectly reasonable mileage.
If the Passat is being serviced at the official Volkswagen dealership, then I think the price is acceptable.

Okay, thanks for your replies. I was also thinking that the 60,000 miles in 21 months was a reasonable amount, which is why it was a strong contender. A friend of mine looked at the car this weekend. He just told me that 'the leather on the gear knob was quite worn.' Well, as I said, I'm going to look at it and test drive it on Wednesday.

I drive between 60,000 and 70,000 kilometers per year, but I know some people who drive 120,000 kilometers annually.
and the 'service booklet' is also not a problem today!

Hi,

Thank you to everyone who gave advice. Yesterday, I went to look at the Passat. It looked very well-maintained, and everything was as agreed over the phone. The seller said that his mechanic had installed the battery incorrectly, which had damaged the airbag control unit, but he would have a new one installed by VW. That seemed suspicious to me. Then, later, he said that the Passat had a parking damage (in the sill area), so I decided not to buy it. Who knows what else might have come to light. After all, he initially said 'no accidents.' It all seemed too fishy to me. I'll have to continue my search.

Parking damage happens from time to time, but which mechanic, who knows anything at all about cars, would reverse the polarity of a battery? Apparently, the owner only took the car to "top" workshops. I would have left that car there too. Somehow, I don't quite believe that only the airbag control unit failed. It's likely that he only repaired the car enough to make it drivable beforehand.

...especially, there are a lot of control units, and if those are damaged...


If a vehicle seems suspicious, a test drive might coincidentally lead you past a TÜV (German technical inspection authority), Dekra (another inspection company), or a similar establishment (making sure to check both appointment times beforehand).
SERIOUS dealers don't cause any trouble.
If the dealer refuses to grant priority access to the association, the process will stall.

CU Gremlin.

I thought something like that wasn't possible! Isn't one of the battery terminals thicker...? (Sorry, I'm too lazy to check -> it's raining).
But I think you did the right thing. If you have doubts when buying something, you should really just avoid it altogether.

Due to the presence of Volkswagen, there is a wide range of options available in our area.
If you find a vehicle in this area, I would be happy to take a look at it for you beforehand.
You might save yourself another trip.

Best regards, D.

@ D. Thank you for the offer. If I find anything, I will let you know.

@all, I see it the same way. That's why I decided not to buy the car. I'm fortunate enough to still have another car and don't have to choose one by force. Visually, everything seemed okay so far. We even put it on a lift. Well, it won't be the last car in the world that has exactly the features I want.
PS: This is a great community, you immediately feel welcome when you receive such excellent tips. I was really looking forward to trying out my brand new diagnostic cable from Rainer at the community shop this weekend.