1998 Passat 1.8T 5-spd

[Drewnaj]

Good Morning!

I have a friend interested in a 98 Passat 1.8T 5-spd .

It has 142,000miles, look clean, decent tires.

I am wondering if this age/mileage might present any reliability concerns. I would really appreciate any input I could get. She wants to get into VW but I dont want her first experience to be a dud!

Thanks in advance!!

[passatv6AF]

Maintenance is the #1 thing you want to look at. If it doesn't have any records I'd suggest staying away. These cars are unpredictable with repairs and aren't cheap. Do you have any info on that?

[Drewnaj]

Maintenance is the #1 thing you want to look at. If it doesn't have any records I'd suggest staying away. These cars are unpredictable with repairs and aren't cheap. Do you have any info on that?

No, I dont have that info.

But "unpredictable" and "repairs and aren't cheap" are about enough to stay away.

She's not working full-time yet, so I would hate to see her dump what savings she has into the car.

[Drewnaj]

So, is it basically a rule to assume high cost to maintain this vehicle (All VW's)?

[passatv6AF]

not at all times but most parts aren't cheap. If she doesn't have a full time job just stay away from it, but that's just my personal opinion. In half a year I've put $2-3k in maintenance. Nowadays if you don't have your own mechanic that will give you discounts on the labor then you asking to get ripped off.