B5.5 Buyers Guide?

[MCTB]

Any information for a prospective buyer? Im looking at a few, all around 50k miles, both V6 and 1.8, both 4mo and FWD. Its not my first VW (this will be my 4th) and for the money, I cannot ignore them. Plus, they are my favorite of the VW wagons.

So, whats commonplace to fail and when? What are the quirks? This will be my only car and DD for the foreseeable future so Im looking for something comfortable, safe (for the impending kid at some point), and pretty economical to operate.

Thanks

[dublax44]

Check in on this thread, the topic of V6 vs 1.8T is being tossed around along with some other stuff for buying a passat

Thread

[thscott]

This is a big topic to address and you'll find all sorts of info here to help you if you search. I have a 2002 B5.5 wagon with the 2.8L V6 engine and 80,000 miles. If you're looking at B5.5's with only 50,000 miles - that's really low mileage! Here are a few things that come to mind based on what I've read on this forum the past 10 years and my own experiences:

1. You'll need a new timing belt at around 70-80K miles.
2. The B5.5 uses premium gasoline, which of course is more expensive.
3. The engines are sensitive to oil sludge - especially the 1.8L. Use full synthetic oil.
4. Lot's of issues and posts here with the PCV system - expensive oil leaks are often caused by a clogged PCV system. Don't repair oil leaks without also addressing the PCV system.
5. Front suspension issues seem pretty prevalent.
6. I've had a lot of issues with plastic parts failing inside the car: glove box handle, rear ash tray assembly, power mirror switch, etc....
7. Electrical gremlins - especially those caused by the location of the CCM module in an area prone to get wet (located under the carpet in front of the driver's seat.)
8. Poor heat sometimes caused by clogged heater core or air in coolant system

Hope this helps. In summary the first two things that came to my mind when a saw your post were PCV system and front suspension.