What to look for when buying a used B5

[T.Pego]

Well hello everyone! Never swam to this side of the pond...

I was always in the Mk2/3 & TriState forums. Left for a while, now finally getting back into a VW.

Always had fun on this site, and was hoping you could help. I'm looking to buy a B5, looking to spend $2500-5500 and have been looking at cars with 80k-125k miles and manual transmission. My question to you expierenced Passat owners, what should I be looking for when checking these cars out? What issues are common? What should I be concerned about breaking or changing when I do buy one at a certain milage (i.e. timing belt, turbo, etc.)?

That being said, I have been looking at the classifieds and what not, but if anyone knows of a good deal not too far from NYC let me know!

Thanks!

[bad rabbit]

control arms if havent be replaced. i recently did mine drives amazing replaced both front axles when bought. other than the basics thats all i did when i purchased my b5

[Harold]

With the miles you are looking at, documentation, documentation, documentation. Which you probably won't get from a used car lot.

Control arms, timing belt, ONLY synth oil used, brakes, shocks just a couple off the top of my head

[LilBlkCL]

Doesn't even matter the engine, but documentation is key. Bought my wife's car with a stack of receipts but didn't notice the oil was hardly changed.

Look for something with a complete service history and you are good to go.

[T.Pego]

Thanks for the suggestions! Any others are welcome.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[passatv6AF]

Timing belt is most important then I'd look for pcv system, valve cover gaskets, control arms, inner/outer tie rods, shocks/springs.

[ExpoAccel]

My daughter is thinking about picking up a 4motion wagon with 136K for $5500 asking price. I have never been fond of automatic trans, but she does not drive a manual. Any reason to avoid buying such a car?