Would this car be a maintenance nightmare? AWD Wagon content

[FourPointOh]

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...30895576&Log=0

So I am finding with my new job, I need some more space. I need to be able to carry multiple bicycles and bicycle apparatus with me, and the Mini is just a bit small. I really would like a wagon, preferably awd. Nothing from Volvo strikes my fancy, and I don't want to venture into Audi/BMW range. So my question is how are these Passats? Will they be a maintenance nightmare? I have owned a B6 A4, and it was capable of costing me an arm and a leg (Granted I bought it with over 70k miles). Any feedback would help, and if anyone has other suggestions I would like to hear them. I want to spend between 15-20k.

Thanks!

Edit, I will not drive a Subaru. Been there, done that.

[MJZman]

The price seems pretty good to me. I would not buy one unless it had some maintenance records. I service the 3.6 a lot and overall it is not a bad engine. The early ones (2006) had some oil pump issues, but from what I've seen those have all been sorted out by now. I have seen the occasional cam adjusters get sludged up and cause some timing chain issues, but those are from people being idiots and not maintaining them properly, like from infrequent oil changes as well as poor quality engine oil. The transmission and rear end is pretty much bulletproof. I have seen some valvebody issues but I am pretty sure that one will still have a warranty extension. If it has a bad one, you will feel a harsh shift between first and second gear usually. I think its a good buy and one of these will most likely replace my fiance's 01 V6 4motion.

I couldn't tell from the pictures (no interior shots? WTF?), but I'd try to find one that has the sport seats, they are so much better than the standard seats. If you have a bad back like me, they are a must. I also noticed in the underhood shot that the dipstick tube looks bent off towards the driver's side. That looks a little weird.

Normal maintenance is pretty much on par with the rest of VW's lineup. Nothing too major or costly if you are somewhat mechanically inclined.

I say go for it! Good luck

[westy66]

"been there, done that"

i have been driving modified turbo subaru's for 15 years with only scheduled maintenance and perishables. i will never go back to a VAG product. i dont trust them.

if youre asking this question, you already know the answer. and yes, it will be. it may run forever but all the other Bulls#it will nickle and dime you to death.

[Ubryaj]

Didn't even read the text and scrolled down, saw VW dealer sign. First thought was YES.

[dts]

Frankly, I love that car.

BUT -- VR6 + AWD = be prepared for it to drink gasoline like it's cheap beer (might require premium, too, but I'm not sure)

[FourPointOh]

"been there, done that"

i have been driving modified turbo subaru's for 15 years with only scheduled maintenance and perishables. i will never go back to a VAG product. i dont trust them.

if youre asking this question, you already know the answer. and yes, it will be. it may run forever but all the other Bulls#it will nickle and dime you to death.

Its not because I don't think they're reliable, I think they are quite stout. I just can't handle their cost-cutting build quality in order to offer awd at a low price. I am not a "dash stroker" but I certainly appreciate VW's interior and the overal design of the car. I spend a lot of time inside my car, and I dont like cheap sh*t

I am not necessarily worried about 5-10 year reliability, as I generally swap out cars every 2-3 years. I would get rid of that Passat long before all the nickel & dimeing starts happening.

[1Point8TDan]

There's a reason VW sales are increasing and it does not come TLC participants. I have over 370,000km in 2 VW products and only preformed regular maintenance on them.

[Eg2Driver]

There's a reason VW sales are increasing and it does not come TLC participants. I have over 370,000km in 2 VW products and only preformed regular maintenance on them.

Its hit or miss. If you maintain a VW like a Subaru, well it might be a pain on the wallet.

[Icantdrive65]

One of my buddies who is a long-time VW service writer says that he rarely sees VR6 cars come in for anything more than regular maintenance.

[sg207ptg]

Mine has been solid (66k miles). If you have any specific question about the car, pm me. Also check the B6 forum.

[1Point8TDan]

Its hit or miss. If you maintain a VW like a Subaru, well it might be a pain on the wallet.

Passat is 10 years old, so it cost me 10 oil changes @ $50 (diy) + timing belt/water pump.

My friend complains the Subaru dealership robs him every time he comes in for service so I imagine the costs vs. VW product is not much different using dealerships.

[derekjl]

One of my buddies who is a long-time VW service writer says that he rarely sees VR6 cars come in for anything more than regular maintenance.

That's funny.

[smittyATL]

3.6L VR6 sounds like fun!

I've never heard one of these with aftermarket exhaust but imagine it sounds great.

[compy222]

3.6L VR6 sounds like fun!

I've never heard one of these with aftermarket exhaust but imagine it sounds great.

they do sound great. however, you can basically get the same car with about 50% less parts failures in a subaru...

[ATL_Av8r]

That's funny.

VR owners aren't dumb enough to go to the dealer

[Shin Akuma]

Mine has been solid (66k miles). If you have any specific question about the car, pm me. Also check the B6 forum.

Same. Just broke the 100K mile mark and so far so good.

[MJZman]

they do sound great. however, you can basically get the same car with about 50% less parts failures in a subaru...

The OP said he does NOT WANT A SUBARU.

on the 50% less part failures as well. There are a lot of bad eggs out there. Spun rod bearings anybody?

[patrikman]

The OP said he does NOT WANT A SUBARU.

on the 50% less part failures as well. There are a lot of bad eggs out there. Spun rod bearings anybody?

An incredibly exaggerated situation. I'd love to have my wife drive something like this, but we will get another Subaru instead because of maintenance costs. Also, the premium fuel and more expensive synthetic oil is most certainly a factor.

[Hostile]

Its not because I don't think they're reliable, I think they are quite stout. I just can't handle their cost-cutting build quality in order to offer awd at a low price. I am not a "dash stroker" but I certainly appreciate VW's interior and the overal design of the car. I spend a lot of time inside my car, and I dont like cheap sh*t

Meh, the interior of our '12 Outback is damn nice. The interior of our '02 Jetta was super nice...for about 3 years. Now it's borderline disgusting, all the soft-touch plastics look like **** and have worn horribly. There is something to be said for harder interior materials.

And don't even get me started on the cost of maintaining a 10 year old VW- the maintenance really kicked into high gear around 6-7 years.

[VikingVR6GTI]

they do sound great. however, you can basically get the same car with about 50% less parts failures in a subaru...

Right, but he clearly states he does not want a Subaru. So there's that...