I have a 1999 Passat GLS with the luxury package and a manual transmission. I recently had some cosmetic damage to the rear bumper, but the insurance company claims it's totaled (see photo) because the repair cost exceeds the vehicle value.
I strongly disagreed, mainly because I am the original owner, know the exact condition, and just installed a K04 kit (Genuine Borg Warner K04) with FMIC and software, just 6 months ago.
The question, Should I part it out, sell it whole, or rebuild it to factory spec and sell the upgrades seperate?
What I could part out:
K04 turbo with 3000 miles on it
APR chipped ECU
Front mount intercooler and piping
Bailey diverter valve
Factory allow wheels
Spec Stage 2 clutch upgrade with new factory duel mass flywheel at time of install.
1.8t motor with 232,000 miles, but meticulously maintained. Compression is 160-165 in all cylinders as tested 6 months ago before the turbo upgrade
Custom electric turbo boost gauge inside instrument cluster (see photo)
No tears rips or stains in any of the factory seats, they are immaculate.
New LED illuminated shift lever
Full size spare alloy wheel has about 10 miles on it.
Or sell the whole car minus the 16" speedlines, the new rubber and the roof rack. The only thing wrong with the car is the cruise does not work and the factory radio won't turn on after letting the car sit with the hardwired radar detector on for 2 weeks that killed the battery.
If its truly cosmetic damage, replace the cover and keep the car. You obviously loved it enough to mod it nicely, be a shame to part it. Just my opinion.....
Also, the code for your radio (if it's the original one) can be found in the trunk where the spare tire is.
Last edited by rreyes; 12-25-2012 at 09:07 AM.
Reason: i am a dumbass and hit enter too soon