Good advice above - not a lot to add.

The best inline PD engine is the 1.9 130 which is designated AWX. This will have Bosch injectors, an 8 valve head and no balance shaft system with its associated drive problems (including the oil pump). The only thing this engine needs other than careful maintenance is the correct oil.

Cambelts are not a problem on this engine and the "4 year rule" is a VAG UK scam. Follow the instructions printed in the service book supplied with the vehicle.

Water ingress is the Achilles heel of the Passat - remove plenum drain bungs and replace outer pollen filter holder seal with mastic strip. Google "wierd little biscuit".

Given careful maintenance attending to design weaknesses, these cars are very durable and will run to starship mileages. The economy and performance are excellent.

Cheaper as a Mk 1 Skoda Superb though...

659.

The plastic tensioner wheels made by FAG and fitted to some of the VAG petrol engines were, indeed rubbish.

The diesels however, have always had steel idlers and the later PDs have a tensioner made by Litens (Canada) which is fitted with the very best Japanese ball bearings.

The weak link in the timing drive is the water pump - fit an aftermarket replacement with a metal impeller. All of the timing drive components I removed from my AWX Superb at 5 years/60k were in pristine condition. I will let this belt and associated components run for longer. Use the Contitech kit from ECP.

The most important aid to cheap running of a Passat/Superb is to be fully aware of the (rather too many) design weaknesses and to address them yourself - or find a good and interested Independent to do it for you.

The use of VAG dealers will in my experience, result in a premature lightening of the wallet and an early death of the product.

659.

AWX is the engine build identifier and uniquely identifies the engine. The letters will be found on a paper label on the cambelt cover, on a label stuck to the inside of the spare wheel well in the boot and on the inside front cover of the service book.

The boot and book labels also give the output of the engine in kW (divide by 0.746 for BHP) and all the options fitted as 3 letter codes.

The AWX is an "old" 1.9 engine and will have Bosch injectors. If you're shopping, the 10th digit of the VIN gives the true model year. Good hunting.

659.