Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace?

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Thu 17 Mar 2011 13:04
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - oldtoffee

We have an 04 Passat 100bhp Tdi auto that we're mulling over either keeping and running for another 3 or 4 years and 60k miles or selling and replacing with a smaller petrol auto, Focus or Astra. The car has done 60,000 miles, we've owned it from 9 months and 10,000 miles so we know it has had all the right oil, 10k servicing and oil and filter every 6 months or 5k by main dealers or from 07 by a very competent VAG independent. It's been nearly all motorway miles for the 50,000 we've put on it, using Shell or BP diesel with occasional shots of Millers. We haven't had any problems so far other than the stupid comfort module problem from blocked plenum chambers.

I suppose my main concerns are the auto box remaining problem free to 120,000 miles and also the injectors having read the many horror stories on here. Will the injectors be Bosch? I note from other threads that it would be wise to remove and grease the suspension ball pinch joints and track rod end joints which we'd do if we decide to keep. Is there anything else that we should consider doing to help prevent likely costly repairs over the next 3 to 4 years? Many thanks.

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Thu 17 Mar 2011 14:31
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - Peter.N.

Unfortunately the newer the car the more problematic they seem to be, so if yours is going well and you like it, I would hang onto it. The sort on mileage you are doing I certainly wouldn't consider changing it for a petrol model, especially an auto, you will notice a considerable increase in fuel consumption.

I don't personally like auto boxes, partly because of the concerns you have about it, but if its what you need I would think it ought to be good for at least 100k providing the oil has been changed regularly.

Providing it has been regularly serviced, especially oil changes and its not been thrashed I don't see why you should have any problems, although its ultimately the luck of the draw, you could buy a new one and still have problems.

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Thu 17 Mar 2011 14:45
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - Peter D

You do not mention a cam belt change. This is both mileage and time serviceable, from memory 80K of 6 years. I also note that this is not the PD engine so injectors should not be an issue. Regards Peter

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Thu 17 Mar 2011 19:52
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - Roly93

You do not mention a cam belt change. This is both mileage and time serviceable, from memory 80K of 6 years. I also note that this is not the PD engine so injectors should not be an issue. Regards Peter

This is the PD engine, my dad has the 03 plate version of thius exact car. From what youve said, I would definately keep it. These cars dont generally have injector probs anyway, it is usually some of the common rail diesels that have had this.

On these older VaG diesels it is important to do a cam belt + tensioner change at 60K, it is only on the newer 2.0 PD diesels like the one in my A4 that have a beefed up cambelt + tensioner and dont need doing till 80K/6 yr.

If your car is running well and has - as you say, had the correct 506/507 spec oil it should be okay, and if the auto box hasn't given trouble by now it too should be okay with perhaps a fluid change.

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Thu 17 Mar 2011 14:47
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - 659FBE

Definitely keep it.

You have the best version of the PD engine with Bosch solenoid controlled unit injectors. The efficiency x reliability quotient (there's a concept...) of this engine cannot be matched by any of the later offerings from VAG and quite probably not from anyone else either.

The 130 PS version of this engine is nicer, but presumably the one you have does the required job.

The autobox is the ethnic character in the wood pile. These cannot match the reliabilty of a manual box but presumably you bought one because you wanted it. I would suggest fluid and filter changes (oil pan has to come off) as recommended by a knowledgeable specialist. Use the correct OE fluid, but take the advice of someone you trust.

The pinch bolts are definitely worth keeping free, but on an '04 you might be a bit late now, unless the car has seen no road or sea salt. Much better to get them out though, as procrastination makes the job 10x harder.

As you have discovered, water ingress is the enemy of the B5.5. If a car has ever been wet inside, you face the possibility of corroded connectors and joints in the loom on the floor even after the original problem has been "fixed". Be very aware that on an auto car, the transmission controller is also thoughtfully positioned on the floor. So, be prepared for the odd long-term electrical "event".

The EGR system on the auto cars is water cooled as I remember and is prone to leaks. Not earth shattering, but if it loses coolant and steams from the exhaust, don't rush into a head gasket replacement...

659.

An '04 will definitely be a PD engine with solenoid controlled injectors.

Edited by 659FBE on 17/03/2011 at 14:50

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Thu 17 Mar 2011 15:24
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - nottsruss

Keep it , have you seen the thread on Focus C'max auto's...but they are the diesels ?

With the cost of fuel going up 2p litre every other day I wouldnt even consider a petrol auto.

We had a Touran tdi and ensured fully syn oil change every 10k and no probs at all.

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Thu 17 Mar 2011 16:58
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - oldtoffee

Thanks for the quick replies, especially 659FBE it's reassuring to know the car has the better injectors so that helps quite a bit with the decision.

It had a cambelt and water pump change at 4 years, 45k miles as part of the deal when I bough it off the company. At the time I think it was VAGs recommendation of 4 years or 60k miles whichever the sooner, although it varied widely depending on which part of VAG you spoke with on which day! So that's been done - due again next year if I stick with the 4 years philosophy.

I'm considering a petrol auto because the family member who now drives the Passat only drives auto but only does 5k to 7k max a year. Hence I'm not overly worried about the petrol mpg but am worried about big unplanned expenditure and ageing diesels get their fair share of web press on the subject!

Thanks again appreciate everyone's input.

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Thu 17 Mar 2011 19:54
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - Peter D

The OP need to provide the engine code form the ID label in the spare wheel bay. A 100 bhp is not a PD engine so you may have a code of AFN or AVG. PD's are AVF or AWX 130 BHP PD engines. Regards Peter

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Fri 18 Mar 2011 00:39
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - 659FBE
The AVB engine (74 kW 99 HP) was one of very many others fitted to the Passat between '00 and '05. It's a PD - I've dismantled one.

659.
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Fri 18 Mar 2011 08:11
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - Peter D

The OP need to tell us the Engine code. I can not find a 100bhp TD that is PD they are all VEP TD's in the Audi'a perhaps it was only fitted in the passat. Regards Peter

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Fri 18 Mar 2011 08:40
Volkswagen Passat 04 TDi - Keep it or replace? - Peter D

I have found the AVB engine and it was fitted in the A4 but not the A6. It was indeed a PD engine 74kW. Regards Peter

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