B5 Passat V6 buying advice

[BJ75]

Hello Watercoolers. Sorry for the new thread. I've done a bit of searching using both the vBulletin search and googling with site:vwwatercooled.org.au and haven't seen much mention of B5 Passat V6's here lately. You were all very helpful with my old Golf Mk1 in days gone by so I thought it worth posting this Q here.

I'm in the market for a new (old) station wagon and want to avoid settling for a Magna or Camry (though will do so if need be). The Passat V6 wagons 2002 and thereabouts look nice, have a decent amount of luxury fittings, and space for what I need (i.e. more than my Yeti which I love dearly, but will part with to avoid monthly repayments).

I don't necessarily need the V6, but in the $4000 - $8000 range they seem to be common. Which seems cheap for what appears to be such a nice car, often with full leather, auto-everything and sometimes reversing sensors to boot.

Is it that the engine/transmission is a POS? It'll mostly be used for shuttling the kid (and future siblings) around, and all long-drive holiday trips (Melb-Canberra or Melb-Sth Coast NSW being the longest). Don't care too much about the increase in fuel as it'll never be more than the $600/month I'm paying for the frugality of diesel.

From what I've read here, finding one with a solid service history and having had the timing belt done (and done well) is the go. But the last mention of that was a few years ago and I wondered if anyone else had any tips as I start searching? I'm planning on contacting Volkstech (who service my Yeti and are only a KM away from home) to see if they can recommend anything with the intention that I'd be bringing the car to them for a thorough once-over and servicing post-purchase. But thought I'd check here first.

Thanks in advance.

[JB's Dub]

They are shocking for oil leaks (Rocker cover, chain tensioner gaskets, cam seals etc), they chew through CV boots/joints and if its got a sunroof, make sure it does not leak and the drains are good.(Ive seen many a flooded 3B through the dealerships). But apart from that, they are built well and the interior etc all seems to be good quality. Oh, and keep an eye out on the front upper control arms.

[Umai Naa!!]

Also make sure the transmission has been serviced.

All the usual stuff has been mentioned above, and I'd second it. All of it.

I too, reckon they're a great-looking car, solid, and of decent build quality. It's those niggling things that add up over time that let them down.

[BJ75]

The for the replies. I _really_ like the car. One of the better looking wagons getting around, andi think I like the slightly squarer rear of the older B5 to the more modern versions too.

I will prob pop up to Volkstech during the week and have a chat to Rob and find out how much things like Auto servicing and boot replacement costs, soi know how much to factor into the price.

Thanks again and I welcome any more input over the few months I'll be looking.

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