Thoughts on ~2002 Jetta or Passat

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PoorManQ45
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I'm still looking for a car.

What are your guy's thoughts on a 2002~2004 Jetta or Passat? They seem to be relatively cheap with low mileage and in good condition.

I'd really like a 2004 Jetta TDI, but that won't happen for much less the $10k :frown:

Are there any major reliability issues or things to watch out with these vehicles? I don't really like the newer body styles. That's why I'm looking at these years.

Thank you for your input.

Oh, to clarify I am still in the <$5k range. These models seem to fall into the ~$3500 range.


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Kompresshun
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Buy the Passat and try to get the 1.8T version. Jettas from that generation suck big ones, the interior quality is crap too(everything is brittle). The Passat on the other hand seems to be pretty decent, although i'm still not a huge fan of VW in that year range, I think the Passat wouldn't be a bad choice.

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They need new timing belts at 90-100k

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PoorManQ45
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Alright, so they use timing belts. :squint:

I do like the interior on the Passat more then the Jetta. The exterior isn't my favorite, but I still like it.

Are there any design flaws with either of these?

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Rex
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Passat's with the W8 use chains, but have potential issues with the cam adjusters and the torque converter. I had found a well maintained 2003 W8 wagon with 60k (replaced/updated cam adjusters & TC) for $9500 back when I was looking recently.

Check out vwvortex, there's some good info on there.

IMHO, a higher mile Passat from an enthusiast with good records is worth more than a low mile one with little to know info.

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Speedy7_7
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The volkswagons of that era have electrical issues. windows staying down, sunroof openening and then not closing. but the biggest problem are the mass airflow sensors, dealer only, 300 bucks. My buddy had to replace his twice in 3 years.

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Rex
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Also, if you have to pass an emissions test it could be problematic, as most VW owners "learn to live with" a CEL.

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USMCgetsome
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If you do it know that the most common problems after 100k is the timing belt, recall on the coil packs(mine were bad) free replacement, Gunk builds up in the heater core that produces lil to no heat 8hr job to change, can only change coolant with vw pink, purple coolant, the interior if you don't keep up with it has a rubber paint of some sort that peels up. Other than that i bought my wife one in 2009 and other than the mentioned above items i enjoy the drive it's nice very stable and comfortable and i love the gas mileage it produces i average 350-400mi every tank.

***********ENGINE SLUDGE BUILD UP THAT KILLS THE OIL PUMP AND EVENTUALLY LEADS TO ENGINE DEATH DUE TO NO LUBE***************************
CHANGE YOUR OIL REGULARLY

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s0m3th1ngAZ
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Rex wrote:Also, if you have to pass an emissions test it could be problematic, as most VW owners "learn to live with" a CEL.
This is exactly what happened with our 02' (I think) Jetta VR6.
Constant...and by constant I mean returning to the shop every week for a check light....electrical issues.
The clutch was weird as well...very vague.
However...I loved driving it, had good power, and the interior was pleasing to the eye/touch.

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alms24sebring
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Speedy7_7 wrote:The volkswagons of that era have electrical issues. windows staying down, sunroof openening and then not closing. but the biggest problem are the mass airflow sensors, dealer only, 300 bucks. My buddy had to replace his twice in 3 years.
Rex wrote:Also, if you have to pass an emissions test it could be problematic, as most VW owners "learn to live with" a CEL.
Both of these are true and more. I HATE these cars, especially those years. Very common electrical problems. Like 80% of all Jettas I've seen had atleast 2/3 dash lights on being CEL/Airbag/or Brake lights on. Airbag and CEL lights are most and very common. Also with CELs on these stupid cars, if one thing goes bad then you get 20 different codes making it that much harder, seriously. As mentioned before about the MAF, it's all electrical and costs hundreds. I think my boss charged $600 if I recall right just for the part. It was hard to find to because really, 18 codes came up. Under the hood is stupid, plasticy, and extra complicated even for the simplest jobs with stupid inverted bolt heads, hex key fittings, and those stupidass hose clamps that you have to freaking cut off. The biggest problem is that there are soooo many of them too.

I HATE VWs and would never buy any VW... except a R32 which I saw today as a matter of fact. Now that s*** is sexy!

DO NOT BUY

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Jesda
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Get used to the smell of melted crayons.

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Jesda wrote:Get used to the smell of melted crayons.
LOL. Keep in mind you're looking at a 9 yr old car, so reputation for quality is not as important at this point as how well the car was manintained and treated over its life.

But when discussing problem areas of Passats and Jetta's of that era, electrical problems topped the list followed by fuel system problems. I'd also suggest avoid automatics, as they seems many develop problems around 150K.

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sx moneypit
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I will just say this.Alms24 hit the nail right on the head,when i see one of those pulling up to the shop i work at i cringe.They are nightmares.If you buy one you need to have a fat wallet.

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PoorManQ45
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So I should go back to looking for a Maxima in the same year range?

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Bubba1
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PoorManQ45 wrote:So I should go back to looking for a Maxima in the same year range?
Do whatever you want, but if you're looking for reliable transportation that old and cheap, you have other options beside a Passat or Maxima.

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numbnuts240
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Jesda wrote:Get used to the smell of melted crayons.
YES. finally someone else recognizes that smell. i also smell it in bmw's. it's just...weird.

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PoorManQ45
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Bubba1 wrote:
PoorManQ45 wrote:So I should go back to looking for a Maxima in the same year range?
Do whatever you want, but if you're looking for reliable transportation that old and cheap, you have other options beside a Passat or Maxima.
I'm open for suggestions if you're willing to offer them.

I'm looking for something with 4 doors pretty much. Preferably good condition. Under $5k. Reliable. Good MPG(high 20s)

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alms24sebring
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The under $5K really limits the choices. 4door civic, accord, maxima sounds decent. An early CR-V would be a great pick if you dont mind a small SUV. Even an older Carolla is about as cheap and efficient as you can get.

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USMCgetsome
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the passat cel light hasn't been that much of a problem. I had the STOP BRAKES warning for a few months but did my research and fixed it. Other than that it's been a decent car.

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Jesda
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Late 90s Maximas and I30s/I35s have to be the best damn used car bargain on the market.

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Bubba1
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PoorManQ45 wrote:I'm open for suggestions if you're willing to offer them.

I'm looking for something with 4 doors pretty much. Preferably good condition. Under $5k. Reliable. Good MPG(high 20s)
If you want something that averages in the high 20's, then you're realistically looking at a 4 cyl car. And as nice as a Maxima is (that is, if you can find an old one in nice shape) it's V6 has plenty of zip but it's not gas miserly car.

Here are some suggestions. All with good reliability reputations, good mpg's, and in your price range...


Infiniti G20
Acura TL
Acura CL
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra (06)
Hyundai Sonata
Lexus ES (01)
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Subaru Imprezza
Nissan Altima ('03)

If you want to include small SUV's, you can also check out the
Honda CR-V
Toyota Rav-4

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Jesda
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Watch out for 5-speed autos on older Hondas and Acuras. They're grenades.

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s0m3th1ngAZ
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Jesda wrote:Watch out for 5-speed autos on older Hondas and Acuras. They're grenades.
Like, how old? We had 2 93' accords with an auto and they lasted well past 150k...

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Jesda
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ScorchedNX2K wrote:
Jesda wrote:Watch out for 5-speed autos on older Hondas and Acuras. They're grenades.
Like, how old? We had 2 93' accords with an auto and they lasted well past 150k...
5-speed autos. The H5, specifically. The older Hondas were 4-speeds.

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Oatmealman
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1996-2001 audi a4 2.8/1.8t

They get great gas mileage,dont have many problems and are extremely comfortable to ride in and parts are fairly cheap being their old.The only thing i see a problem with is the water pumps on these motors are notorious for seizing up and snapping the timing belt so they recommend a timing belt every 75k and its not too bad to do.I just did one today and it took me about 4 hours including clean up,installing a water pump,a new thermostat,anda coolant flush.the 2.8s are super reliable,get about 22 in the city with good driving,and have enough get up and go.

edit quattro is the s*** as well.Audi's are known for their awd systems


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