'51 Plate Passat TDI - £1.5k - worth it? Common faults?

[Ben Lessani]

Hi guys,

My step dad wants a new runabout and coming from a big heavy 2l petrol auto - fuel economy is the only thing on his mind. I spotted a nice, tidy '51 TDI Passat in metallic midnight blue. At a quick glance (without a test drive),

164k Miles
Beige cloth interior
Full leccy windows
Bodywork in mint condition
15" alloys
Chrome trim on windows

From a quick scan, it needs 4x new tyres and both axles need disks+pads; it was an ex-rep mobile. These are little jobs, so not a big issue.

I was mostly wondering what they're like - cheap to maintain? Reliable (esp. given high mileage)? Anything in particular to look out for?

The reg was GP51 HXM if anyone has free VIC checking-ness

[T_J_G]

Do an MOT check first thing, 3 out of 3 Passats I looked at had been clocked.

[Jay]

http://www.ukpassats.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=10629

[Ben Lessani]

Neato thanks.

I'll try and drag my mate along with his VagCom then.

[danny_p]

frount suspention links,   air con pump.

[clipperjay]

Check the front fan shaft to excess rust and play they seem to rot on the shafts.
Plus check and make sure the alarms are not playing up due to bad seals on the doors and water going down the side of the sills!