on the topgear website it says
Premature clutch wear due to faulty self-adjusting cable. Oil-burning TDI engines. Clocking. See Mk II. Also reports of wiring faults developing in electric window circuits, lights, rear window demister, so check all electrics carefully before buying (see recalls). Problems emerging of stretched timing chains on VR6s and chains actually breaking at around 90,000 miles. On 5-door models, look for rust on the hinge face of the rear door frames. Rear end skittishness is caused by failure of rear axle bushes which cost ?12.75 a side from German & Swedish
www.gsfcarparts.com. Brake regulator needs to be removed to fit and the bolts always shear off so need to be obtained separately from a VW dealer. Look for rust holes under joint in sealing strip on sills under rear doors. Also look for rust around the hinge areas of the doors.
Strong image not completely justified. Three-door models flex quite badly (five-door models are better). Handling and roadholding not brilliant by 90s standards. 4-speed autobox can have problems, Since VW dealers charge ?4,000 for a new one, this is best sorted by an independent specialist. Often no more than an oil control valve. Though car may remain solid and rust-free, many replacement parts will be needed over 10-year life. Complaints of rust under joint in sealing strip on sill under rear doors. More than its fair share of recalls. Power loss on TDI 90s over 3,000rpm can be cured by replacing a thin hose that runs from the exhaust, near the turbo, to the ECU. Cutting out on 1996 - 1998 petrol and diesel Passats and Golfs may be due to relay marked "109" in the fuseboard. The heat from the relay coil may be causing small cracks to open on the relay printed cicuit board. Plug-in replacement costs about ?12.
if this is correct its got me very worried about the vr6!
ive only heard of one case of the chain snapping! i thought that was a one off!
