Passat B4 or is it B5 model buying tips...

[boneybradley]

Well it looks like i'm going to buy another motor (as the wife can't get insured on mine!!) and I've being offered a 1996 passat S but I don't know any info about these models..I guess it's a B5 on that year? (exept some nice pictures on google!) any one have any pointers of issues,reliability, etc before I make an offer!
Cheers

[AlanD]

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3447134

Take this thread as inspiration. Sorry I cant help, not a scooby with regards to Passats.

[boo]

not much realy my dad had one from brand new only problem he
had was the front suspension arms went a couple of times but got
it sorted under warrenty . when he sold it it had 13400 miles on the
clock it still looked in nice condition

[GOLF_MK]

1996 will be B5 (unless it's the last of the wedge shapes), check your dub rides for my thoughts on water leaks inside.

Other than front suspension joints etc (common on all vws and audis etc) not really any major issues i'd say.

Good solid comtortable motors.

What engine is it?  Stay away from the 1.6 as it's quicker to walk, the 1.8 is a bit underpowered in such a big car but it's not too bad, 1.8T is great of course and all the diesels are good, even the 90hp TDi is a good buy imo.

[AudiA8Quattro]

I didn't think they did a 1.8T that early, i think this model does have the 2.0L 16v and a VR6 in its range 

[Jimp]

1996 will be either the end of the B4 or the very start of the B5 as they were both in circulation in 1996. Can you find out which it is?

[golf newbie]

only problems i had with my passat is the window regular going on both front doors.and the water leaking through the pollen filter. and a leak in the boot cant find out why yet.

apart from that they are great cars and comforty.

mine is the b5.5 the face lift model 

[Diamond Hell]

96 IS cross-over - I had a new B5 in 1997 - a 1.8 20V which was at least the second year they were out - the really early ones had orange front indicators and mine had clear ones - next model year on at least.

I have a B5.5 TDI 4Motion now which is excellent.  Working on it's not too tough either.  Probably the best tow-car I've owned.

[boneybradley]

Right its a b5 1.8 20v s model!! so basically the base spec with beige trim  but it has full proper history and is well priced 

[DubFan]

My bro has a Passat B5 1.8 20v S. It's alright comfort-wise, air-con, electrical stuff. Not driven it yet (but I've got it while he's on holiday   so we'll see).

I have the same engine in my Audi A4 though and I can get 33mpg around town (even had it up to 40mpg driving carefully around London) and it's got enough grunt on the motorway, though nothing special. The A4 is slightly quicker though as it's marginally lighter.
The 1.8T 20v (so basically the same engine, but with a turbo) obviously has more power but also apparently has a slightly better fuel economy.

Watch out with this engine, does it sound like a diesel when started cold ?
Apparently this is a common problem on high-mileage cars, something to do with the oil system.

What price is it at ?
My bro paid £900 for his, 98/S reg, 120k.