'03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

[Silverstoned]

My Father-in-law found a standard Passat V8 (I think he means W8?). It has low KMs and he assures me it's in great condition. I'm assuming it was subject to the same window regulators, and I'll recommend that he get it inspected before he buys but thought he could give the mechanic some things to look for when inspecting? It is selling for $14k with 80,000 km. Is this a good deal? I am guessing since I don't know much about this engine that it needs timing chains around the 100k mark and it's going to be an expensive bill?

[JPO]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

I looked at W8s last year and apparently they can be very expensive to maintain. The engine bay is tight so the motor comes out for lots of stuff and to change a headlight bulb the bumper comes off etc. Apparently they can have issues with the torque converter for auto trannys. and lastly but not leastly there is an issue with the cam adjusters; a small screen (i think) goes and bits from it get into the cam adjuster causing the car to fault and run like crap and costs LOTS to fix.. That being said they are dope. Just expensive to fix.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3943349

[Satnam]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

I looked at some last year, and then ran away fast.
Do a search on vortex about W8 problems.

(taking bumper off for lightbulbs seems pretty standard, 10 - 15 minute job, have to do it on the golf too - it's better than swearing for 20 - 30 minutes by not taking off the bumper)

[boostedmk4]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

What should you look for?

..................................

Another Kind of car stay away from W8

[sillysod]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

get the 2.8L V6 if he really wants the passat.

Pretty much totally hastle free.

[Silverstoned]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

get the 2.8L V6 if he really wants the passat.

Pretty much totally hastle free.

Yep, that's the engine in my Golf. Unfortunately, I suspect he's going to buy it anyway. He can't get the sound of that W8 growl out of his head. I did warn him about the potential $7-8k fix that might come without warning and that the labour cost for maintenance (he won't do any of it himself) will likely be higher than what he's used to due to the tight engine bay. He sounded disappointed that I rained on his parade and I'd guess that he will be telling me to take it for a rip when we go out to visit this summer.

At least this way I get to try it out for a couple weeks without buying one myself

[vee_dubbin]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

(taking bumper off for lightbulbs seems pretty standard, 10 - 15 minute job, have to do it on the golf too

What year Golf? a MK4? This is news to me that you have to remove the bumper to replace the bulbs. I never removed the bumper. Unless you have aftermarket units I guess!

[Khyron]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

If you got big hands you either have to take out the bat or the bumper. I do the bumper as well (aftermarket lights). With my constant hood/grill/valence switching I think I'm down to 3 mins for a bumper removal.

As for W8 pretty much everything I've read says it's not worth the hassle for the mediocre power. Get twin turbos or something for that amount of headache.

[Stonewall]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

At least it is your father in law so you can always rag on him lol

[Silverstoned]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

At least it is your father in law so you can always rag on him lol

Heh, nice one Brent. I think a little part of him wants to get this car just so I 'approve' as the one son/son-in-law that's a car enthusiast. He's going to look at it tonight. I'm guessing a fresh polish and shiny rims is going to win him over and he'll buy it despite my warnings.

[turbomeyers]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

Run that's a horrible cAr

[b spot]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

What's the price difference between that and an '04 S4? Or an older A6 with the 4.2L V8? Way more reliable engine, better power, and still a great sound.

[VWSM]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

I like the car but they are high high maintenance.

[J-hop]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

Yep, that's the engine in my Golf.

correct me if i'm wrong but I don't believe the b5.5 ever got the vr6 (which is what is in your gti), I thought only b3/4s got the VR, the 2.8L in the later passats should be a true V-6 not a VR

[Triple G]

Re: '03 Passat V8... what should I look for?

You are correct. 30v I think.