So we bought a 98 Passat a few weeks ago (march 14th is the actual purchase date) When my husband brought it home from the dealership (we bought it out cash) he didnt notice anything wrong with the car. Not until he took the car to get an oil change is that he noticed that the car was leaking coolant. So we took it to VW to get an Diagnosis on what was wrong with the car. So they told us that it had a hoe that was leaking coolant. So to repair that hose it would be around $220 for the part and the labor.
Since the evaluated the whole car, on thei evaluation sheet they marked that the 1. Shock absorbers/suspension/struts, 2. Steering gear box/linkage and boots/ball joints/dust covers, 3. engine oil/fluid leak, 4. drive shaft boots/constant velocity boots/u joints/transmission linkage (if equipped) where all in the red meaning they all need immediate attention. This was all under the %26quot;under vehicle%26quot; of the inspection report they did on the car.
Ok then on the comments/estimates they added:
Upper links $1027.13
Camshaft Adj Leaking $457
R/Outer CV Boot Torn $250
Reccomend T-Belt $590
I am a lil skeptical and I find it hard to believe that a car with only 104k miles would need all of this. It is a 5-speed manual so I dont know if that makes a difference at all. Part of me just wants to say I told you so and nag him on making the quick purchase and not getting a civic or an accord (i have a lot of faith in honda) but what ever its too late now. I also want to make sure that the dealership servicing is not trying to rip us off. My husband found some receipts in the glove compartment and found that a new timing belt had been put in in the summer of 06' so we could get that off the list. But that still leaves us with a total of $1734.13 in reoairs which is almost half of what we bought the car for grrrrrr.....
My husband has a mechanic friend who can do the work for him but my husband says he would rather have vw do the work that way he has warranty if anything were to happen with those specific parts.
So what I am wondering is is all this stuff necessary or are they just trying to scam us. I would hate to think so, but you never know.
I need some mechanical advice on my 98 VW Passat?
LOL...listen..mechanics are out to rip u off !..ALWAYS get to or 3 opinions ..like u would from a doctor..
sounds to me this SHOP is riping u off..
do a search online for your %26quot;State inspection checkoff list%26quot;..for YOUR STATE..
and take it to another mechanic.
once u find a cheap and honest mechanic..go to him for all your troubles..even if u have to drive a hour away..extra $20 in gas is better then paying extra 200-400 in repairs..right?
I need some mechanical advice on my 98 VW Passat?
Is this a TURBO engine???? You must use only genuine VW COOLANT in these cars. You have no way of controlling what the previous owner did or didn't do. Only Mobil One 0W_40 oil or ELF oil should ever be used in this car, either. The 100,000 mile maintenance can be prohibitive, I agree. The dealership should stand behind this car. Hopefully, they are a VW delaer. If not, you may have to threaten with litigation. Once you get over this hurdle, your car should last another 100,000 miles before it needs any major work. Have your engine de-sludged before you install the Mobil One or ELF oil. You will do your engine the biggest favor, and you will reap the rewards of better power and MPG's, plus a cleaner engine that has lowest internal friction. Interestingly enough, VW engines have piston squirters built into them. Each time the piston goes down, a little sprayer focuses oil at the wrist pin. In theory, this engine can last for almost ever if you use the proper VW spec 502/505 oil. (Mobil One or ELF). You did the right thing by buying this car. It is safer and actually cheaper in the long run than the Honda you were thinking about. If the timing belt goes on a Honda before it gets changed, you are looking at a thousnd dollar plus repair, as the valves will bend. The VW was engineered for Autobahn speeds. 140 MPH +. Heed my advice. You cannot go wrong. Also, read you manual and change your brake fluid every 2-3 years. There is a new synthetic brake fluid avilable for this guy that protects a little better. Either way, use only the German fluid, or you will have more expenses coming with the brake system. See??
well since you say your husband wants to get it repaired by vw then thats his thing even though some places over the warranty if it dont work just have to ask the mechanic and if he does it himself it should be easy to do. and if not then tell him to let his friend do it if he has a diploma or a degree in mechanics
let me start by saying ive been there i always have my used cars checked by my mechanic but im not trying to lecture you the dealer always cost much more than a regular garage i do know that vw parts are expensive but don't panic dealers are in a hard way right now and they need all the money they can get so they a more than likely nit picking you're car because they are hungry have you're husbands friend evaluate the car and if something is serious have him take care of it you can i hope trust him to lead you in the right direction
