Thursday 15 September 2011

Please, I need mechanic help with my 98 VW Passat?

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.
Please, I need mechanic help with my 98 VW Passat?
My first question is what sort of inspection or warranty did you get from the place that you purchased the car from. Was it a VW dealership? Was a smog and safety inspection performed on the vehicle? Is the dealership where the hose was replaced the same place where the vehicle was purchased? Inspections should always be performed before a car is purchased, but as you say, that's water under the bridge. Was the car sold as is where is? Perhaps contacting the department of consumer affairs or the Better Business Bureau might help... all they can say is no...



I have not seen the car, so I cannot verify that the vehicle needs all of this, what I can tell you is that given the milage on the vehicle it is possible that some of this work needs to be done.



I would have the vehicle inspected by another VW specialist; it does not have to be a VW dealership, but someone who works on VW's nearly all the time. If he/she is able to verify some or all of these items need service, you should be able to get this done for less money than the dealership charges.



The CV boot can be replaced by a completely rebuilt or exchange axle shaft for the same price or less, An aftermarket axle shaft can be purchased for $125 or less in most cases, plus anywhere from .5 hr to 1.0 at the most for labour to replace it. This will give you two new cv boots and rebuilt or new CV joints, rather than one boot (also there is the possiblity you might need a joint when they remove the old boot and inspect the joint). As far as the upper links on the suspension go, yeah, that's possible depending upon the type of driving and where its been driven given the miles on the vehicle. However, its something that a good mechanic or front end shop can do for you for less money. They'll also align the 4 wheels for you to reduce tyre wear after replacing the links.



I'm not no sure about the camshaft adjuster, but again, I'm not there to inspect the vehicle and say.



IF it's any comfort, at least your Passat is a very safe car and a good car to be in (heaven forbid) an accident, as your chances of survival without serious injury are excellent.



Anyway, I hope this helps, a car nut.
Please, I need mechanic help with my 98 VW Passat?
BUY A CAR WITH NO ELECTIC ANYTHING..ALL MANUAL..

simple is cheap

4 cylinder, manual transmission, single over head cam..

is the best vechile for cheap and reliable transportation

I OWN a 1998 vw jetta..love the car..hate the eletric problems..

its ok do my best to fix them i was a electronic tech in the navy