Looking at B6 TDI wagons - What should I check for?

[SlatS]

Hi All,

I'm looking at replacing the current family car with an MY08 TDI wagon to suppliment my MY11 MK6 GTD. A quick search of the forum has brought a few issues to light for me to question on, such as faulty injectors, and dodgy mechatronic units in the DSG, and I think the timing belt needs replacing around the 105000km mark? Can someone confirm this?

Most of the cars I'm looking at are sitting around the 100000 km mark. Can any existing or past owners suggest other issues I should be on the look out for, or B6-specific questions to ask to make sure the car's in good condition?

Thanks in advance!

[passat08]

What price would you be looking at to pay? Do you definately want TDI?

[SlatS]

Yep. TDI is definitely one of the criteria. I love my GTD and the mix of performance and economy I get with it.
We're downsizing from a MY09 Subaru Forester XT because the fuel economy is less than desirable when comparing it with the diesel, and we haven't taken it off-road in the 4 years we've had it. As for budget, we're looking at the low twenties (because that's pretty much what I'm expecting for the Suby). There's a few TDI wagons out there that I'm going to be looking at in the coming days, hence the question on any potential surprises to look out for.

[CaseySP]

Yep. TDI is definitely one of the criteria. I love my GTD and the mix of performance and economy I get with it.
We're downsizing from a MY09 Subaru Forester XT because the fuel economy is less than desirable when comparing it with the diesel, and we haven't taken it off-road in the 4 years we've had it. As for budget, we're looking at the low twenties (because that's pretty much what I'm expecting for the Suby). There's a few TDI wagons out there that I'm going to be looking at in the coming days, hence the question on any potential surprises to look out for.

Downsizing? The Forrester is based on the Impreza - a smaller class of car then the Liberty (Libery = Passat). Surely the Passat is bigger in every dimension except height.

[cru22z]

dont get one with a DPF!

[SlatS]

dont get one with a DPF!

Any easy way I can tell from looking? Looking at a MY08 125TDI tomorrow.

-- EDIT: I would have thought the DPF was standard in most of the later TDIs. Haven't had issues with the GTD.

[Lindsay]

All the 125TDI's have DPF. I have no idea about the poverty pack 103TDI though. I've never had any troubles with mine, the light has never come on in the 50,000 kms I've had it. That said, I do reguarlly give it the boot so it probably doesn't have a chance to get clogged
MY08 125TDI's have the engine with the dodgy injectors, so I'd ask if they have been replaced yet. But it probably doesn't really matter anyway as VW is replacing them regardless of warranty, etc.
Are you sure you don't want a sedan?! The boot is still HUGE and mine is up for sale...

[SlatS]

Are you sure you don't want a sedan?! The boot is still HUGE and mine is up for sale...

I think people frown at you if you lock a dog in the boot of a sedan . If that weren't the case tho....

Had a look at a 125 today, and think we'll take it. May be in the market for some new(-looking) OEM wheels sometime in the future tho as the 18" Chicagos have made love to the gutter many a time by the looks of it.

[Lindsay]

I think people frown at you if you lock a dog in the boot of a sedan . If that weren't the case tho...

Haha, fair enough! That's one reason why I've held on to the Kingswood for so many years...

It's a pity the Chicago's aren't in good condition, I reckon they look great on the B6's. Still, if I ever upgraded my standard rims I'd probably go for the Audi RS5 style . They look sweet!

[SlatS]

Well we took the plunge and made an offer on yesterday's inspection. In two weeks' time we'll be an all-dubber family.

[WestOiler125]

Don't get the DPF line, mine has never given me any grief. Only concern with a TDI of that vintage is the injectors, mine were replaced a few yrs back due to failure and certainly encouraged me to get an extended warranty. Otherwise brilliant car, great economy, torque on tap and well built. I know the horsepower hounds don't agree, but does anybody really love filling their car every week to feed that addiction?
Good luck with the TDI, we certainly intend to keep ours for another 2 years.

[OilBurna]

Don't buy one without an extended warranty...