Looking at buying a B6

[Mikrou]

Hey guys,

First post here so thanks for hearing me out!

I've trawled through the forums and have also been really put off by just a general Google search on the Passat B6.

In spite of that, I love the look of it for its age, and organised a test drive in the 125 TDI. I absolutely loved it.
I wasn't in it long enough to get a really good feel for it, but I've driven some smooth cars and this was right up there.

I guess I've got a few questions that I'd want answering before buying one;
(Apologies for the length);

---------------

1. Is the 6 speed DSG reliable in general? (Are most DSG complaints to do with the dry/7-speed clutch)?

2. Does the car come in a 'sports auto' in the FSI, or is that just CarSales leading me down the wrong track? Is that reliable?

3. The TDIs had their injectors replaced, do they come with a warranty like the DQ200 DSG replacements did?
(VW Customer Service wouldn't say/didn't know)

4. I'll be driving it mostly to and from work during peak. Obviously this is strenuous for any car, but will this lead to excessive engine wear for the Passat? (I've read that the Diesels need to run at above a certain RPM consistently otherwise the DPF can malfunction).

5. I'm looking at ones with high kilometers - specifically those that have done the 120,000km service. Is there anything that I should look out for with these, or are they notoriously poor performers at this point?

6. Does anyone know of any reliable mobile mechanics who specialise in on-site VW inspections?
Dealers are loathe to let you off the property with it, and I'm loathe to take the word of a dealer's "workshop".

---------------

Thanks in advance (if you made it this far)!

Essentially, my head is saying to avoid the Passat, but my heart is saying the opposite.

Thanks,
Alex

[Guest001]

Hey guys,

First post here so thanks for hearing me out!

I've trawled through the forums and have also been really put off by just a general Google search on the Passat B6.

In spite of that, I love the look of it for its age, and organised a test drive in the 125 TDI. I absolutely loved it.
I wasn't in it long enough to get a really good feel for it, but I've driven some smooth cars and this was right up there.

I guess I've got a few questions that I'd want answering before buying one;
(Apologies for the length);

---------------

1. Is the 6 speed DSG reliable in general? (Are most DSG complaints to do with the dry/7-speed clutch)?

2. Does the car come in a 'sports auto' in the FSI, or is that just CarSales leading me down the wrong track? Is that reliable?

3. The TDIs had their injectors replaced, do they come with a warranty like the DQ200 DSG replacements did?
(VW Customer Service wouldn't say/didn't know)

4. I'll be driving it mostly to and from work during peak. Obviously this is strenuous for any car, but will this lead to excessive engine wear for the Passat? (I've read that the Diesels need to run at above a certain RPM consistently otherwise the DPF can malfunction).

5. I'm looking at ones with high kilometers - specifically those that have done the 120,000km service. Is there anything that I should look out for with these, or are they notoriously poor performers at this point?

6. Does anyone know of any reliable mobile mechanics who specialise in on-site VW inspections?
Dealers are loathe to let you off the property with it, and I'm loathe to take the word of a dealer's "workshop".

---------------

Thanks in advance (if you made it this far)!

Essentially, my head is saying to avoid the Passat, but my heart is saying the opposite.

In answer these are my thoughts

Read through the Passat B6 forums here NOT Google

1 The 6spd is a wet clutch box and is much better than the dry 7spd Just don't creep it in traffic STOP, HOLD brakes on, release and let it roll, don't drag brake pedal as that makes clutches slip like in a manual.

2 They have sequential manual as well as auto

3 Depends if they have Siemens (recalled) or Bosch OK

4 Hard on DPF as needs a good hard run occasionally to burn the DPF out I never drive mine less than 40k trips I use the Polo for short runs.

5 Don't know mine has only done 14,000.

6 Get a specialized mechanic to check it Most general mechanics wont have a scanner etc to do the job Someone on here will advise you who to get in Vic

Mine is a very nice comfortable car to travel in and with all my extras is pretty easy to drive Adaptive CC being the best feature

Just my thoughts as an owner of a similar B7 The experts will probably contradict me LOL

[Mikrou]

Hey Hillbilly!

Thanks for the advice - really appreciate it - I think I'm almost set on the B6!
Will try and test drive a few to note the differences between the DSGs in each of them.

Any one else? Any advice whatsoever would be appreciated!

[transporterq]

To Hillbilly,

I have a 2007, TDI sedan, love it, the DSG gear box works well, but did not like going backwards slowly, seems like you are kangaroo hopping in a manual, most of that problem has disappeared with having a performance tune installed. This has killed a little bit of the mileage, but the difference in the engine brings a smile to me every time. So instead of getting 1,000 kms out of a tank it is around the mid 900's.
Also have a APR cold air intake and a APR, 3" S/S exhaust installed from after the cat.
Have taken it across to Tasmania on holidays for just over two weeks, not a drop of problems with it.
The injectors have failed on mine, 20 kms out of Geelong, the local VW dealer there fixed them, no problems, with no charge.
If I had the money I would buy a Alltrack Passat, but have to wait until the house is paid for first.

All the best with your purchase, Peter.

[Mikrou]

Hey Peter,

Thanks for the info mate!
Did you happen to know what the warranty is on the new injectors?

Cheers,
Alex

[transporterq]

Alex,

I think it was a 7 year warranty on the new injectors and wiring loom, but don't quote me, anyone else knows?

Thanks, Peter.

[Mikrou]

Cheers Peter!

I've read around these forums that the warranty is 7 years for the Piezo's like you suggest.
I called VWA CS and they said 2 years.

It's so difficult to get a straight answer from them either on the phone, or over email (when they've had a chance to think it over).

Their lack of desire to help is, frankly, woeful.

You guys on the other hand have been great - thanks again.

[MRGU]

Hi mate,

Dont waste ur money on a second hand b6 as it causes a lot of troubles.i would recommend b7 or jap brand

[Mikrou]

Hey MRGU,

Thanks for the insight - did you have the B6?

I think I might go with the Petrol 6-speed (non-DSG) if anything. Will try and test-drive one today.

Absolutely loved the drive of the 125kw TDI DSG, but just seems like too many things could go wrong.
Just too hard to track their history, especially as VW are being hopeless.

[passat08]

I have a b6 08 passat petrol non dsg and love the car. Only problem had was intake manifold which then in turn was the actual ignition coils. But I got full leather auto boot sunroof stage one Apr exhaust cold air induction aswell.

[Mikrou]

Sounds nice mate!

Does the stock 2.0T have some decent power behind it? (Or did you tune it straight away?)
Still trying to find one to test-drive in Melbourne.

Drove the 103 TDI today and felt a little underpowered.

Cheers,
Alex

[passat08]

With out tune it still got power but with tune omg I want more power now

[Mikrou]

Grouse! Will try and test-drive one today.

[jas4motion]

I've got a 06 v6 4motion sedan and it's a love hate thing. I liken it sometimes to a grown up WRX. It's pretty quick for a car of its size & weight, handling is excellent, it'll easily keep up with a GTi on twisty mountain roads. The DSG is simply awesome. It's a great drivers car that I am stumped with what I'll replace it with, without spending a bucket load.

The bad.
They're expensive to own, parts, servicing, brakes, rotors etc. minor services $350+, major services $1,000. - $1,500+, pads & rotors all round at 60,000km $1300 +.
Dealers don't care about after sales service
Dealers don't know much at all about the car, it's faults & how to fix them. They just change parts. The guys here know a lot more.
VW AUS don't care about you or your car either, they've got your money & your driving their car and that's that.
Stupid little things go wrong that shouldn't in cars at this price point.
I bought mine in 2010 with 50,000km on the clock, one owner books etc from a VW Dealer.
- bad dimpling in the drivers door trim where you rest your elbow on the sill, it's permanent to fix it I have to replace the whole door skin.
- various squeaks & rattles in the dash. I've fixed most of them.
- 2 new O2 sensors at 100,000km VW quoted nearly $1000 to replace, I did it with some help & genuine parts of EBay for under $400.
- Air Con compressor playing up intermittently, VW Dealer said needs new compressor, new Tx valve, new condenser, $1900. My local mechanic said just needs compressor $1,400 fitted using genuine parts.
- resale is terrible, no dealer wants to keep them for their yard so they flick them to wholesalers who lowball you as they know they move slowly & if they're scared if something's wrong with it they loose big money fixing it.

They're not a money pit & they are very nice cars, but they're not cheap either & they're quirky & largely unknown. When I say I drive a Passat most people don't know what I mean unless they're a car enthusiast.

Good luck.