What is the best VW Sedan?

What are common repairs made to an 2003 VW Passat GL sedan?

• I just bought a 2003 Passat GL sedan. It was a steal price wise. It has 127,000 and I was just wondering what repairs and services were common on this year and model. My carfax shows seemingly routine upkeep and checks. I just want to know what to expect and when and what should be up to date, if possiable. I do know that you either love or hate when it comes to cars so if you could keep personal opininon to a minimum that would be greatly appreciated.

• Answer:

  The previous writers are correct to a point; the water pumps were updated with metal parts a few years ago and the replacements (at least the ones I've seen are now metal), the ignition coils were subject to a recall/extended warranty and the latest generation of ignition coils haven't been the problem that past ones have been. As for the tie rods, though VW has sold them as an assembly, the aftermarket companies make seperate inner and outer tie rod parts available: Raybestos and Moog both sell inner and outer tie rods as seperate pieces, so one does not have to replace the entire tie rod assembly. The outer tie rods have been somewhat subject to wear issues, buy a lifetime tie rod end from some of the aftermarket parts firms. Depending upon the type of driving that you do, the suspension links are probably the worse thing about the Passat; they are prone (in my opinion) to excessive wear and don't seem to last more than 50 to 75K miles before needing replacement. The worn links also contribute to the tie rod wear issue as well... I haven't seen that much with issues with the MAF (mass air flow sensor) provided the engine crankcase vent system is maintained and the engine doesn't burn oil. The Passat is much less prone to MAF failures than the New Beetle/Jetta/Bora/Golf. You will need to run the engine on Premium fuel and use a synthenic oil in the motor to maintain it properly. Check the oil level often; especially if you have the turbo version; those motors tend to run real warm and the use of the wrong oil can cause sluge build up in the motor, which will kill it. If the engine is maintained properly, it should have a good life and decent fuel economy; the trick is to find someone who understands the car and can deal with the quirks that VW's have. I have always recommended replacement of various vacuum hoses at the 30k milage service to reduce the chances of the hoses becoming brittle and cracking and thus causing the check engine light to come on. It doesn't take much longer to replace these hoses and prevents issues latef (especially on those turbo motors where turbo heat can bake hoses really quickly....