I am wanting to buy the wife a passat with the aTDI is there any bad years or common problems to be aware of? Tahnks

 

None that I can think of. It's going to be used, so, just make sure it's been maintained properly with the correct oil.

 

I have been looking for a Jetta or Passat TDI for years. They really hold their value.

 

correct oil and filters is very important. be warned that the water pump, timing belt and front suspension all seems to fall apart at 100,000 KM! And is $$ to fix.

 

i am not super knowledgeable on the subject, but last week talked to a woman filling up at the pump who said she was a trucker's wife, and that she said that her husband's mechanic said that her 2001 jetta tdi was one of the better model years, even moreso than anything newer. dont take my word for it though-

when i asked her what she got for mileage, she said a hybrid-whooping 54 highway and 48 city.

EAT THAT HIPPIES!

 

Thanks for all the info.