Passat buying advice???

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nntp.dsl.pipex.com - 24 Feb 2007 17:04 GMT

I'm hoping to look at a 1998 S Reg Passat 1.9TDi (110hp) Estate tomorrow
with a serious view to buying. The seller has indicated to me that there are
a few problems with the rear drivers side door...
1. intermittent fault with central locking on that door alone.
2. speaker not working again on that door
3. electric window not working on same door (he suggested faulty relay)

Anybody recognise these problems? I'm only really concerned by the locking
fault for obvious security reasons as the car will have tools left in it. I
dont particularly want to be handed a hefty bill days after buying it to get
it sorted though.

Also any general viewing advice . ie common problems to look out for would
be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

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somebody - 24 Feb 2007 18:37 GMT

>I'm hoping to look at a 1998 S Reg Passat 1.9TDi (110hp) Estate tomorrow
>with a serious view to buying. The seller has indicated to me that there are
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>Also any general viewing advice . ie common problems to look out for would
>be much appreciated.

Hi,

Check back through the archives for this group and you'll find a common
fault on these (mine included) is a blocked drain hole on the battery
tray which then ends up with water (lots of) coming through the bulkhead
and under the drivers side carpet. The auxiliary computer under the
drivers seat then floods/corrodes etc leading to all manner of
electrical problems... intermittent central locking being one of them.

Mine ended up with
- intermittent/worsening central locking
- remote/electric fuel filler flap refusing to open
- airbag warning

I believe the electric windows are somehow involved with the CCM
(auxiliary) computer too.

Hth

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Someone

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SteveH - 24 Feb 2007 19:06 GMT

> I'm hoping to look at a 1998 S Reg Passat 1.9TDi (110hp) Estate tomorrow
> with a serious view to buying. The seller has indicated to me that there are
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Also any general viewing advice . ie common problems to look out for would
> be much appreciated.

Walk away and buy another.

All those faults (not the speaker) are due to water getting into the
'comfort control module' - a little computer under the front passenger
seat that controls just about everything - ie. central locking, alarm,
windows, interior lights, radio.

The problem with that car is that either the terminal block connecting
it to the loom is corroded and shorting out (bit of a PITA to rewire)
or, more likely, the water has damaged the CCM itself - which is several
hundred quid from VW. They're coded to the car, so you can forget about
a quick swap with one from a scrappy, too.

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SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
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nntp.dsl.pipex.com - 24 Feb 2007 21:20 GMT

cheers for the warning, after having a read through some previous posts i
think it might be best to steer clear of this one. Anyone selling anything
similar, need something in a hurry as I've got no wheels for work at the
moment!

>> I'm hoping to look at a 1998 S Reg Passat 1.9TDi (110hp) Estate tomorrow
>> with a serious view to buying. The seller has indicated to me that there
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> hundred quid from VW. They're coded to the car, so you can forget about
> a quick swap with one from a scrappy, too.

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somebody - 25 Feb 2007 11:19 GMT

>> I'm hoping to look at a 1998 S Reg Passat 1.9TDi (110hp) Estate tomorrow
>> with a serious view to buying. The seller has indicated to me that there are
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>hundred quid from VW. They're coded to the car, so you can forget about
>a quick swap with one from a scrappy, too.

Hi,

I'm not sure I would entirely agree with a simple 'walk away'. To repair
mine only cost £150 at the local independent garage.

If the car is in otherwise good nick *and* at a reasonable price it
might still be worth looking at - maybe with a suitable price
adjustment.

In this particular case though, I note the OP is looking to get mobile
fairly quickly so probably won't have time for the repair etc.

Regards
Someone

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SteveH - 25 Feb 2007 11:57 GMT

> >The problem with that car is that either the terminal block connecting
> >it to the loom is corroded and shorting out (bit of a PITA to rewire)
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> I'm not sure I would entirely agree with a simple 'walk away'. To repair
> mine only cost £150 at the local independent garage.

Sounds like it was only the connector block giving hassles, then.

If it's the CCM itself, they're 800 quid at a VW dealer.

> If the car is in otherwise good nick *and* at a reasonable price it
> might still be worth looking at - maybe with a suitable price
> adjustment.

I'd want a grand off the asking, just in case it *is* the CCM - there is
no way to tell until you pull the box out and have a look.

> In this particular case though, I note the OP is looking to get mobile
> fairly quickly so probably won't have time for the repair etc.

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