2005 Volkswagen Passat

GLS Fully Loaded leather/Cold Weather Package Wagon

2.0L 1967CC 120Cu. In. l4 DIESEL SOHC Turbocharged

Automatic

WVWCE63B55E027445

Clear

Diesel

This 2005 Volkswagen Passat was purchased from a previous owner on eBay on 8/18/2006 with 16,200 miles on it; not even broken-in yet. It has since been used as a commuter car by my non-smoking wife to attend classes at universities in Indiana and Pennsylvania. The car is clean both inside and out, with minimal wear and tear owing to normal use. The leather interior is clean and without defect, except for two small tears in the driver door panel, the result of a smash-and-dash purse robbery that shattered the driver side window. The windows are tinted an amber shade, and match the car nicely. A small rectangle of tinting has been removed from the right lower rear window to accommodate a parking sticker, and I have left the parking sticker in place so that no explanation is needed as to why a small rectangle of tinting is missing. Added options from the previous owner are mudflaps and side window guards. The Monsoon Sound system works perfectly, and includes a 6 disc CD changer located behind a side panel in the left cargo area. An auxiliary audio input is available via the cassette tape function, and is included with the car. All maintenance, both routine and repair, is well-documented, performed by certified mechanics to OEM specs, and will be supplied with the vehicle. Additionally, an excel file containing the maintenance, fuel data, purchase price and mileage history is available via email for those who wish to review that information prior to bidding. Feel free to request it. The timing belt was replaced at 106,000 miles, along with the associated rollers, tensioners and water pump. The 16-inch tires are still in good shape, with about 50% tread left. All of the features and equipment are in working condition, including bulbs, fans, etc. The 5-speed Automatic Tiptronic transmission works perfectly. The pictures associated with this ad depict all of the previously-listed defects and should be self-explanatory. The car will comfortably seat 4 people, and 5 is not that much of a squeeze. It is both heavier and larger than the Jetta wagon, with a smoother, quieter ride. As a result, it is not quite as good with fuel mileage as the Jetta. The MPGs are very good on the interstate, however. Overall, the average MPG achieved with this car during the period of ownership was 34 MPG, info extracted from the excel file. The owner's manual, two remote access keys, a valet key, all service records, the original build sheet, a new air filter and two new oil filters are included with the car. To reiterate the car's defects: There is a small area of rust developing in the wheel well of the front left fender; both plastic headlight covers are clouded and show some oxidation; the antenna roof gasket is cracked and has been repaired with clear silicone; the removable plastic trim that normally covers the indentation for the jacking point is missing from the right side; the alloy wheels are curb-scuffed, particularly on the right side, and one wheel is missing the center VW emblem; there are two small tears in the leather driver door panel; both right and left leading edge bumpers have been scuffed. There is a pictorial representation of these defects. Update: The original listing was ended early owing to the following question from an eBay member: "Do you have information regarding a possible change /upgrade of the balance shaft on that motor? That change is recommended @ 100k and can cause major failure if it breaks and its a spendy one to do... 1500$ and up" Obviously, I could not in good conscience continue the auction without addressing the issue first. So, after some lengthy research and conversations with Volkswagen techs, I discovered that, although this is an issue for the B5 engine, it does not, in fact, affect ALL B5 engines and it is debatable as to whether or not it affects the majority of them, as appears in the various links one may access when researching the problem. The reason being that owners of the B5-equipped models whose cars have run flawlessly for 200,000 miles or more are not likely to report the fact that they're having no problems; it is not part of the data stream and therefore isn't included in the comparison. The claims are that this problem affects the majority of cars anywhere from 80k miles to 150k miles. This car has 153k miles on it, and the engine purrs along without the high-pitched rattle that is associated with the loose chains leading up to the failure of the oil pump. We jacked the car up, and listened intently in the vicinity of the oil pan while the engine was running for any indication of loose chains, and heard nothing unusual. In answer to the question; Yes, I have the information regarding that change (now) and have addressed it. It appears that this vehicle is unaffected. The costs of repair at a dealership for replacing the chains/gears associated with the balance shaft is $1900. If I were keeping the car, I would definitely consider having them replaced during the next timing belt replacement, at 186,000 miles, as the repair would only add an extra $700 to the cost of the timing belt replacement. There is no Service Bulletin regarding this, however, and at no time during the REGULAR service this car has received from a very reputable authorized Volkswagen Service Center has any mechanic or service manager 'recommended' that the balance shaft be replaced. Nor have they ever 'recommended' that the transmission be rebuilt. Perhaps this is because the car has shown no indication that either of these components is about to fail while it is being inspected. Good luck, and if you have any questions that I have failed to address, please ask.