1996 Volkswagen Passat

tdi Wagon

1.9L 1896CC 116Cu. In. l4 DIESEL SOHC Turbocharged

Manual

wvwhg83a5te185638

Clear

Diesel

Restored by before I purchased. It has been my fuel efficient daily commuter starting at 158k miles. I commute with my two kids, and sometimes dog, and the wagon never let me down. Upgrades/refreshed before I bought it: New belts, water pump, fuel lines, filters, clutch, shift and brake boots. Suspension upgrade: GLX-VR6 Audi 5-lug, new larger rotors and pads, drive axle, bearings, struts, bushings. Larger stock rims. Rebuilt head. Paint and interior: I believe this was originally a black exterior, and tan interior. It was painted Storm Grey, and replaced with a black interior. The Grey looks more blue to me. Depending on the light it is almost iridescent green. I am not a paint expert, but I think it looks nice. Some of the trim on the side was painted with a black lineX style paint, and is flaking off in a couple spots (rear bumper). Floor pan sound proofing(dynamat style) was also added. It has stock new driving/fog lights added (not normally found on the tdi's). It has one remote that works the locks that comes with it.I have not seen any rust on it. Upgrades/repairs after I bought it: Oil filter and full synthetic oil every 5000 miles; fuel filter every 10000 miles; manual transmission fluid once. Replaced AC condenser. It will freeze you out of the car, or the heater will burn you out. Replaced 3way coolant flange off the head (had a pinpoint leak). Just put on brand new Michelin Defender LRR tires. There is a screw repair on the left rear, (lucky me the first month) it has not leaked since. Great tires. Upgraded intercooler band clamps. The sensor that attaches to the coolant bottle had a bent back clip that goes over the nipple. It was coming loose and triggering the sensor. In bending it back, one tab broke, but now it seats completely and has not gone off since. I put the darkest legal tint WA allows on it. Looks great; the back window tint has a couple small scratches, is not perfect. I put in a new radio to be able to plug in my iPhone to a USB port. New headlight switch inside the car (when it failed, the lights don't turn off!) Replaced the oil low pressure sensor that was going off and simultaneously they did a full engine clean. No more sensor issue. I placed Weathertec protective light covers on the headlights and driving lights. Since the driving lights are real glass they chipped/cracked before I could get the covers on there, but still work. I am also including the Weathertec cargo liner. One front corner marker blew off while driving, which I replaced with a reflector version (looks white). These are really weird, and basically partially held in by a little rubber piece. I will include the Thule racks if the bid gets over 8000. My reserve is significantly lower, and I have lowered it since the prior listing. My overall opinion-good: This has been my daily driver, 150 miles per day for a year. It never left me stranded. I think it handles awesome and drives like a sports car with the economy of a modern car.;I averaged 40-41 mpg. The worst I ever got was 37mpg. The best was 44mpg. I was told that my type of driving (fast highway, average 2500-2700 rpm), is past the rpm sweet spot for the car (2300?), hence not achieving better hypermiling style mpg. These cars are like Legos for adults. Caveats/ Issues/I am no VW expert, but I am uber anal retentive: It burns 1/3 to 1/4 a liter of oil every fill up (one tank ends up being about 700-800 miles). I was told this is due to the highway driving I do, and that these cars tend to run on the wet side. The car has been leak free until I parked it 2 weeks ago after the most recent oil change. I now noticed two engine oil looking spots under the car, maybe half dollar sized each spot. I just assume it was from it sitting or the filter/plug. I re-tightened the filter four weeks ago, and it has not leaked since. The oil dipstick and tube do not appear to be original, and does not seem to seat all the way. I ordered a new set from idparts dot com and it is the same. I was told to fill it to the top of the indentation. I will include the new one with the purchase, as well as an additional front corner marker that came as part of a set. During freezing weather, the emergency brake cable can freeze in the locked position. This is a known design flaw. I just leave it in gear when the weather gets too cold, and use a tire chock. The rear wiper works, but I have never seems any water come from the sprayer. The rear window seems to stay unusually clean for a hatchback, and I never bothered with looking into it. The battery has checked out fine at the last oil change. When it gets below freezing, it does not turn over enthusiastically. Since I am selling the car, I have driven it lightly the past month. Even sitting a couple weeks, it started fine. When it gets cold, the transmission is stiff going into second. Second and fifth are quite a strech and cover a lot of real estate. When the engine is cold or when accelerating enthusiastically from a stop, I notice what appears to be blue exhaust smoke. These cars as compared to a new Jetta tdi are more rattley and less refined at idle. The front passenger door does not open from the outside. The local shop replaced the handle, but this is a known design defect of the internal mechanism (cable becomes lax causing it to not connect?). It worked for a little, and then went limp again. It still opens from the inside, but I have not re-attempted the repair. What I have been told: These are the dodge cummins of the car world, but more rare. They have been know to go to 500k miles. If I were keeping it: First thing with my current long commute would be to consider a 5th gear upgrade, to something taller. I am sure there are other fuel efficiency/power upgrades that could be done such as EGR or turbo. I tend to be a purist, and did not elect to do any engine 'hop ups'. Why am I selling it? The wife says I have too many cars now and it is time to move on. I would buy another one in a heart beat, but I would just pay less (which you likely will). The reserve is 1k-2k less than I have seen very nice examples of these on ebay. That is less than half of what I paid for it. The Incidentals: Please contact me with any questions or additional picture requests. The car is being sold as is with no warranty. I believe at this point it is considered mileage exempt, but I believe the miles to be accurate. The car is almost 20 years old. The seller is not responsible for any defects. I recommend you see it in person, or do an independent inspection prior to purchase with any used car before bidding. There are several local VW shops. Any inspection must be on the weekend, as my weekdays are nuts, and needs to be in Seattle. Any independent inspection would need to be paid before I take it over to a shop. The mileage may change slightly, but I have not been commuting in it anymore. By winning the bid you are entering a binding contract, and accept the condition of the vehicle. You must have at least 10 positive feedback to bid. The car is listed locally and the listing may be pulled prior to auction end. A non-refundable $300 deposit is due within 48 hours of winning. Balance of full payment must be received within 7 days via cash, or certified check. The car will not be released simultaneously with payment in person unless it is cash. Money must clear before car is released. It is sold once the money clears, and will be covered by yours or the shippers insurance. Buyer will need to arrange for all shipping requirements including payment. I can meet the shipper with minimum 48hr notice 10 blocks from my house at an empty lot. I am happy to take the car to the DAS terminal in Lakewood Washington as well. Shipping or pick up should be by the end of February. There are no returns or allowances, and taxes are your responsibility.