1997 Passat TDI 5-speed in Illinois

1997 Passat TDI 5-speed in Illinois- SOLD

SOLD
It is with tears in my eyes (literally) that I am putting my 1997 VW Passat TDI Sedan, 5-speed manual transmission up for sale. She’s been a great car for me, serviced by German Auto specialists (most of the time) since I bought her in 1999 with 40,000 miles on her. We’re now members of the 300,000 miles club and she was running really well until the turbo went out (diagnosed by German auto specialist). She runs but has absolutely NO PICK UP UPON ACCELERATION. I am not mechanically inclined & can no longer afford to fix her. I’m hoping that someone with a modicum of mechanical skill will want her to fix her up.
This is a rare Passat- they only made this model 96 – 97. The interior is in good shape for its age with some wear in the front seats. The passenger seats and area are in excellent condition. The sun/moon roof works great. The exterior has a few dings but does not need any major body work and the paint shines up with a nice wax. There is a patina spot on the hood and minor dings/rust (there are a lot of photos). The glass is in great shape all the way around. and so is the roof. This is a great fixer-upper for the right person.
Heres a list of pros and cons:
PROS:
Engine in running condition
turbo diesel (unfortunately turbo needs to be replaced)
Manual transmission, a definite pro if you’re into that
Premium sound
Sun/moon roof (glass that both tilts and slides back) works great
Interior in good shape with exception of small seam tears in front seats
Glass is all good
Windows functional
Clean title
Regular oil changes every 3-4,000 miles, last 150,000 with synthetic oil- previous with mechanic’s choice

CONS:
316,000 miles
#1 con- turbo is out and in a tight place against the firewall. Difficult for DIYers easy if you’re a mechanic.
Dings in exterior
2 tears in upholstery- 1 small in driver seat and bigger in front passenger seat
Some rust
Front grill bent
Front bumper cracked
Headliner loose

Car is in the Greater Chicago Area, Illinois. Asking $1,000. E-mail brownchurch6@gmail.com
Photos at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kd6zrzphsgmtjs5/AAD9_UMmSksZAB9A3zo7zrLza?dl=0

I don't know where in Illinois you are, but I am 100 miles sw of Chicago in Ottawa. I have a 1997 with a brand new turbo (& now a bad IP). If you were able to get resources together, you could have my b4 and a trunk load of parts as a parts car (minus the bad IP). I just bought a replacement TDI as my b4 and I did not get along. I am an inch closer to pushing this hateful car into the closest quarry.

I have a couple of questions

sootful said:

I don't know where in Illinois you are, but I am 100 miles sw of Chicago in Ottawa. I have a 1997 with a brand new turbo (& now a bad IP). If you were able to get resources together, you could have my b4 and a trunk load of parts as a parts car (minus the bad IP). I just bought a replacement TDI as my b4 and I did not get along. I am an inch closer to pushing this hateful car into the closest quarry.

Click to expand...

Hi Sootful, I'm in the Greater Chicago Area. What is a "bad IP"??? What kind of resources are we talking about? Obviously, I'm not a car aficianado... don't know much, but I know what I like
I'm going to discuss with family & I'll let you know soon what the verdict is.



BTW, I'm assuming it's a manual transmission? (I don't even know if they made this model in an automatic transmission.)

Pump is cavitated. The IQ pegs all over the place and the engine sputters like an angry Italian, much like myself. It also has new nozzles & injectors, new exhaust and tons various other new parts both installed and not installed. The IP cavitating was the final straw. The car hates me. It is a manual trans with a strong clutch (& new leather shift boots & e brake boot). My main reason of giving this up is the undercarriage rust. It doesn't make sense for me to pour more money into it but it would make someone a fantastic parts car.
When I say resources, I mean a trailer to haul this piece of passat away. lol.

LOL... thank you for the polite reference to your piece of passat. Give me a day or two; I still need to discuss this with my family for a final decision. This will probably take a day or two.
P. S. Do you have any pix? From my personal experience, it was a hassle to get pix posted, but you may be better at it than I am. Not necessary, but would be nice.

I am in no hurry.

Hi Sootful,
My husband just got a quote for replacing the turbo. It would cost $1,500 which is beyond our means. Thank you for taking the time to write.

I'm going to be having nightmares of your Passat at the bottom of a quarry now. >.<

1997 Passat TDI

I'm sorry to hear that. $1500 seems a bit high to just swap one turbo for another.
Best of luck to you.

Maria

sootful said:

I'm sorry to hear that. $1500 seems a bit high to just swap one turbo for another.
Best of luck to you.

Maria

Click to expand...

Hi Maria, it's from our regular shop... a certified VW repair person, I think his title is "Master Technician", who runs his own shop. He's done most of the work on her for the last 7-8 years. Do you think it's high for the Chicago area or high in general?

1997 b4 passat

PM'd before we get flagged.

Wish I had a 2 car trailer and I would come get them both. 5 hrs is 2 far for 2 trips