FS: 1997 PASSAT TDI (Austin Tx) best offer/ Mechanic special

**********SOLD********** 04/03/2019

Hello All,

I have a Red 1997 TDI Passat, w/ 266k miles for sale. VIN: WVWGG83A3VB005976

Not Running due to Timing belt blown on 03/08/2019. I had to immediately get a new day to day car due to work (2013 CPO Jetta SW TDI, so I'll still be around here

However, I'm simply not in the position to replace the head and valves/ timing belt, water pump pulleys, etc. (see my post in the B4 thread)

I have not lifted the head, I don't know the extent of the damage.

As much as I LOVE THIS CAR!!! I must sell. Due to a landlord situation, I've no place to work on this car... (very mean person) I've no place to keep it for later. I know this sounds like a no-brainer fix to a lot of people here but I can't do it.

I bought the car in 2011 with 228K. I've been religiously running LiquiMoly SAE 5W-40 synthetic because previous owner did.


Maintenance by my best recollection, here goes:

Struts and Shocks were done 3 years ago.
All engine mounts were done 2 years ago.
Slave cylinder replaced 3 years ago
N75 valve and most vacuum lines replaced about 3 years ago. (I even managed to get the little 2" piece in the CPU)
Fuel lines at injectors replaced.
Mass air flow sensor replaced 5 years ago.
both CVs replaced 2 years ago. (drivers side boot is split but not clicking)
right outer tie rod end replaced last month.


Previous owner had the flywheel converted, the clutch replaced and the fuel pump rebuilt all around 190k (he said when i bought it)

Brake job is on the way with thin pads in the front.

tires are 2 years old.

Clean TX title.

It has all the hallmarks of an old 97'. ie: Bad rear door handles both sides. Rear drivers side window regulator mechanism is shot, so the window is held up by a suction cup. Drivers seat cloth is ripped w/ all other seats clean and in good shape. Driver's side front door panel is really weak, the epoxy/particle panel frame is cracked all at the top. Headliner is droopy. AC does not work. some paint shipping, clear coat coming off in spots, front bumper dented in about 2 inches from truck backing hitch into me. Driver's side window replaced 3 weeks ago!!!

but galldarnit!!! it would have run another 300K if I had only changed the timing belt last year!!!!!

This does not make me happy to sell. I love this car.


Pics are in my members album here on TDIclub.

http://pics.tdiclub.com/showgallery.php?cat=7062

Full size spare in trunk.



Come pick up your new project!!

Now on EBAY and CL in the Austin area for pick up. $525 opening bid or $750 buy it now. Come pick this thing up!

$300 pick it up before Thursday April 4th or it's going to scrap.

Just shared this with my friend who lives in Austin. He is a mechanic and may be interested.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sold 04/03/2019

Congrats! Thats a good save!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yea man, I had it on CL for 500 flat. and after a few low ballers, finally had a good buyer show up to bat!

Awesome! Typical low ballers out there.

You just bought the JSW?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, picked it up the week after the 97 jumped the timing belt. CPO with 24K $12500 out the door. I think I'll drive it for a long time to come.

Sweet!!!!! My old 2011 JSW’s DSG ECU was about to go plus 4 minor accidents and almost 300k miles, buyback...... so she had to go.

I got my 2014 JSW few months later, exact same options from old to the new one such as white with tan interior.... LOL! Even same biolone 16” rims. Got her at 27k for $15k out of the door on Sept 2018.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I feel your pain Cali. The 97 B4 is a family member, and it'll be hard to watch her be towed off. Apparently this mechanic in Dallas puts the drivetrains in old toyota trucks beaters from the 70's?
Nice price on the 2014! My JSW doesn't have the back-up cam. Is it available to install myself? or would that be ridiculous ?

Thanks! Yeah I was heart broken to see 2011 go. Got her brand new with 2 miles on the clock. Modifying her was the fun part. Smoked a 1999-2004 v6 mustang for flipping me off. LOL

Oh I am not sure about back-up cam install. I highly recommend you make a new thread and see what others chime in. I’d like to know in the future of another vw car that may not have rear view camera.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Right on, will do.