Just picked up my 96 passat today.
I previously owned an 86 300d that was cherry. Unfortunately, the turbo started to go south and I couldn't afford to fix it at the time. Also had a tt (fwd roadster variant) that was a blast. Was getting to be too expensive to own (was very short on cash not long ago) so traded that in towards my current car, 06 trailblazer. The trailblazer has been great. Lifted, proper tires, does what I need it too.
Onto something more interesting...
I drive over 100 miles per day to get to work. Figured out how much I pay towards gas, wasn't happy. I've wanted a tdi for some time, figured I would hunt around and see if I could get lucky.
I looked at one 2 hours away. Guy had said it was just a bit rough but otherwise good. Car was so trashed I don't think it'll ever be road worthy again.. poor car. Contacted a second guy that was the typical bad seller. Slow to get back, stopped writing when he heard I was planning on towing it home. Wrote a third guy that was very honest about everything.
227000 miles, new turbo at 200k (quite rusty though, makes me wonder) injectors just cleaned (actually why he sold it, bad knock due to dirty injector scared him, he purchased a new car.) Needs 2 tires, glow plug harness (where do I find this?), funky coolant hose that has a y in it right under IP, and just a bit of tlc.
Rides smooth though with worn oe shocks, no bad noises even from exhaust, clutch engages just a tad high, though I think that's just how these old passats are. Very minor body rust thankfully, though as typical the doors are getting pretty bad on the lowers. The doors should honestly be replaced, doesnt look like much of an option. I've done body work in the past... paint... that is the costly part (not good enough anymore to spray)
Not a bad find for $1500, looking ford to a long ownership!