... Ish.

Well my WRC sold last Saturday so a replacement car was required. To cut a long story short, I opted for a Passat PD130 Sport, and found one on eBay. Although there were negative points to the car, it was a very good price so I decided to go for it. I wanted the Sport for the lower suspension and nicer (IMHO) seats/steering wheel.

The performance is not what I was expecting. Straight line speed is not exactly breath taking, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the torque. Every gear pulls very hard making it a very relaxing and easy car to drive. The engine is not quite as refined as I had expected but then I've come from a petrol so I guess that's to be expected. Handling is quite good for its size. It's no vRS and back road blasts are a no no , but higher speed sweeping bends are handled competently and the ride quality is very good.

I'm enjoying the extra space, being 6'4", the Octy could be cramped with 4 up, but the Passat is very comfortable even with another 6footer behind me.

The economy is fantastic (coming from an Octy vRS). I've done over 300 miles and am yet to use half a tank. The tank is obviously larger than the Octy, but even so I'm yet to see below 45mpg average even on short journeys.

Now the bad points...

There are a couple of little dents on the rear O/S arch and a scuff on the N/S/R arch... These are getting sorted ASAP.

A service was due, so I've done a full service with genuine bits and the cam belt is getting done on Tuesday.

Genuine mats were missing - now replaced

Warning triangle missing... On order

O/S Jack point cover missing... also on order

Wheel centre caps corroded... To be ordered

Only one key present and the badge is missing... New badge ordered and second key on its way from eBay.

I also have a couple of annoying noises. The gear stick rattles and the dash clunks... Both are known/common faults and will be rectified as and when I get time.

Tomorrow's job is to fit Cruise control. I was surprised to find this wasn't fitted although it's no big problem.

I plan to retro-fit heated seats some time over the next few weeks too.

Edited 17 November, 200817 yr by VRSPhil

shame to sell the wrc,hope you put a no sticker removal clause in the sale contract;)

Passat looks a nice motor and you choose a car with the right fuel,so theres another good point to it:thumbup:

Lovely cars these. I really miss my 2003 SE Estate, like REALLY really miss. Its the only car I really regret getting rid of.

No other car laps up the miles as comfortably.

They are so easy to maintain too, just make sure the plenum is clear of leaves as they drain holes can block leaving a wet carpet and rogered convenience ECU. They do eat CV boots (about every 50k) so keep an eye on them regularly. Other than that its plain sailing.

I had the seats apart to replace a heated seat mat, so don't hesitate to ask if you've got any questions.

I've got a genuine fuel filter boxed here, as well as a few other odds and ends like undertray clips, covers for the engine cover screws, a rear drivers side door handle with tweeter... loads of bits. If you need anything drop me a PM.

Many thanks for that, Tom. I will drop you a pm later

Looks tidy!

Jobs done so far today:

Missing jack point cover replaced, engine cover mountings replaced, engine cleaned, new gear gater fitted (with blue stitching... sad I know ).

Not sure if it's a day for cruise fitting... I might get blown away

Looks very nice

Think cruise was something that was lacking on the Sport, over the SE.

Steve

Beautiful car mate, especially in that colour:thumbup:

Ian:)

Looks a tidy buy as everyone has said.

May I too second what Tom has said about the plenum chamber, make sure it is clear or a big expense coming your way in wet weather.

Only thing to keep having to remember is where reverse is on these!!

Again it looks very nice. Should eat the miles effortlessly. Enjoy.

Thanks for all the positive comments. Yes, I have gone for reverse and got 6th a couple of times.

Cruise now fitted... Took about 3 hours in the end. It's not a bad job but I had trouble getting the wiper arms off. Which was highly annoying when I realised I didn't even need to take them off! I suspect it would be a 1.5 hour job second time around.

Nice car.

When I went to look at this octi they have a passat sport pd130 for sale too and like you I found it to be lacking in ooommmmpppphhh I also thought it felt to be a very soft ride, hence I went for the octi.

Hope you enjoy it. Bet you miss the wrc allready

Nice car.

When I went to look at this octi they have a passat sport pd130 for sale too and like you I found it to be lacking in ooommmmpppphhh I also thought it felt to be a very soft ride, hence I went for the octi.

Hope you enjoy it. Bet you miss the wrc allready

I think I worded my initial post badly... I actually think it flys for what it is. I'm not sure if it's been remapped, I need to find out really.

I do miss the WRC, but it's gone to a good home

They do go rather well. I promise you its quicker on my favourite bumpy b road than my old mapped/lowered/TT braked etc Fabia :eek:.

Looks Superb

Found out today that the car got a brand new enging fitted by a main dealer c25,000 miles ago after flood damage... So that's nice!

Also found out that the clutch is fine, I just can't drive

Thats great news!!!

You checked the plenum yet?? :P

I had the cover panel off to access the ECU and it looked nice and clean. There were a couple of dry leaves next to the pollen filter but otherwise it looked fine. I couldn't actually see the drain holes, are they under the battery? I'll have a better look tomorrow (I was tired last time), I certainly want to ensure it's in order before winter really kicks in!

Cheers,

Phil.

Glad your liking it, great to see the C/Control already fitted. I find the 130 is a stink of a drive expecially with the wafty suspension in the Passat, gorgeous on the motorways.