Signs You Should Walk Away from a Car

[@emagnan]

Bought a 2007 wagon 11 years ago. Had 129k then, now at 287k. Great car but needs real meticulous maintenance, that’s the German way it seems. I’ve replaced a lot of parts, do all my own work so saved thousands. Hoping to take it past 400k because there’s no equivalent car like it today and I hate car payment. If you’re handy, it’s a great car for the money. Lots of German parts available at reasonable prices. I love my Passat! Disclaimer: I’m an older mechanical engineer that works in IT/software. Diagnostics and repairs are easy for me…

[@Shutityou]

The old 1.9 tdi pd was one of the best economical engines ever produced. My last one was feeling brand new at 190k when my wife killed the car. 60mpg on a long run too. Superb.

[@Alatraka76]

Guest what I have 2 of 2007 Passat wagon I love them

[@rreif5934]

I had a 2008 wagon that I bought used for $5000 with about 90K miles. I put about 100K more on it until my daughter had it out of state and the engine went. I think she didn't keep an eye on the oil but I still can't complain. Now I just bought a 2010 wagon and I'm so excited about it.

[@gseric4721]

Ahhh so you're Mech. That makes a lot more sense 😂😂😂😂

[@LesReeves]

I'm the same as you do all my own mechanical & body work.(Also retired.)

[@JimNH777]

It's funny to watch it in Europe because 2 things you never hear about Passat here is 'expensive to repair' and 'fun to drive' :D

[@noventay4]

This Passat with the FSI engine is fun to drive, same engine in the Jetta GLI

[@LesReeves]

Out here in AUS they are expensive to buy/maintain as there is no aftermarket parst supply. The fun to drive is a fantasy they are crap.

[@noventay4]

@@LesReeves there is a lot of aftermarket parts supply, China has a big stock on them

[@LesReeves]

@@noventay4 Yeah in China not AUS.FRIEGHT MAKES THEM EXPENSIVE TOO.

[@JimNH777]

@@noventay4 well China might have, but in Europe you just go to your local scrapyard or garage and more than likely they just have it somewhere.

[@Birdmacher]

German-built VINs start with W because it was West Germany at the time the VIN codes were assigned.

[@victorpapillon1487]

Cool and good

[@Theunknownnone]

Not true, its because they were built in Wolfsburg Germany. W stands for Wolfsburg actually

[@extramild1]

I douth the DMV care where or know where VW are built. The W could just have been random chance?

[@victorpapillon1487]

@@extramild1 the manufacturer qssigns the VIN in accorsance with international regulations, the DMV has nothing to do with

[@laurentiup5312]

@@Theunknownnone , I don't know if he is correct or not but you are 100% wrong because for all cars that are made in Germany the VIN starts with W...Mercedes VIN starts with W and it was not made in Wolfsburg....same with Audi

[@rbiddy5893]

i agree with Scotty...had a number of VWs over the years and never had any major problems and they held up well. Then in 2015 I bought my first Mexican made GTI...it was a total lemon and of the 8 months I had it, literally it spend 4 of those months in the shop and they could never figure out what was wrong with it so the dealer offered to buy it back and gave me a great deal on a brand new 2016 GTI. I gave it the benefit of the doubt because I had never had problems and the 2016 was better but at 40,000km (km, not miles), the plastic thermostat housing broke and leaked coolant and it was an $1800 repair. That was the last VW for me. The German ones were great but I'm put off by the brand now and all the cheap plastics that cost a fortune to replace.

[@clxse1]

1800 FOR A THEROMOSTAT HOUSING?!?!!?

[@noventay4]

FYI the plastic thermostat is made in Germany, VW quality has gone really bad not because they're made in Mexico, they have been made there since the 90's, but because they want to comply with strict environmental laws in Europe

[@rbiddy5893]

@@clxse1 sorry I should be more specific...first it is $1,800 Canadian...second that included the water pump which didn't have to be replaced but is also a common failure point on those cars so since the intake has to come off, it made sense to do that at the same time. But the thermostat housing part was $750 CAD...for a piece of plastic crap!

[@LesReeves]

@@rbiddy5893 You need a 3D printer if you own a new vehicle parts then become cheap & crappy like the aftermarket stuff.LMAO.

[@747simmer4]

when my water pump goes bad on my gli im gonna replace it with a metal one tbh

[@ljshowto]

The first things I check before buying a used car: carfax engine oil - even if it was really dirty and they put new oil in it, it would look dirty again right away. look under car for leaks. look for frame damage. look how worn the brake and gas pedal pads are. test drive at highway speeds - listen for noises while driving (ha, some salesmen will play the radio loud to hide any concerning sounds if they with you for a test drive - LOL). If those look good, then off to a mechanic for the rest of inspection.

[@robertk5691]

Interesting, since I own an '07 Passat, purchased new, and going strong at 196k miles. I've had a number of VW's but I always go for the manual trans since they last forever. Used to be, back in the day, all VW's were manual trans; with the coming of the 1998 Passat (1996 in Europe) and the shift to a more mainstream car, there has been a shift to all automatic trans. For example, I don't believe the Arteon is available with manual trans at all.

[@911connoisseur]

it does, but only on the tiny 1.5 turbo and a few diesel versions

[@oNeGiAnTLiE]

I love the wealth of knowledge you have to offer Scotty! Thanks

[@dylanowens3173]

Vw are amazing. .. only if you get the tdi diesel with a manual transmission. Those will last very long time and take alot of abuse. I have two 2006 jetta and beetle tdi manual trans. Both been converted to smyth ute pickups , the beetle is a rally race track car with a bigger turbo and awd conversion. And they both are beasts on and off road. Get 45-50 mpg on road normal speeds and when racing 60 to 100mph still get 35-40mpg

[@georgegonzalez9281]

I've had 3 VW's over the span of 20 years - a Rabbit, Jetta and now I have a 2017 Passat. They've all been super reliable because I kept up with the scheduled service intervals and changed the oil every 5K miles. The major service intervals to service the transmission and replacing the timing belts were expensive but not much than the average car. I don't understand why people say to stay away from VW's they're wonderful cars and more reliable than American designed cars. Give VW a break Scotty :)

[@amandeepbaa6978]

Nope

[@d47000]

There's a reason Europeans don't complain about VWs like we do! Maybe it has something to do with gas versus diesel, but in Germany they're generally seen as reliable, simple, and economical.

[@Christy.1]

Just 2 days ago I saw an old either Rabbit or Yugo. First thought was holy chit it's a Yugo! Then got up close and thought, may be a Rabbit. Couldn't tell from the back. Whatever it was, looked to be in decent shape.

[@amandeepbaa6978]

@@d47000 cuz they r German enthusiasts and their parts, repair, maintenance and expert mechanics r economical cheaper and affordable in euro world compared to rest of the world

[@noventay4]

Because parts are very expensive and they are not engineer the same as American cars

[@LRM12o8]

As a German IT specialist, I appreciate that level of information the car gives you! 👍

[@katherine4206]

I had a jetta back in the 80s 1:28 . Key word, had. Everytime it went over railroad tracks it died. Literally just shut down. After 3 years we dumped it.

[@don2deliver]

The new 1.8 Turbo seems to be holding up pretty well, the older 1.8T or 2.0T ones were junk. The 2.5 5cyl. was a great engine internally, but the check engine light could and would come on for literally 12,000 different reasons.

[@TheRockingRobby]

The 1.9tdi still the best engine they ever made.

[@United-States-of-Africa]

I own a 07 volkswagen rabbit 2.5 shifts like butter

[@RoderikvanReekum]

The old late 80's passat was like a tank. Looked cool aswell with the closed grill.

[@CrossForum]

In Germany? I thought VW started selling the Passat in the USA in the mid-1990s. It was the top-of-the-line car for VW dealerships.

[@RoderikvanReekum]

@@CrossForum Yes, Wikipedia : The third generation Passat was introduced in March 1988 in Europe, 1990 in North America, and 1995 in South America.

[@gtm_1131]

Bought one last year in really good shape, and it's a really relaxing car to drive, feels very solid.

[@ismanuelmacias4079]

I bought a brand new Passat 2.0T FSI with the BPY engine in Mexico back in 2008 and I still own the car after 130,000 miles, still a fun and zippy ride... oil changes are done every 10k miles and only 5w40 synthetic oil is used. As long as you keep the car in good shape it will last for ages... 15 years and counting! ❤

[@trumpeldorf]

In a parallel universe, you have good cars from VW))

[@MrWolfrose]

I have a 2013 2.5 SE Jetta. Bought it at 60k miles as a used fleet car. At almost 160k. 25-30 city 35-40 highway. Changed the oil every 3k and have only had to replace the radiator ( cracked plastic ). Keep up with the oil get the non turbo and put it in sport mode if your going to get on it and I’ve found there great cars.

[@Leon13410]

Buy this thing with a 2.0 tdi and it will run and run and run

[@Parapumbito]

You goddamn right

[@90daydifference]

Tdi?

[@adex_smith]

I use this car and I haven't had any problems with it, i live in nigeria and i maintain it properly i change oil every 2 months. It has 46k miles on it.

[@diogenes505]

Showing a wrecked car tells me it was in an accident but doesn’t tell me it has poor reliability or if maintenance is expensive.

[@robertburns3014]

My son bought a Passat from a friend. He found out that like Scotty said, it's full of easily breakable plastic parts. He sold the piece of junk as soon as he could.

[@katieking6845]

The plastic melts and breaks true

[@NE0C]

I wanted to clarify something as someone who works in a VW dealership. The WVW in Volkswagen cars is for passenger vehicles. The W doesn’t mean it was made in Germany. The factory identifier is the 11th digit, which in this case is An E which is for Emden, Germany. Now I know it’s a little different over there for you guys in the states where it’s 1VW or 3VW (Mexico) sometimes, but it’s general rule of thumb if you’re trying to figure out where the vehicle was manufactured. Because some vehicles are made in Solvakia and Austria and other European countries.

[@CarringtonHollister]

P is Zwickau, Germany I know because my 2002 Passat was assembled in Zwickau (fun fact: it was also notorious for the former Trabant assembly plant as well)

[@anima_vestra_gaming2419]

My first car was a black 07 Passat 2.0T Wolfsburg and man do I miss that car really enjoyed driving it. Great handling, perfect interior and good speed. The only problem I had was it was always pissing oil lol.

[@bryontology1754]

I'm pretty sure the W came into use to designate West Germany back there was a West Germany and an East Germany.

[@davidhancock91]

I Had a non German made Jetta, it had a 1.4l turbocharged and supercharged engine. It was crappy compared to the German 2 litre ones. I have had two Touaregs built in the Czech Republic. Both very well built and no troubles with them. Very reliable

[@dansanger5340]

Looks like a pretty good car that's held up pretty well. I just got my first VW a few months ago, a 2023 ID4. So far, I'm extremely happy with it.

[@pierreetienneschneider6731]

This things needs new shocks and a coat of paint, that's pretty much it. If you want to give it real care, change those coils and spark plugs, and this tank is good to go for a good long while.

[@BabyBugBug]

They are good cars. If you take care of them. The ID4 will be much easier. Enjoy yours.

[@dantesinfernopurgatory7826]

Timing belt service for those engines should be done at 80K. Includes waterpump, tensioner, all belts.

[@wandameadows5736]

VW makes several engines, the 2.5L inline 5 with a chain is the best. Scotty acts like we are in 1950 & each car company makes 1 type of everything. Also Toyota has a partnership with VW & many VWs have the 09G Trans instead of the GAC Compressor Control Solenoid Valve DGS. I have owned Honda, Toyota & now a 2012 VW Jetta SE with they 2.5L & its the easiest to work on. VW parts & after market parts are widely available now days. Scotty's just behind on his VW knowledge. He from the days of having to wait on import parts.

[@amandeepbaa6978]

@@wandameadows5736 naah Scotty repair many vw/Audi of many of his customers during his work career doesn't matter to be bought from used market

[@TerminatedAccount.]

@@wandameadows5736 Holy cope

[@rickaland5107]

Use thgates racing rpm belts i hope thats a non interference engine, my 75 was and it was a piece of crap but i later bought a used72 bus, and a 1990 vanagon westfaliasforsale syncro the westy syncro was ok as it had some weak spots already identified the rabbit belt broke almost in 1 month of purchase that car was a pos i traded it for a volvo 245 stick a great car but i rear ended a rabbit and insurance totaled the volvo it was non interference sohc as was the rabbit but rabbit belt was easier to replace but a frient and i figured it out the tdc marks were easy to find and align on vw but that was a sohc non interference engine i now have a very complex volvo xc70 5 cyl 2ohc engine interference and check the belt religiously and will use the gates racing rpm belt for replacement im considering if i can find one and business improves buying another syncro westy and swapping a subaru engine in place of the troublesome 2.1 L flat four vw engine, BTW, i alao drove a 1996 itegra ls about 90k miles without issues great design and build Good luck, they re all getting pushed to the limits

[@rickaland5107]

​@@wandameadows5736 yes but i ws speaking of a volvo 5 cyl that uses a timing belt with and interference design twin cam engine im in favor of using timing chains if the engine is interference and the best belts made if they must cheap out and use a timing belt yes i know they are quieter than chains my hosemat has a bmw w chain and its much noisier than the volvo with the belt, but its crazy to depend upon such a weak design, thats like the CVT AUTOMATIC JOKES

[@archermark29]

I've owned my 2015 GLI manual for 6 years now and ive had no major issues, ive taken care of any reacalls and TSBs and have it serviced regularly, its a real fun car to drive and i love driving it, as long as you take care of the car it will last a long while.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

6 years is not so long for a modern car…

[@747simmer4]

honestly just take care of the car 😂 and itll do fine

[@discgolfcrew702]

My 2010 VW GTI is finally falling apart and starting to cost me at the repair shop, time to upgrade

[@slamscaper128]

Scotty would most certainly tell me to scrap my 04 outback. The rust rot has eaten through it under the wheel wells and such. If it wasn't for the plastic that covers the rocker panels, it wouldn't look very good at all. But it's still running and everything works. It's also still solid, as the rust (bad as it is) hasn't actually affected anything critical. I can't afford anything else right now so I'm pushing it. I'm getting better and better with cars, so I'm sure my next purchase will make more sense and I can thank Scotty's videos for that.

[@movalboy]

The last great Passat was the '04 turbo. It was 150,000 miles of fun until the oil pump failed. If I had the 3 grand at the time I could have swapped in an Audi A4 engine.

[@denzeljackson6505]

Had a 2008 golf 5 with over 300,000 km. Engine was never touched gearbox was never the first time I change the clutch was in 2020, I bought the car when it was 2 years old. Was going to drive it until the engine gave up but unfortunately I met an accident last month and the car was written off. Only had to fill one pint of oil every every 3 weeks so they're not all bad but proper maintenance you can get a good lifespan from them. Now I got a 2020 Mazda 3 and I love it. I miss my golf though . When I did change my timing belt the old one was like brand new just make sure you buy an original timing belt from vw don't buy an after-market belt. Besides your normal maintenance like brakes etc the car was solid. Just take good care of it and you'll fine

[@AbrahamReyes-o3q]

I own a 2002 VM passat, with 293K miles. No issues with engine or transmission. Paint is not faded althought is been parked mostly in the sun. Great car.

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

Im in Ireland, I'm on my fifth Passat and none of them have given me any trouble, but you have to mind them meticulously. Service right on schedule but i promose you, it won't ever let you down

[@Kr0Br0]

Over here in Eastern Europe it cost 300 bucks to change the timing belt and everything along with it. It’s basic maintenance here. Also never seen a VW with pain problems like that, usually happens with Renault or something like that

[@nakoma5]

Uff, lucky. It's like $800-$1000 here in US minimum for most timing belt changes.

[@Christy.1]

@@nakoma5 It depends on the car. On my 07 Mitsubishi Eclipse, my mechanic has done it for about 400. parts & labor the past 18 years. Just had it done few weeks ago, water pump went out. Not sure if it's just Mitsubishi or all of the companies, but they're not selling the timing belt kits anymore at the parts stores. So buying the pulleys, belt, water pump separately was going to cost me 300. for just the parts. I said nope, went online to Rock Auto and picked them up for 90.

[@Kr0Br0]

Most people here don’t go to authorized mechanics, they go to local guys like Scotty. And a most of those local mechanics are some sort of relative/friend so they have a discount. In my case, our family mechanic is my dads fraternal brother so he charges us literally only for parts

[@axxisblack]

German cars are crap, get over them

[@Christy.1]

@@Kr0Br0 I'd say it's about the same here too. If it's something I can't or am not comfortable doing, go to a friend/family, if not try and find a local shop that won't screw you over but still has a clue what they're doing, last resort at least for me is a dealership.

[@ThomasKing19933]

If Scotty says don't buy it, then don't buy it!

[@MACYWRLD]

Don’t even breath on it don’t look at it

[@Viper2AZFE]

That's right 👍 good job 👍

[@Nick41622]

Nice cat.

[@tonymahony7936]

When Scotty says don’t buy it, it mean means he didn’t get bought.

[@Ancient_Serpent]

He said not to buy Honda elements and they're great cars

[@mrcell61]

Scotty please do some product reviews. It has been a long time. I love the Bluetooth speaker you recommended!

[@popinswag07]

i got a 2010 passat tsi and the only major problem ive gotten is the intake manifold. if you keep up with maintance it can last for a long time

[@celsovera91]

I always feel the reason why the vin with German cars start with a W because since the vin numbering dates back to the early 80s, I assume W stands for West Germany

[@richardhalliday6469]

We don't get VWs anywhere near as cheap as you do here in the UK and we are a damn site nearer than the US to Germany. VW do have a very good reputation here contrary to your experiences Scotty

[@mongo64071]

Scotty is a Toyota fan.

[@amandeepbaa6978]

Cuz vw have good reputation and easy cheap maintenance in euro world tho not else where

[@unconventionalideas5683]

They have a fairly lousy reputation in the US, though. We drive a lot further though, so things show up here that might not in the UK.

[@frafraplanner9277]

Idk... In the US VWs break down constantly

[@jonisman2]

Yeah, the first thing I did when I bought my Nissan Almera (1.5 Turbo Diesel from 2004) in February was changing the timing belt - The car had 230.000 KM or around 142.000 miles

[@wheels2fun526]

My parents still have their 1980 Jetta Diesel. Only work that had done was around 15 years ago to get it repainted and the seats redone.

[@audimanao]

We’ve owned only Audis and VWs since 2000, and they’ve all been dead reliable. As long as you keep up on maintenance they’re fine. Our A6 V8 from 2000 is still running perfect with over 160k miles on it. We have had the S6 V10 for a while, tiguan’s, sq5s A4s A3s A6s, passats, all totally reliable.

[@20TIL6]

Folks at the faulty scan tool company are freaking out and calling emergency meetings right now.

[@sandycheeks1580]

🎉😊 Right! If it can’t pass Scotty’s 😎QA tests…throw it out the window 🪟 & get back to the drawing board🧐

[@charlesseaton6199]

Thanks for this video! I have a pair of 2008s - 2.0Turbo wagon and a VR6 4 motion sedan. They are not Toyotas but I keep them up.

[@Mr_Toodles]

wish i knew about the VW ignition coil thing when my old Jetta ate it. As much trouble as that car was...I loved it

[@horatiohornblower3757]

My 06 Diesel Jetta was built in Mexico. And besides the interior fading and peeling the engine has been a real trooper. Although I'm only at 145k miles at the moment which is pretty low still for an older car.

[@HR-wd6cw]

I think part of the reason of the decline in the Passat was partially due to the emission scandal as I think that car was often purchased as a diesel and was quite popular (that and the Golf perhaps). Plus I think the Passat is a perhaps a more expensive car and go figure that after 2012, most people probably were still scared by the Recession that a Jetta was cheaper and probably just as fun to drive/own. I guess the big question for Scotty is if you had to pick one, which would you pick: VW or a BMW? (I wonder if they didn't use "G" as it could be mistaken for a 6 and I don't know of any cars that have a 6 as the first digit, at least not yet, but perhaps there may be in the future if the VIN scheme doesn't change, as I think some of the American made import cars -- toyotas at least -- start with a 4, and some of the newer US-made US cards from Ford and GM start with a 3 now.

[@pierreetienneschneider6731]

What emissions scandal😊 every car maker does the same, they derate the engine when they sense a test condition (not moving, door open, parking brake set). Renault got into some trouble with this too...

[@MJ-uk6lu]

@@pierreetienneschneider6731 It was way more than just Renault. At this point, basically any car brand did. As far as I know FCA, VAG, GM, Mitsubishi, PSA, FoMoCo, Subaru, Kia/Hyundai, Subaru, MB, BMW, especially Toyota were caught for that stuff. Ironically, it was the Toyota, who paid the biggest fine to fed so far. 180 million dollars. And also Toyota is the most infamous for various greenwashing fines. The biggest discrepancies between rated limits and real emissions so far were with Jeep Cherokee 3.0 diesel, Benz SL 3.5 liter petrol and Hyundai Veloster 1.6 petrol. I don't want to defend VW for emissions, but I find it really hypocritical and cringe when people mention their emission scandal. The problem is that the whole industry cheats and people don't really care until media tells them to care.

[@theomegapotato1828]

I got my 2012 jetta gli about a year ago stock with 100k miles on it. I've learned alot having it. Timing chain was the biggest for me. was never replaced and i went to start it one day and it went boom. took it to the dealership and it was salvageable and got a new head on it and turbo. definitely would aim to get timing chain changed every 70,000 miles or so. Other things included 1 of my ignition coils going out and i ended up just replacing all my coils and spark plugs. front struts were completely broken and got new ones, wiper motor went out, exhaust rusted off but got aftermarket one anyways. The rest was just regular maintenance. Probably should of got rid of it but it was my grandfather's car and I loved it when I was actually able to drive it. Feels almost brand new now and I'm hoping i can get alot of miles out of it before i get rid of it. It's sitting at a healthy 120,000mi right now. Very fun car to drive.

[@wandameadows5736]

2012 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5L, best car I've ever owned & I've owned Toyota & Honda. When you buy a lower end VW like the Jetta SE you'll think you bought a luxury car thats fun to drive. Also Euro cars are just as easy to DIY as Japanese or American. There's a lot of "Plug & Play" in a Volkswagen that you can just pop out & pop in. For example if you have an issue with the door electronics you literally just pop out the part thats bad & pop in the new for $20. Many cars I've had to take the panel off to fix anything. Fuel ump is easy to access from the inside though I hadn't needed to change it. The AC compressor has a solenoid $20 that pops out thats held in with a clamp & can be replaced because thats usually the weak point of the AC compressor. I used to be partial to Honda & Toyota but not anymore. The engine & trans you buy is important. My Jetta has a Toyota 09G trans that VW used for years. What ever brand you buy just make sure you dont get direct injection if you plan on keeping it for a long time.

[@michaelknorr6825]

They are prone to oil leaks and electrical issues.

[@grego925]

A few years ago my sister called me asking about buying my niece a VW I told her not to VW stands for View Wallet to see if you have enough money to fix it if it breaks down. She bought it anyway. After the first repair bill she traded it. Fast forward, My sister called about buying a BMW, I reminded her what VW stands for. Told BMW stands for Break My Wallet. Thankfully she listened to me this time and bought a Lexus

[@kaptkrunchfpv]

I feel like I could spot a VW lemon now. My first car was a 72 VW beetle, I LOVED that thing!

[@itsjustcarguy]

Scotty really calling me out at the most convenient times 😭

[@jeffzekas]

Did you replace the front struts?

[@Nick41622]

There is nothing wrong with a timing belt. Change it & everything is new in the timing again. Simple.

[@mikemartin2957]

It's when other components driven by the belt, fails such as water pump & idler pulleys, even though they were changed at the same time, VW genuine coolant pumps are sometimes made by Pierburg & these have been known to fail/ leak at 40,000 miles , best with a twin row chain or better still gears!

[@Nick41622]

​@@mikemartin2957 On my Mazda ute the water pump is not driven by the timing belt. It's totally separate.

[@Andrei-cp5jr]

Mr. Kilmer, I have to tell you I work on the VCU of an electric Formula Student car and we have at least twice as much data that we monitor on the car.

[@drone_tours]

Have 07 Passat 2.0 TDI with 217000 miles 350000km everything is original except for the radiator great car

[@noventay4]

I dont like people who are lucky enough to grab a VW in good condition and then not maintain it at all and sell it to the next guy who's going to have to pay the bill and rant VW is bad. FYI Mexico has been making VW since the 90's they know more about those cars than many US mechanics

[@flappininthewind1]

Lol the scan tool junkpile! LOL. 😊

[@danielc7349]

Am I the only one who loves his VW Jetta? I have a 2019 and I love that thing. Runs like a clock.

[@mysticsurfer3684]

You're absolutely not alone Dan. Three time VW Jetta owner here, with my latest being a 2022 Jetta GLI Autobahn. Loved the first two and am "over the moon" with my GLI......VW's run like Swiss watches as long as the owner is 100% on top of fluid changes and other maintenance issues. That's the BIG problem....the average American has become too lazy to provide the level of "hands-on" care German engineering requires.....sad.

[@mysticsurfer3684]

@James Carroll Sounds as though you're familiar with how plastic has taken over the automotive industry. A good friend of mine has a 2019 Ford Super Duty P/U.....popped the hood the other day, guess what.....a virtual sea of plastic. Another bud has a Nissan Altima....same thing plastic everywhere. Even Toyota is utilizing more and more plastic in their manufacturing process these days Jim. Sign of the times I guess.

[@mysticsurfer3684]

@James Carroll Agree...sad that plastic has become an industry standard not exclusive to any particular brand......what's next....bubble wrap???

[@mysticsurfer3684]

@@killdizzle Yep....why should VW and BMW have all the fun with plastic?? Let Ford on in there....LOL. It's an epidemic that's plaguing the auto industry. Even the oil pan/sump on my GLI is plastic.

[@amandeepbaa6978]

@@killdizzle but the thing is why the heck vw Audi plastic sht cost more than the worth of total worth of ownership of the vehicle tho

[@MetalPotato]

i got a vw jetta VR6 2000 for $2,000 under 9600 miles and got 4 extra spare tires and a repair manual got a pretty good deal runs great

[@johndandrea8034]

I have a 2019 Jetta GLI with the 2.0 (last of the 6 year 72K bumber to bumber warranty cars). I just change the oil every 10K at the dealership and I have a lifetime warranty on powertrain thru dealership. Gets consistently over 38MPG on highway in the Virginia area. It is a direct injection engine so I am sure that will bean issue down the road.

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

This morning, my Ford Focus with a manual transmission just reached 280k miles and it's also a 2007 with original engine, the transmission and clutch was replaced at 241k miles at my favorite auto shop in Northern Illinois and the paint looks better than the VW

[@robertfulton6799]

Can’t find it now , but seen a comment that read - if Scotty says don’t buy it , then don’t buy it . Well , I agree - but have a story …… a local mechanic , I’ll call Joe , had a very good reputation - very popular , very busy . In 1983 , I was looking for a used car - this Joe had his personal car for sale , a 72 Dodge Polara wagon - 150,000 miles - $500 . I was skeptical . However , absolutely everyone I spoke with - friends , family , everyone said - if Joe owned it , you can trust it . I bought it . Long story short - it lasted a month .

[@komradkolonel]

I would love to see somebody bring Scotty a Trabant. I would just love to see him drive it and hear what he had to say about it. Those things were beyond dirty and crude.

[@redaf28]

I agree! Rode in one in 1993 in what was formerly East Germany. 😳 Will never forget feeling like it would crumple in a crash.

[@garryli2030]

When it breaks good thing! Times to change to a easy and cheap corolla.

[@Walter_Sobchak_43]

My 5th gen Jetta 2.5L was the pinnacle or Jetta imo. I currently have 125k and it is still driving like brand new. Keep the fluids changed (including trans fluid at 100k) and they are wonderful. Best sedan driving experience in its class, hands down. With that said, I test drove my buddy's 6th gen Jetta and the quality was horrible. They are getting worse.

[@nathanallman971]

I had an Audi 80 coupe 5 cylinder back in the 90s. It had done 480k by the time I sold it, the old Audi's could easily do 500k miles. Shame i I didn't keep it as project.

[@HMATHION1]

Scotty in south Europe we buy mostly french and japanese.Greetings from Greece.I really admire you.

[@jimmynext5375]

Not sure about VW petrols BUT I have heard good stories about VW diesel engines, many of my friends here in Europe have 300,000+ miles on them and they are still running strong

[@stephenrogers4537]

"When you should know to walk away from a car?" Answer: when its your car,and you find Scotty in it with your keys😮😂😂😂😂😂

[@jesusbarajas4840]

😅

[@admir83]

The only thing he knows how to work on is Toyota and Lexus, everything to him is trash.

[@Buffrt66]

I owned 2 Jettas. A 90 and a 99. The 99 had the exact same problems the 90 had. So much for advancement. Never again.

[@pierreetienneschneider6731]

There's one thing to check on those cars, it's the electric parking brake. The switch (yep, that's a problem with the switch, nothingwith the brake system) has a tendency to crap out and make the emergency brake go into unpredictable states... That is, one wheel half locked and the other freely turning. Ask me how I know...

[@drewrosch43]

The thing that killed the Passat and most of VW’s sales is they are pieces of💩. I had a friend that bought one, even after I told him not to, I was so sick of fixing that car, I was never so happy when he finally got rid of it. Of course the car he replaced it with was a Chrysler 300, stepped from a pothole into another pothole….

[@bmuns6445]

I love my 2014 VW GLI with 288,000 miles. But my oil cooler needs replacement, blend door actuator replacement, radiator hose replacement and other things. German cars ARE more fun to drive, more planted. But VWs DO fall apart starting around 120K. Goal is a PORSCHE 911.

[@bh2155]

I say they fall apart at 90 to 100k

[@nickeleftheriadis9239]

Scotty, your videos are great. Thank you for all the information 😁

[@benjaminvmarder6519]

Keep up with the maintenance and the cars will run fine. Just requires more attention then Toyota or Honda. And get in front of the problem areas like timing chain (had a MK6 GTI) and the water pump

[@charleshines5700]

Plastic parts are not exclusive to Volkswagen. They all use them these days. Avoiding plastic parts these days is going to be impossible so good luck Scotty!! Also one thing I like about Volkswagens is that I never saw a part in them that says made in China. instead the parts are made in places near Germany. Nothing I have seen is Japanese on these vehicles either! Personally I would prefer Japanese over Chinese every time if I had to choose between them!

[@AzrockOmegaMan]

I drive a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am. Has 110k on it. Neighbor gave it to me 3 years ago had 73k on it. it had sat for 3 years. I put 2500 into it for fuel pump and lines, Master cyl, brake lines, calipers, tires and struts all around it, new injectors, radiator, Runs great now. Quite Zippy! 🤣

[@roamingrambler8940]

Prly don't need struts.... commonly miss diagnosised its most likely the control arms. The bushings wear out, won't break just pulls a little

[@Blkthunder3]

Man Scotty don’t talk about the tDI Vw thoe He did before once and said they are great vehicles but cost an lot to maintain the long run but drive like an champ. I personally have 1 minor issues but I love how it drives and durability for long trips.

[@andrewmarigo2153]

funny enough, I don't think he realizes that most vws in the us including that one have Japanese made aisin transmissions. My family has 7 volkswagens and they have all been great. you just have to take care of them.

[@rhark25]

Since Aisin is a subsidiary of Toyota he would probably love it!

[@Cristian121212100]

All the Jettas were made in Mexico and they’re very solid cars, they’ve been building vws in Mexico for years, they’re very well built cars.

[@tomgernar8128]

Seat belt retention pressure ;)

[@harisdevedzic3167]

I don't know what is going on with VW over there in Americas, but here in Europe they are perfectly fine, I have a Golf Mk6 2.0 TDi, 265k kilometers , no issues what so ever. Only the DPF made problems, I had it removed. Probably petrol engines and DSGs are more problematic

[@jayslomine4280]

If you see a Volkswagen or an Audi or a Porsche Don’t buy it Unless you like to flush money down the toliet

[@eggy1962]

indicator side repeater light ARE on the UK test, i have had a ford focus fail a test on mirror bulb.

[@David_Quinn1995]

struts in my 97 Camry are shot as well, I feel every bump in the road but I don't do more then 50 and its got 250k on it so its to be expected.

[@charliep5139]

you should consider replacing them; 50 mph is still fast. it would be cheap to do....stay safe! :-)

[@DonutVIP]

Really wanted a VW when i first wanted to drive, found out before buying you need a special tool for the car if you want to fix it, i nope and got a toyota, never regret my choice

[@jacobyo99]

I have a 17 Passat with the 1.8T and 6 speed AISIN transmission.

[@joeyholthusen6495]

At 277,758 miles on my 2008 kia rio with a 5 speed manual, after hitting 3 deer 🦌, it was time to walk away from it. Dumped it for 500 bucks. Didn't trust it anymore. My 1987 chevy sprint had 337,570 miles on it when I dumped it.

[@MrEGNigma]

I have a 2019 Jetta bought it new get 45 -50 mpg local driving never been on a long hwy drive to see what mpg it gets, so far a great little car and a lot cheaper to drive than my Tahoe.

[@OngVang-ed9zb]

I used to have the 2003 20th anniversary volkswagen gti the yellow hatchback 6 speed 1.8 turbo manual the only problem i got was coils pack and the turn signal sometimes make nosie while the turn signal already off and transmission i cant even find a new transmission so i got one used out of another GLI 6 speed work the same anther then that its a good car.

[@fd2824]

I own a 2009 Tiguan. I know people who own Mitsubishi Outlanders bought in the same year. One of them had a major clutch problem during warranty, the other one had countless small/medium problems. A relative of mine had a Toyota Avensis - the gear box failed after warranty. Another friend has a Suzuki SX4 - frequent small problems. The only major problem I had was a gateway computer (if I remember correctly) during warranty. All these make me wonder if the statistics about Japanese cars are correct. One thing is sure about VW: the build quality of the cars made in 2000 is better than of the ones built in 2009. I live in Europe.

[@jessewynne8193]

I know most NE states that do inspections say if there’s a light fixture it needs to be working. Even tho there’s no law requiring side turn signals like some cars have on front fenders on side. The contradictory rule that states fixture then yea it needs to work. Or be completely removed

[@erikestevez]

Just funny to listen to Scotty every time he talks about VWs and where they were made he always says cars made in third-world countries are just not up to his expectations, probably because people who bring those VW's to him do not take care of them. There are so many reasons why those “awful” quality cars are made outside the States or Europe. My 2015 GTI manual, is in great condition because I take care of the vehicle. I still love Scotty and I respect him, everyone can have their own opinion.

[@surplussean3364]

I don't care what manufacturer it is, Toyota, Honda etc. They all cost a lot to get repaired nowadays

[@ryanb5189]

My 2uzfe aka million mile Tundra is also an interference engine with a rubber timing belt! I guess they’re not always a bad idea.

[@EndritBs]

The best engines on these Passats there in Europe were 1.9 TDI,bulletproof,even police drove them. Passat is very good car.

[@tntut7864]

I wish you were local for me because I would definitely have you check and work on my vehicle

[@jeffgalanos3207]

thanks for the news scotty👍