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2012 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan 2.5L Manual PZEV

2012 Volkswagen Passat
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sdn, Mid-Size
21 (Est) mpg city / 32 (Est) mpg hwy
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July 19, 2011, 4:02 pm

Lori C
 

Question: Confirm dealer estimated repair of $1800 AND worth keeping the car?

abs warning light and brake light shows on dash and beeping and read-out tells me to STOP, consult manual. Sometimes going slow, sometimes on the freeway. Sometimes on startup, sometimes while driving. No rhyme or reason to when it happens or the driving conditions. Started happening slowly, now more frequent. I'm told it might be an $1800 repair by the dealer for a sensor replacement (in the brake fluid?). The car outer/interior body are in great shape and I have been the only owner for eleven years. 146K miles on the clutch. I'm hesitant to spend $1800 on a car that is maybe worth $3000. I'm also told Passat's are prone to electrical problems. Advice?


July 20, 2011, 8:00 pm

Tyler O
Expert Mechanic

Sounds way to high. Even the most expensive component (the control module) is usually about 700-900 for a good used or remanufactured unit.

You need to have the problem properly diagnosed and go from there. Generally this wont effect anything on the car besides the function of the ABS.

I'm not sure where you are from, but the shop I work at in Davis, CA sees this issue all the time on Audis and VWs. Almost always a bad control module.

Good luck.


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July 28, 2011, 5:58 pm

Lori C
 

My question: is this age VW worth fixing or given they are prone to other probs (electrical probs and expensive repairs) should I cut my losses and trade it in while it's still worth a little? Thanks for your time


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August 1, 2011, 9:19 pm

Tyler O
Expert Mechanic

They can be expensive to repair and maintain VS a honda or toyota. Trading it in for a Japanese make might be the best decision, but consider what you like and enjoy as well.

2/3 of my vehicles are highly impractical and expensive, but I wouldn't be happy driving a car that bored me to death.

Good luck.


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