I am looking for a 99+ Passat.
I have read that the timing chains dont last all that long and when they go they cost a lot of money to repair. Is there anything that I can look for to avoid this or problems. I really like the style of this car.
Thaks for your help.

The smart ass answer is look for proof that the timing belt has been changed - i.e. service receipt. It will be tough to find this on a one owner car as its a warrantied item for 1st owners up to 100k miles. Ideally, the timing belt should be changed at about a 60k mile interval to avoid the catastrophic damage that can occur when it does go.

I own a '00 passat and it's a great car. My own is a 1.9 TDI-116 ps(originally)....now it has some 150 ps:) .:devilsign: .
What you should look for is that it has a goos suspension. I had ....still have...problem with the suspension. It's soft (very confortable) but not good for what's underneath the car(ex. oil tank).
Another problem....check the turbine...it the car was trashed it will break and it's really not nice:)... I had to change it a year ago....By the way I had my car bought 3 years ago as a second hand.

ADvice....if you buy one...don't force all the horses when the engine is cold:nono: ...you'll get surprises...BAD surpises. ( the turbo blocks and you'll get realy scared...:confused:

Good luck on buying cars:D