Used VW Wagon Question: tap noise
 

looking at a 2001 VW passat GLS Wagon v6 with 82k Mi.

has a tap noise on top of the engine...

Run away or Consider it?

Depends on what is making the noise. ...Hydraulic lifter is no big deal. --that noise should go away just by driving for ten min's or less.

If the tap is consistent with the engine rpm at idle (meaning the tap noise keeps a rythm) it sounds like it could be a worn valve guide or lifter issue to me. Really depends on what they are asking for the car. Have they changed the timing belt? If not, I'd dicker the price down. I think t-belts on that engine are a spendy service...I had a 1999.5 Audi A4 which I believe was a very similar engine and a pain to work on.

Neighbor rolled up in VW Wagon the other day with the 2.5 Turbo. Looked like a much easier engine to work on.

Just me 2 cents.

Is the a/c on, maybe it’s the compressor? May not be anything wrong w/ it though; some are just noisy.

I also agree w/ Island about the hyd. lifter noise not being a big deal.

PPIs aren't just for Porsches, imo.

Personal opinion on Audi/VW:
If you are looking for a used one, it HAS to have full, documented and verified service history from either a Audi/VW dealer or known Audi/VW independant service shop and the oil must have been changed regularly with the correct oil and filter. Otherwise: no buy.

At that mileage it's definitely timing belt/water pump/tensioner/thermostat time and possibly front suspension control arms too.

Get a PPI!!!

tap matched rpm,
AC works, i did turn it off and car had 5 minutes to Idle....so it was hot.

Britwrench,
what yr car was not susceptible to this timing belt/water pump/tensioner/thermostat Problem

It's not a problem, it's a maintenance requirement.

I don't know of any shop that would only replace the belt due to potential liability or warranty issues.

All cars with timing belts, from Audi to Ferrari to Yugo have a change interval, some just earlier than the manufacturer recommends....