Passat (B5) :: 4motion Or Toyota 4runner - Which Is Better

Alright, need to decide between a 2000 Passat 4motion with 108k miles, no maintenance history - OR - a 1997 Toyota 4runner, all maintenance history available, 150k, new breaks, timing and water pump just done. The VW is 1k more. I should add the 4runner has zero rust, and no frame rot.

Here is why I'm having a hard time.

1. I like VW's
2. MPG / Cost for gas is actually LESS for the 4runner... no premium, 4motion nets 17mpg avg - 4runner nets 16mpg avg (I drive 50/50 city highway).

The roads where I live are HORRIBLE - 1ft deep potholes are normal in the city, and unavoidable, expansion joints rise up to 4" at times- which feels like hitting a damn log.

I wrench my own cars, I've never gone to a mechanic or dealer ever. Had a mk2 gti, mk2 jetta, mk3 vr6 gti, a mk3 cabrio, and a mk4 jetta 1.8t in my past. Ive done timing belts, CV's, wheel bearings, control arms, struts, rebuilt heads. BUT- the Passat looks to be a complete PITA to work on (insane timing belt procedure, 8 front control arms, TCM water rot issues, etc). The 4runner appears on surface- to be much easier to wrench on - I could be wrong. I do have a VAGCOM, which supports a bit on the VW.

I love VW's - but I want AWD (or true 4x4), space, and something I can actually work on. The reason for AWD is I have family near the upper peninsula of MI I would like to visit year round.

View 9 Replies

Passat (B5) :: 2002 - Possible To Turn 4motion Into FWD?

I have a 2002 Passat 4motion 2.8 automatic. I recently moved from PA to Florida and love my car but don't need AWD down here. Could I possibly disconnect the drive components going to the rear of the car...also hoping to get better gas mileage from the disconnect.

View 2 Replies

Passat (B6) :: 4Motion VR6 - Whining Sound When Rev Under 2200 Rpm

Does your car make an annoying whining sound when accelerating? My engine wines almost as if it had a S/C. You can only hear it when you rev under 2200rpm.

View 8 Replies

Passat (B6) :: Fog Conversion To HID

Converted fog lights to HID?? If so what color did you use to match the Color of the D1S bulb that shines through the projector??

View 12 Replies

Tiguan :: 2011 SEL 4Motion - Rattling Under Acceleration Usually Around 2500 RPM Or So

Is rattling under acceleration normal on the tig? Sounds like a heatshield to me or something, usually around 2500 rpm or so, pretty disappointing on a 35k dollar vehicle.

Imagine a drawer of silverware being shaken around, that's kind of what it sounds like, mostly noticeable with the windows down.

View 19 Replies

Ford Excursion :: 2wd To 4wd Conversion Possible?

Friends Is it possible to convert 2wd X to 4wd? How hard it's going to be?

My X is 2000 v10 4wd limited with 160k hard miles. And the new X is 2004 v10 2wd limited with 30k miles...

My plan is swap all the goodies from the 2000 to the almost new 2004.. How big is the fabrication work ???

View 14 Replies

Ford Aerostar :: V8 Conversion From V6?

I don't know if this question is stupid or not but I was just wondering on any 86-95 aerostar if a v8 can be put in place of a v6 (or 4cyl) and if there are any kits available? I have a 95 aerostar 3.0 a4ld. I am thinking about the conversion in another because I would like to leave this one stock. It only has 122000 miles, but I think it is highway miles so its got a lot of life left in it. I was just wondering if it is the same process as a ranger or if there is massive modifications. The engine is a 5.0 ho out of a mark 7 with a aod from that same engine.

View 14 Replies

Prius (Gen 3) :: Blue Led Dash Conversion?

I swapped out all the "green" leds on my console and changed them to blue leds.

I used 3mm flat top leds and all it took was a lot of time and patient. (I don't advise you to try this unless you're really good soldering) fyi, It can be done with any color leds.

PS, my phone doesn't take the greatest pics. The blue appears almost white but it is actually blue ..

View 19 Replies

Touareg :: OEM HID Bi-xenon Conversion From Halogen?

I've searched many threads looking for a successful conversion of someone buying the OEM assembly including balasts and bulbs, housing, but nothing really shows if it's possible. I've only heard noise that either you can do it by buying silly aftermarket kits, etc. I've done the OEM change in my MKIV GTI before, but the T-reg is different and not sure it's plug and play. I found the complete assembly online with HID lamps 1st vw parts. They price each side at around $390 each. BUT my question is will they plug in and work? I have the VAG-COM so programming the car is not a problem. I've heard that I'd need a controller, but not sure if that's the case or not.

View 9 Replies

Golf/GTI VI :: Conversion / Clutch Already Slipping

I went stg.1 at 1000 miles & stg.2 around 6000

miles, then K04 I'm at a little over 6400 miles & my clutch slips in 4th & 5th gear. I never got the chance to install my APR inner cooler. I really hope the Southbend stg.2 endurance setup works well so I can move on to the suspension. This hobby can get expensive but the car is a blast to drive! It never fails to put a smile on my face & has definitely taken the smile off other drivers faces when they realize they can't get by me.

View 9 Replies

Ford Excursion :: Front End Conversion?

I am thinking of switching my front end of my plain ole 01 to an 05 and up. I'm torn on getting rid of the chrome and going all painted up grille and bumper or getting a chrome set up. I found a paintable 05 take off with the oval for 60 bucks. Who out here has a all painted front end on your ex with pics. I know there are plenty with the chrome set up. I have 2 people emailing me about buying their grille now.

View 7 Replies

Ford Ranger / B-Series :: 2wd To 4wd Conversion

I fit explorer rear axle to my 2wd ranger. But now I have fromt x-member with front suspension and front drive axle from explorer. Can I fit all this stuff to my ranger?

View 2 Replies

Camry 2012+ :: HID Conversion On Both Fog Lights And Headlights

I feel like the stock 2014 camry se headlights and fog lights are WEAK! I cant see the road that well so I was looking at doing some HID conversion on both fog lights and headlights.

View 14 Replies

Sonata NF (2006-10) :: How To Adjust Headlights After HID Conversion

Installed a HID conversion kit last night and I was wondering how to adjust the headlights. I did use the adjustment knob on the back of the light unit but that only goes up and down. How about left and right?

View 1 Replies

Touareg :: Check Lights Error After HID Conversion

A friend of mine replaced the lights (non-xenon) on his Touareg with a HID conversion kit complete with balasts and everything. I believe the installer wired everything correctly because everything works fine. However, the car keeps getting a "check lights" error. Would a vag be a solution?

View 8 Replies

Ford Ranger / B-Series :: 1997 - Possible 4.0 To 5.0 Conversion?

I recently purchased a 1997 Ford Ranger with a blown 4.0 with a 5 speed , I have a 5.0 with a Carb and 5 speed out of a 80s mustang . Is it possible to use this in the 97 Ranger , I understand I need a different fuel pump but motor mount wise I was hoping it would fit.

View 2 Replies

Ford Ranger / B-Series :: 1998 - MPH To KMH Conversion

My sons 1998 ranger is in mph. Converting on to a kmh dash. There's one at the wreckers and I was wondering is it a direct replacement or is it a computer swap also? What years would work?

View 5 Replies

Gen 2 Prius :: LED Or HID Conversion For Night Highway Mountain Driving?

Had my '05 Prius for awhile now, never missed fog lights until now. I have a base model, so no HIDs and no fogs. I now have to occasionally drive 230 miles round trip in essentially total darkness, on mountain roads, often foggy, snowing, or raining.

View 7 Replies

Gen 2 Prius :: 2007 - How To Do Electric Water Pump Conversion

I'm driving a 2007 Prius [Gen II?] with 92k miles on her. I was told my belt has cracks and I should change it, and I've read about converting it to an electric pump. I've read the Prius C uses the same engine, and it has an electric pump. I THOUGHT I read about people putting them in the older models...

What do I need to know? Is there a controller board I need? How does it work? [Life compared to the belt driven model]Side effects? [Accel? Fuel economy? Anything else?]

View 19 Replies