How can I tell if the Passat's flywheel is on the way out?

I am looking at a 2006 Volkswagen Passat Estate, 1.9 diesel; do they give any trouble mechanically and how do I know if the flywheel needs attention?

Alan Maloney (Tullamore)

Sep 2013 Filed under: reliability

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Expert answer

Hi Alan,

By 2006 that 1.9 TDI engine was nearing the end of its life, and so had most if not all of its earlier issues (injector problems, air sensor failures) ironed out. As for the flywheel, yes there does seem to be an issue with it occasionally, but the way to tell is to listen to the engine, getting your head as close as safely possible to where the gearbox is located. If you hear a rattle, or feel an obvious vibration, it's probably the flywheel.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe