Passat Wagons V6 vs. V6 4Motion

[TuttleDesign]

New to the forum and VW. In the market for a used Passat wagon, 03 or 04. Researching the differences between the GLX V6 and the GLX 4Motion. The curb weight for the AWD is about 230 lbs heavier. Is the suspension or ride height beefed on the AWD? What are the three most important things to look for when looking at one for sale?

A dealer with an AWD suggested the 4 cylinder models tend to get sludgy...
A dealer with a 4 cylinder suggested that 4Motion is expensive and over rated.

Looking for some solid advice from owners and mechanics on which model is the most sound investment and which models to avoid...

Thank you

[TTTurbo1.8T]

The 4 cylinder does have sludge problems if poorly maintained, but one that has regular oil change intervals should be fine. As far as the V6 model goes, it's a very solid motor that will last forever and get decent gas mileage. The 4Motion works very well, and yes the suspension is a little beefier to support the power going to the rear wheels. I'd go for the GLX 4Motion for sure. There is nothing that goes wrong mechanically with the V6.

[perrib]

I agree the engine does not have a sludge problem. The problem is owners and dealers who are to cheap to use the correct synthetic oil and change the oil often enough. The V6 has more plastic and rubber parts that need changing. My choice for most economical Passat would be a 1.8t manual tranaxle with 4 motion. 4 motion is very trouble free. You do need to keep the same size tires on all four rims. VW also doomed the Automatic transaxles by telling everyone the fluid is good for the life of the transaxle. Too bad thier idea of a lifetime is different from anyone elses. Even if you change the fluid every 24,000 miles, VW stuffed the TCM under the carpet just like Nissan did with the Pathfinders ECM. Water in either one makes for a very expensive repair. Honda also has some models with ECMs under the seat. I quess all three do not feel they got enough money for the car up front.
If you want an automatic I wouuld get the V6.

[TuttleDesign]

Thank you for the replies. Hopefully I will become a VW owner soon and can contribute more. thanks again.

[TuttleDesign]

I have had several people tell me that 4Motion Passats are twice as expensive to repair. Do most people that own them simply decide that is is worth the difference?