# Does my 2004 Volkswagen Passat need a VW specialist mechanic? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** volkswagen, passat\ **Created:** [June 14, 2018, 4:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-my-2004-volkswagen-passat-need-a-vw-specialist-mechanic/119221 "2018-06-14T16:12:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![The-Pilar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@The-Pilar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/The-Pilar)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2018, 4:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-my-2004-volkswagen-passat-need-a-vw-specialist-mechanic/119221/1 "2018-06-14T16:12:42Z")
I just bought my aunt’s car. It’s in great condition with only 30K miles on it. It does need a repair on the axle tube or whatever that thing is. The brakes need to be checked as well. Do I need to take it to a mechanic who specializes in VWs? This is new territory for me, thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2018, 4:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-my-2004-volkswagen-passat-need-a-vw-specialist-mechanic/119221/2 "2018-06-14T16:14:38Z")
> [@The-Pilar](#): > > Do I need to take it to a mechanic who specializes in VWs? You don’t HAVE to, but I’d suggest that a good independent mechanic familiar with VW/Audi products would be a good choice. ---
**Author:** ![The-Pilar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@The-Pilar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/The-Pilar)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2018, 4:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-my-2004-volkswagen-passat-need-a-vw-specialist-mechanic/119221/3 "2018-06-14T16:16:50Z")
Wow, that was quick, thanks so much! ---
**Author:** ![BillRussell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/billrussell/32/3179_2.png) [@BillRussell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BillRussell)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2018, 12:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-my-2004-volkswagen-passat-need-a-vw-specialist-mechanic/119221/4 "2018-06-15T00:47:31Z")
There are lots of things you should have checked. Lots of things degrade with time as well as miles, and this car is 14-15 years old. For example, the timing belt may be very overdue. A failure there could cause the engine to be badly damaged. The brake fluid and coolant are probably overdue to be changed. The radiator hoses may be ready to die. And the tires, if they are the originals, probably need to be replaced. Don’t forget the battery also. Look over the users manual for recommended service intervals, and get the service records from your aunt, or perhaps from her dealer. ---
**Author:** ![The-Pilar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@The-Pilar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/The-Pilar)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2018, 7:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-my-2004-volkswagen-passat-need-a-vw-specialist-mechanic/119221/5 "2018-06-15T19:06:58Z")
Thanks Bill - I took it to the shop this morning! ---
**Author:** ![BillRussell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/billrussell/32/3179_2.png) [@BillRussell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BillRussell)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2018, 10:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-my-2004-volkswagen-passat-need-a-vw-specialist-mechanic/119221/6 "2018-06-15T22:29:18Z")
Shop can’t tell you, for example, if the timing belt (if you have one) needs replacing. You have to look at past maintenance and decide. again, Look over the users manual for recommended service intervals, and get the service records from your aunt, or perhaps from her dealer.