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Volkswagen Passat B6 MK6 (2006-2011)
Terrible transmission Very expensive to fix
I had the Passat for 1 year and it was nothing but trouble from the start. Transmission problems, EPC lights coming on and other issues too. Costs an arm and a leg to fix and not all mechanics touch European cars and even auto-electricians shy away from VW's.
Interior is nice, with quality touches here and there but overall a very bad experience. Probably wont ever buy a VW or Audi in future.
Terrible!
Purchased in November 2021.
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ZootPerth, WA
I will NEVER purchase another VW (Passat or sny VW for that matter)
I have driven my 2008 (2009 Upgrade) Diesel Passt 2.0TDI for about 9 years. Whilst 11 years old it has only 115,000 kms on the clock. It has done short city commuting with a couple of longer country drives every year. A few months ago as I was about to emabrk on a 450km journey, my oil pressure light illuminated (after 2kms of the journey). The alert stated to pull over and contact service. I did that. Car was towed to my service agent. Diagnosed eventually (after $1,800 cost) that the problem was that a hexagonal key that sits at the end of a ...Read more
part of the car called the balance module system had worn out. This hex key drives the whole oil pump system for the entire car. The balance module system is at the bottom of the engine and is a system that removes shudder from the car. The hex key simply wore out. The result, the whole balance module system needs to be repalced. About $4k. In addition without having the chance to stop any earlier on a main road safely the turbo has been affected. Total about $6k min. Uneconomic to fix. My mechanic has suggested tarde for a 2k min trade in or scrap value. The car is perfect otherwise. Fully serviced and maintained. The issue has never been raised with me, but evidence around the world indicates it is a well know design issue. Some Passat's have capacity to remove the balance module kit and replace the oil pump with a simple system, but my Passat does not fit this scenario. Evidence suggest more likley to occur about 200k kms but 115k. What a joke. By the way, contacted VW just to see what response would be. What a joke that was. So the car is rubbish and the value of the car is less than it might be anyhow because of VW's Dieselgate fiasco. Talk about double whammy. BE WARNED. Oh and the servicing costs are on the high side (naturally). I will stick with Korean. No expectation, full warranty. Who cares about Euro rubbish.Purchased in March 2021 at Volvo dealership for $30,000.00.
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JasonPerth, WA
- 8 reviews
Automatic transmission is a money pit
We owned our 2010 Passat station wagon 118TSI for five years. It had the DSG gearbox.
In summary, don't touch these cars, they're a disaster.
First issue was the engine consumed about 1 litre of engine oil every 2000km. And the recommended engine oil is quite expensive. We did just under 10,000km per year, so the car would consume 5 litres of oil, then need another 5 when it was time for its service.
Apparently this is normal as VW dealerships will to up your oil for free, but it's such a hassle to get to the dealership during the week, wait...Read more
in queue for a service adviser, and then wait for a mechanic to come out, that in the end we just bought our own oil. Then the DSG transmission is prone to failure. The control unit that is inside failed twice. It's $5,000 to replace, but because it's so common VW covers some of the cost even when the car was 4years out of warranty! The second time it failed, it damaged some of the selector forks as well, so the repair took 2 months and still cost us $2,500 even with VW contributing to the cost.Purchased in July 2021 at AHG (Automotive Holdings Group) for $21,000.00.
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Find out how Volkswagen Passat B6 MK6 compares to other Sedans
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Don't!
When going this car drives well and I'm happy with fuel consumption, trouble is the mechanical issues.
We bought this car secondhand 11 months ago for $8000 and so far it has cost over $7000 in repairs. Timing belt (we were lied to about it being done, so our fault). When the timing belt is changed the oil pressure pump balance shaft should be replaced as it is made of mild steel, ours wasn't as the mechanic claims he didn't know about it, we didn't either but is an inherant issue. Because the balance shaft wasn't changed we lost all oil pres...Read more
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Not Reliable Emission Software Downgrade the performance
Very impressive drive, very enjoyable car overall with great power and economy, unfortunately the reliability is not there.
Our car was purchased in 2009 and it was one of model build in Germany and I was happy as I was expecting the German quality and reliability but it was anything but.
We have before an old Mitsubishi Galant 20 years old with over 180000KM on the clock and it was running perfect bit heavy on the petrol but never missed a bit, but we wanted a more safe car with Airbags, ABS etc and also a reliable car as my wife was preg...Read more
nant with our second child. Just to cut the story short, we have replaced under warranty, Engine Body Throttle, The turbo was nearly replaced at 20.000Km as it was leaking oil and after more than 6 trips to the dealer it was finally fixed, electronic brake replaced as many time we got stranded for up to 10 minutes in various places including Bunnings car park we were unable to leave. After warranty at 50.000Km front ball bearings replaced $1200, I told the guys at the dealers common ball bearing on the wheels should be the last thing to go on the car not the first thing, Oxygen sensor replaced $900, one key stop working $600 as we did not need the actual key inside the remote as that one would cost more, numerous airbag light resets at the dealer @60 each and now after the emission software DOWNGRADE which was done more than a year ago it really destroy the joy of the car. The car performance is terrible, we lost the torque on the low revs, the engine was running on turbo and the car was picking up and go only at revs above 3000/min, with no torque, it feel like we have a permanent trailer behind our car, les responsive on the gas pedal and the car engine was more noisier having a loud pitch annoying diesel sound and the most annoying thing it was the shaking when at constant speed, you have to accelerate and the car was recovering from that. After many complains to VW Australia, consumer affairs, and more than 12 trips back to the dealer we were told that our car is same like any other cars and no code faults in the system we were left very disappointing and frustrating, one day when my wife was driving the car under acceleration the car engine stall while driving. A new software was installed finally and the car is better but it is not how it used to be and probably will never be, very disappointing with all the experience. Our next car will be a Japanese car.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
John AGold Coast
- 8 reviews
The best car I have ever owned.
I bought my Passat Highline 2 litre diesel wagon in 2010 and have had 7 years of wonderful service from it. The car is so comfortable, powerful and yet frugal. It has been very reliable, never letting me down once. The only issue I have had is the air conditioning compressor which has been replaced twice but all done under warranty.
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BlackPeterCanterbury, New Zealand
- 2 reviews
- 3 likes
2006 TDi - great to drive, lots to break and dear to fix
Driving experience: Plenty of power, great road handling, reasonably quiet, lots of luxury - a charm to drive;
Consumables: using (mainly long distance driving) roughly 6 liters diesel / 100 km plus roughly 1 liter oil / 10,000 km (more than our other cars, but still acceptable)
Reliability:Ouch. We bought a 10 year old car (with 160k km) and learned the hard way that this seems to be the engineered life span. Replaced so far (in the first 16 months of holding): fuel pump (one grand and a bit), compressor for the A/C (another grand and a bit)...Read more
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GrommitSouthwest, VIC
- 11 reviews
Don't Buy a Passat
In 2008, we decided to downsize from our Holden Commodore and have a diesel engine with auto gearbox. No Australian-built vehicle matched this spec so we finally decided on a VW Passat.
Worst purchase we have ever made.
Although it drives well and has some good features, the cost of servicing and spare parts is horrendous. Pretty much for each service we kiss $1,000 goodbye.
After a very short period the windscreen washer seized up which cost almost $500 to have replaced.
Now, with only 48,000 klms from brand new, the fuel injectors have completely carked it and the cost to have them replaced is almost FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.
...Read more
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Steve HMid North Coast, NSW
- 7 reviews
Jekyll and Hyde
1200km+ on average per tank of diesel. Comfort and handling great. Noise quiet but do not use run flat or puncture-proof tyres...they are extremely noisy. Like all VWs the "sword of damacles" lies in the expensive repairs ie $4,000 DSG6 transmission/gearbox replacement, lousy dealer and service, expensive parts and servicing, company denial of faults.
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Find out how Volkswagen Passat B6 MK6 compares to other Sedans
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HasieGold coast
- 2 reviews
Trouble free motoring
A comfortable saloon. Easy handling and good fuel economy. Interior controls are well organised and comfortable when driving, After all these years NO problems and never let me down. Maintenance cost are reasonably within the budget. serviceing dealers are within easy reach . Servicing costs are within budget. Satified owner and driver.
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ScottyCanberra
- 2 reviews
- 2 likes
Excellent all round vehicle with maximum safety and reliability
Owned a 2010 2.0 125TDI Highline Wagon since new and have now done 90,000km.
Couldn't speak highly enough of it.
Ultra reliable, very strong engine, super smooth auto DSG gearbox.
Not one single breakdown or issue.
Super quiet on the road (Continental tyres)
Handles superbly, great power.
Very very economical; under 5.0 l/p 100 km hwy and 7 - 8 l / p100 around town.
If buying, just ensure good service history.
I've helped two friends find excellent used examples and they have both proven to be excellent used cars fro 15 - 20 k
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CanberraNatAU
- 3 reviews
- 4 likes
3.2V6 4-Motion. Best wagon I have ever owned - brilliant
After many many wagons including 4 BMWs (that in the main were problematic & under-powered) I decided to give the VW Passat V6 a try. What a car! Powerful, superb handling, very well appointed & comfortable. 6 spd DSG is faultless & I have had ZERO issues. Just a brilliant piece of German engineering. It's a shame the 3.2 V6 has been discontinued as it is a great engine. When I next change cars I will certainly be looking to get a VW again.
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ChrisNSW, 2114
- 9 reviews
Great Performance Sedan
We have owned our R36 for 3.5 years now and find the car fun and practical.
IMHO the best feature of the car is the exhaust sound when the car is accelerating. The motor is a gem and can be revved hard or driven on the low down torque. The gearbox is quite intuitive and drives great manually as well as in full auto mode. In Auto mode, the gearbox tends to shift quite low in the revs for economy but will adjust the shift point according to throttle input. It is somewhat fool proof in that it will not let you over-rev the engine. It will shif...Read more
t at redline and will not downshift if it will over-rev the engine. The throttle blip on downchanges above 3000 rpm is priceless! All wheel drive means the car does not spin wheels but simply goes. Very sure footed in the wet too. A change to Michelin Pro Sport 3 tyres greatly reduced road noise and are also great in the wet. The paddle shifts on the steering wheel are well placed and work well. The previous owner had the mechatronics unit replaced under warranty. He said the car was snatchy in reverse and had to convince VW to fix the problem; which they did. I have had no problems with the gearbox but did some research online to find that some six speed gearboxes in early 2008 cars had problems. Hopefully all fixed now as these are really expensive components to replace. The car has a performance focus and the ride is a bit jigglely on uneven surfaces. This is the compromise you get when you have a 1700 kg car that you want to corner competently.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
ryballsWA, 6168
- 10 reviews
2010 Volkswagen Passat 147TSI Wagon: Powerful yet sophisticated and a pleasure to drive.
This is our first Volkswagen and she sure is a beauty. Generous amounts of chrome trim, seamless panels and stunning european styling make this car a real head turner. The 2.0L 147kW turbo petrol engine is remarkably powerful for its size while boasting great economy, using only around 7L of petrol per 100km but going from 0-100 kph in about 7 sec.
One of our favourite features is the 'Optical Parking System'. It has sensors all around the car that shows you any obstacles around the car on the centre screen. Ours also came with the Dynaudio ...Read more
8 speaker sound system upgrade which sounds fantastic. The electronically dimming rear view mirror is very useful and the car can also measure tyre pressures and let you know if one needs pumping. This car is basically a computer on wheels, albeit a great looking one. The 6 speed wet DSG transmission is extremely smooth and it has not given me any of the problems some people have had with the dry version. Because of the wet transmission and quirks of german engineering, I would recommend you get this car serviced at a German auto specialist, preferably an independent as they are cheaper. I'd also recommend using the premium 98 fuel even though they say 95 as I get seem to get better performance and mileage. The only reason why I didn't give this car 5 stars is because the 147TSI engine uses a ridiculous amount of oil, sometimes up to 1L per 2000km. I mentioned this to the manufacturer but they say that it is normal and stated in the manual. I got the car emissions tested and its not running dirty, apparently this is just a quirk of the engine. Oh well I still love it, quirks and all. Stylish and comfortable with smart features and great sound. 147TSI engine is powerful and car is fun to drive. 147TSI engine uses oil, can be pricey to get serviced.1 comment
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Volkswagen Passsat TDI 2007
Great family car. Reliable,fuel efficient,solid on the road easy and cheap to maintain .It is a luxury car with all the prestigious trimmings. I would have to Question people that speak badly about this car. Are they sales people for other brands?. If money is tight for use your local garage, there is nothing technical about these cars.6.6l/100klms and 4.8l/100klms on highway. Hand brake switch is only $90 from main dealer and a DIY job. Sold ours recently with 245,000klms on clock from new, trouble free. bought new model. Take care of your car and it will take care of you.
Fuel,Reliable,Comfort,Cheap and easy maintain.Value for money
Under estimated
1 comment
I agree, my 2006 TDI has 140K on the clock and im so confident in it, that im going to sell it to my little sister and get another passat with the bigger diesel engine, cos they are great cars. Whatev... Read more
er you do, dont take it to balcatta volkswagen & subaru, they chagred me $1800 and the engine fault lights came back on as soon as I drove away and they wouldnt fix the problem.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Volkswagen Passat B6 MK6 compares to other Sedans
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Brillant until it breaks down!
We have a Volkswagen Passat 2007 model. Very fuel efficient, but has had electrical faults with the rear brake lights in the first 18 months. Presently we had to get it towed as the electronic park brake came on automatically whilst driving! It is currently being serviced and has been at the authorized dealers for nine weeks!!! The hold up seems to be 'parts' being ordered from Germany! Wouldn't touch a Volkswagen with a barge pole now. VW are paying for the repairs, meanwhile our family of 5 are borrowing cars from family members.
Definit...Read more
ely get a 5 year warranty, we have had this one for 5 years, 130,000kms... Sticking with toyota or holden or ford for the next car, something you can actually do your own oil change with! Absolutely frustrating experience! Fuel economy and diesel engine Electronics!! Concentrate on mechanics, and stocking parts in Australia for quick service! (waiting 9 weeks for parts at present!)Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
newkindofsoupBathurst
Brilliant Buy
I have owned this car for nearly two years and it has not missed a beat. I have the diesel wagon which has outstanding fuel economy and terrific acceleration both from a standing start and in overtaking situations. It is a refined and quiet vehicle that is a pleasure to drive over long distances.
Fuel efficiency, comfort, legroom
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Arnold MarsupialNSW, 2478
- Passat B6 MK6 (2006-2011)
- Selected Review
Avoid-Rubbish Car, Rubbish Service. 2007 Model, 2.0 Diesel, 6 Speed DSG.
From the outset this car has had problems and various Authorised VW Service Centres and VW Australia's lack of interest and sub par service/performance in rectifying the many long-standing issues with my vehicle has been appalling.
Car manufactured Dec 2006, purchased brand new June 2007 from a prominent Maroochydore VW Centre. Purchase experience/process a nightmare, so I've never been back. Within1500km of new, my vehicle developed a violent 'Bunny Hop' when the engine was cold, under light acceleration. I sourced a local Authorised VW Ser...Read more
vice Centre in Lismore who were unable to replicate the issue. It was necessary to explain to them that the engine was no longer cold as I have driven it 45 mins to their facility, and them flogging my car around the block was not simulating the light acceleration I had described. I've had squeaky dash components replaced, a faulty electronic park brake, and auto window wind problems addressed under warranty in Lismore, but they damaged other components in my car while attempting repair. I was unfortunate enough to loose both keys for my vehicle in a short period, rendering the car inaccessible/inoperable. It was towed to Lismore VW with the expectation that new keys would be available within 3-4 days, as they originate from Germany. 6 weeks later my keys finally arrived, the replacements costing in excess of $1500. I abandoned Lismore VW after their feckless efforts and pursued subsequent services/rectification via Tweed Heads VW Authorised Service Centre (a division of the same company as Lismore). After 18 months of denial by VW's Authorised Service Centres that their was anything wrong with my car in relation to the 'Bunny Hop' issue, Tweed VW presented new software to address the very issue I had described. Apparently someone else encountered the same problem in the same model vehicle as mine, and Tweed VW changed the Gearbox Computer, Gearbox and finally the Engine Computer, which ultimately fixed the problem-after 5 months. I believe the software scheduled more fuel into the engine when cold, which finally alleviated that problem in my vehicle. Unfortunately my car now belches black smoke under moderate acceleration, which Tweed VW addresses with the comment "it's a diesel'. Next up, my $2500 computer controlled, self-levelling, look around corners, Bi Xenon headlights failed. Several warning/caution lights appeared on the dash directing me to a service centre, which I complied with. Unfortunately Tweed VW staff were too eager to 're-set' the system, and any valuable info that could have identified the exceeded parameters was now unavailable to direct them in resolution of the problem. 4 years later the problem with my headlights still exists, they will randomly point at the ground in front of the vehicle, illuminating a total of 4m in front of my car. This renders the car unroadworthy, and considering I am a shift worker residing 2hrs drive away from my place of employment, enormously problematic and intolerable. During this 4 year period without full and proper resolution, I've been in and out of VW Service Centres for manual headlight re-adjustment and not a single headlight component has been replaced. Tweed VW, VW Australia Customer Care & Technical Support have been absolutely pathetic in assisting me with my issues. I purchased a several thousand dollar VW New Vehicle Extended Warranty underwritten by Alliance because of the ongoing issues with my car. Despite the headlight problems being documented as commencing well within the original new car warranty, VW have left the problem to be addressed by Alliance. Alliance are quite happy to rectify the problem at their cost, if VW identify which of the 25 components that make up the headlight system in my car are at issue. VW have been unable to comply with their request so far, so I remain the meat in the sandwich.5 comments
I am currently have a nightmare/bungle/slimy purchase experience with Tweed Heads VW and when I eventually get my car I am very reluctant to take it to them or lismore for service. Can you tell me who is the expert in Capalaba.
Try Alba European. I haven't been to him, but he sounds like he knows what he's talking about. Bryan Byrt VW in Capalaba have been problematic, but have at least been trying to help.
Now driving 5hr return trip to Coffs Harbour for servicing at Geoff King. Seem to know what they're doing.
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OK
TDI Model - It is a good car but the turbo lag is dangerous. Make sure you have a good test drive and really suss out this issue.
Great fuel economy
1.Turbo Lag - Its a real problem and VW service don't like hearing about it - Put your foot down and wait 2-3 seconds for a response it not good enough these days2. Turning Indicator is on the wrong (European) side3. Speed indicator is red on a black backgroud so if our one of the 20% of males that has some red colourblindness, it is impossible to read most of the time.
2 comments
What issue..as I have had mine for three years and don't understand what your talking about
Hey it's a diesel what do you expect? If you want instant response either get a petrol version or learn how to use the adaptive DSG gearbox. If you want to have almost instant acceleration at the ligh... Read more
ts it takes at least two heavy accelerations for the car to understand you are a bit of a rev head (like me). I am talking from experience after having owned one of these outstandingly brilliant vehicles from new (2009 SW) I have owned and driven a large variety of cars in my 49 year driving career and taking everything into consideration - engineering, reliability, safety, economy etc. It is the best car I have ever owned or driven. V8 Holdens, 7 Series BMW, S60 Turbo Volvo,HSE Range Rover, Mercedes SL Conv, etc.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
stepback68
- 3 reviews
- 6 likes
Excellent
2006 V6 4Motion. All options. 100,000km
The car is the equal of any European performance car and is a REAL WORLD car, meaning it does its every day duties exceptionally well. Sure it may not quite have the prestige of a Merc or BMW, but it doesn't have the price tag either. Close scrutiny of Audi A6 specs reveal that the Passat is its very,very close cousin. Just $40,000 cheaper
I would gladly buy another Volkswagen, Just not from the dealer in Mascot.
Some words of advice though.
1. The DSG is not perfect, its a bit lazy to kick down wh...Read more
en driving around town. This is not uncommon and I've learnt to live with it, or shift to manual operation. 2. If you buy one, take it straight to a wheel alignment specialist and pay for a FOUR wheel alignment. You won't regret it (new car steering has had plenty of knocks and bumps between the factory, the ship, the car freighter, and the dealer, and it doesn't get an alignment as pre-delivery, despite what they tell you. 3. If you have warranty issues. Write them down, take two copies to the dealership. Give a copy to the person at the counter and then get them to sign your copy as proof that they received it. That way you establish a chain of responsibility that extends beyond the warranty period.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
Nickasked
Hi Steve,
I'm not if my question directly to you last night would have reached you, so thought I'd also do as a question to your review. Apologies up front if you read my question twice....
I have a 2009 Passat TDI 125kw with DSG6. Done 205,000 km and I've had since start 2014 with 80,000km.
Been a great car and had no issues since 2014. But then all of a sudden the gearbox decided to die three weeks ago. Flashing gear selector on the dash, and only going into first gear.
Took it to the auto transmission mechanic who suggested after doing a scan that it needed changing of one of the solenoids for $950 fitted. Presume this is one of the solenoid a in the mechatronic. This didn't fix problem. So they said $4500 for new mechatronic unit or take car to wreckers for $500.
Have since taken car to small mechanic who is looking for second hand DSG to install.
I see you replaced DSG. Can you please share any advice, such as where to source. Auto Trans man told me I can't do it.
Hi, which dsg gearbox oil the best for vw passat b6 .2006 .2.0tdi diesel?
1 answer
checkout runautoparts on ebay for VW gearbox oil and filters. I source most other genuine vw parts from e-bock in Europe to sidestep VW dealerships and exorbitant prices for VW spares in Australia.
cp24asked
Does anyone else drive a VW in country areas? We have a 2012 Passat Wagon, and it draws in dust like nothing else. Does anyone have an Alltrack, and does it draw in dust?? Thanks....
2 answers
Hi, we drive mainly in city areas and if you are talking about the vehicle throwing up dust behind it as it's being driven, we do notice the rear becomes dirty in less than 10 days after washing it where as the rest of the car is relatively clean. If you are talking about dust being drawn into the cabin whilst driving (without windows open, of course), this is unusual and not meant to happen, I'd be taking it up with Volkswagen. We haven't driven on a dirt track of any substantial length in ours to know if it happens to our car. The only other thing that occurs to me is that we notice the chassis will flex slightly at low speed when manoeuvring diagonally over changes in gradient (e.g. cross-overs that are steep compared to the road, or curbs or sharp speed bumps) causing the doors to move slightly and I can hear the 'pop' as the seals release and then re-engage, maybe this is happening on dirt roads?
Thanks Joanne, yes, I've noticed the 'flex' thing happening too! Good word for it, as I never knew how to describe it ;) We live on a farm, so it's doing a fair bit of dirt driving. Awesome handling, just a dust sucker. Have taken it up with VW, new seals etc etc, and lots of photos taken, door tightened, however, it never really fixes the problem. I'm scared we'll inherit the same problem if we get another Passat or the Alltrack :( Hence putting this question out there :)
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ryballs
Turns out the turbo was the culprit. Got a new turbo and now the car doesn't use any oil at all.