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Comments
Just a side note for those of you comparing A4 Avants to Passats; I went on several long test drives with each, and my 6'2" 210 body doesn't agree with the A4. My knee hits the center console and the seat feels too narrow and made my rear numb. Passat feels much better. To get an Audi I'd have to move up the A6, which is out of my range.
We ordered a 2003 GLX Wagon today, and they told us 10 to 12 weeks, putting it at the end of August/beginning of September (we're in San Diego)
You can check out www.mats.com for Cargo Liners
and other stuff and www.vw.com for accessories
& merchandise...
Enjoy!!!
2) What is the advantage of spending the extra money to upgrade to the V6 from the 1.8T? Everything I've read says the 1.8T is quite peppy and delivers good acceleration. Is the V6 a better match with the automatic transmission (I don't drive a stick)?
3) Do the smaller 15-inch wheels on the GLS affect handling significantly, as opposed to the 16-inchers on the GLX?
Thanks.
I added 17" alloys (Italian MAK Rave from DiscountTireDirect.com) and 225/45ZR Falken Azenis ST115 tires. The handling, especially cornering, is very taught now and road noise has virtually disappeared--the stock 15" Michelins were louder and less responsive. The car can turn on a dime now and steering at cruising speeds is less floaty than with the stock wheels.
The GLS has a very unique pump-style seat height adjustment lever that works quite well.
Mercedes makes a great cargo net (only $30!) for its M-Series that fits the Passat wagon. I have also ordered rear bumper corner protectors from the local Volvo dealer ($30, black) to guard the Passat's painted bumper--mine has already got a scratch (it hurt me more than the car).
Monsoon stereo is okay. It comes with a CD and cassette player. Its best feature is having a setting to increase volume according to speed (faster and louder? Go, baby go!). I almost got a speeding ticket coming off the freeway this week in this little rocket of a wagon.
My best advice: definitely spring for the leather package. It comes with heated seats (if you try heated seats on just one cold morning, you will be spoiled forever), better front seat padding, and a leather steering wheel that features cruise control and audio control buttons in the left and right thumb positions respectfully.
Also, if you have a chance, feel free to stop by our VW Owner's Club and say hello in our Meet the Members discussion. Happy motoring! ;-)
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
I think car companies cut deals with the tire makers to provide them with stock tires.
mine came with the michelins.....2002 gls wagon
I need a cargo mat/try. www.mats.com has a plastic tray. Has anyone found a good source for a fitted heavy duty carpet type mat?
I sneaked up the street to my neighbors Outback and measured it - it seems to narrow. A Subaru guy recommended the LL Bean version - so I guess I need to carry a tape measure around and find one.
Anyone have this cool cross bar and what is it/where did you get it.
I am in Oakland Ca, if it makes any difference
All merchandise & accessories can be found there.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons
I am planning to buy a Wagon with 7 seat capacity. Is there one out now? Please advise.
Thanks
RS
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
Nobody is writing anyone off - just offering alternatives.
You have been very helpful, informative and patient to everybody that posts here and I enjoy reading what you have to say. However, the editorial comment seems to be uncharacteristic. I'm assuming that because VW (not Audi) currently doesn't offer a vehicle that fills the needs of the poster makes those type of statements easier to say. I can be sarcastic too.
Look, it's not my intention to sound defensive and/or bitter. All I'm asking is for us to offer suggestions to somebody within the parameters that their asking. If you want to add a comment about a minivan,SUV or Mack Truck after offering those suggestions, great. Just because somebody is asking for something that you don't agree with doesn't make it a wrong/bad question. There is enough judgment being passed around to fill all of our plates. I'm sorry for taking up time on the board. If somebody wishes to comment back, please feel free to email me by going to my profile.
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
Has anyone out there had to pay a dealer mark up due to low availability? I got the TMV from Edmunds which indicate below MSRP prices. But while I haven't talked price yet, from the two dealers I've visited, it sounds like they aren't into negotiating. One had a dealer markup of $1990. He wouldn't even try to trade the one GLX wagon they have (in a color I don't like) with another dealer because they say no one will trade.
Any advice is appreciated!
Third Row(7 Passenger seating) at it's finest...
The Suburban stopped at the back of the back seat.
To cdore- While you're waiting here for feedback, you may want to check out Edmunds' New Vehicle PowerShopper. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your purchase.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Nope. I'm not being sarcastic. I'm not recommending against it because I like or don't like VWs, or because VW does not offer one.
I'm recommending against it because 1) the 3rd row seats only fit munchkins, 2) it's generally quite hard to get into the 3rd row seats, and 3) as vwguild and others have pointed out, the 3rd row seats are quite dangerous -- there's just not enough crush zone between the bumper and the occupants.
I know you don't want a minivan. But IMHO, minivans offer more room, better access, and better safety for the occupants than any 3rd row seat wagon. Unlike your post, as quoted above, there was no sarcasm or flaming in my post. I answered kish13's question -- VW doesn't import a 7 seater wagon -- and simply suggested that kish13 consider a minivan instead. Your response was uncalled for.
J
1. My family of 5 would always have one member in the rear seat of a minivan w/ their head (to me a far more important body part than the feet/legs) a foot or two from the rear window. A station wagon has seating for three in the middle seat which most people think is safest.
2. I have a minivan (actually one that seats three in the middle) and don't need another one, but would like the flexibility to carry the neighbors kids occasionally etc. in a second car.
3. Yes a minivan has more room, but the station wagon handles better, accelerates better, and gets better gas mileage (given that you are comparing similiar models Camry wagon ( I wish) to a Sienna). As far as third row seats being for munchkins - the neighbor kids are munchkins - so that works : ^ )
If I discounted a seat as unsafe because of its proximity to the perimeter of the car, I would not be able to use any outboard seats - accidents happen from the side too. MB and Volvo both do crash tests w/ dummies in the third row seats, and design their cars to make them safe. Also remember that the most sever crashes are frontal- because we usually drive forwards. For example a parked car that is hit in the rear by a driver going 35 mph will have half of the force of a crash with two drivers both doing 35 that hit each other head on. Of course if you drive 35 in reverse and hit someone else that is going 35 that would be the same, but that probably doesn't happen too often - I don't think my cars will go 35 in reverse!
Even if you consider the rear seat of a minivan to be safer (but still not as safe as the middle seat), it still comes down to use patterns. Is it better to always use a seat that is unsafe, or rarely use a seat that is very unsafe. And if you don't have enough kids to nead the rear seat of a minivan, then do yo need a minivan? (please don't confuse need with want)
Just some ramblings to think about, since often times things aren't black and white, just shades of grey.
VWGguild...a tragic example, but as we say in my business,one case does not represent definitive evidence. It is certainly a scary prospect of seeing a Suburban run into you -- but if the rear was smashed into the second row, the outcome probably would not have been any better if the person was in the third row of most minivans.
George
They may test them, but it does not mean they are safe. Neither Volvo nor MB claim that they offer occupant safety comparable to the regular seats. These seats may be bought from the parts dept and retrofitted. They install precisely within the purposefully designed, energy absorbing rear crumple zone. Even an average car's impact would cause the rear end to collapse up to the normal passenger compartment.
This is not the case with the outboard seats mentioned above - they are within the protection zone. I know little about mini-van design, but would hope that those designed and sold with a third row of seats do not place that row within the crumple zone.
- D.
Look real carefully in the bag with jack and tools...there is a small pocket that has the wheel lock in it for the odd bolt. If its not in there, you'll need to get one from the dealership.
George
2003 Invoice:
GLS Wagon 5 Speed - 21538 + 575 destination
Leather - 1325
ESP - 247
Note that the GLS models this year include the luxury package (Sunroof, etc.) as standard.
I paid $492 over invoice, with no "Processing Fees" - $24,177 for an Indigo Blue 2003 GLS 5 Speed Wagon, with Leather & ESP. It's supposed to arrive September 20 (3 months after ordering).
A couple of questions
1. Does the engine have a timer and pump to continue to run engine oil through the turbo bearings after shut-down or should I let the engine idle for 30 seconds or so before shutting down?
2. The manual refers to service in areas other than normal such as hot, dusty, etc and implies that a different service interval might be appropriate. But I can't find any definition of what the different interval should be. Other manufacturers typically change from 5000 to 7000 mile intervals to 3000 mile intervals for Phoenix. What does VW recommend?
Thanks
If you switch to synthetic oil at the first scheduled service, you should be fine. Unless you do some off-road driving, in which case I would suggest to change the air filter a bit more often.
Most modern turbos are built such that they no longer require a turbo-timer. Common sense is that you take it easy the last mile or so before you switch off the engine, in particular, if you revved high or used full throttle just before. Likewise, as with most engines it is a good idea to take it easy the first few minutes to give the engine a chance to warm up.
Isn't it nice to have the choice of good acceleration but still great mileage under regular usage? I wished my 4Motion had bin available with the turbo.
- D.
Thanks for the advise. I talked with the service advisor at the dealer yesterday and completely foregot to ask about cool down. But I did ask about service intervals and she was very firm that the break-in oil needs to be run for 5000 miles before changing. After that it is every 5000 miles or 4 months whichever comes first. They use Valoline synthetic.
Early this morning while it was still reasonably cool outside I ran some errands and didn't use the AC. The car is even more impressive without the load of the AC compressor.
My only problem so far are the seats. They are just not as comfortable as I would like. Will try sheep skin to see if that helps.
Bob
As far as the first oil change is concerned, there are two schools of thought. I think it is better not to change the oil prematurely, and would be worried about the engine not running in right, and later oil loss. Other folks will tell you it shouldn't matter. In general, in Europe oil changes are much less frequent than in the US, but cars (when driven similarly) last equally long. I happen to believe that oil changes more frequent than 5000 miles (under average conditions) only benefit the oil companies, and 7,500 to 10,000 miles are also acceptable with synthetic - if you don't run races.
- D.
I'm interested to know what current owners think of the power in this car. Do you find that the engine "strains" when accelerating or in the mountains? How about if carrying three people and gear?
We would be replacing a Honda Odyssey, which has proven to have plenty of grunt when climbing, even with four people and lots of gear.
FWIW, we're comparing it against a used low-mileage 2000 BMW 528iT 5-spd which we can get for a similar price.
If only the 4MO Variant were offered with a manual...
Remember it is not the power that matters, but the power to weight ratio (as well as frontal area and drag coeffecient at higher speeds).
Dealers are probably looking to make room for 2003 models. Will there be any significant changes in '03?
Yes, the W8's are moving slow and it is because you can get a GLX V6 4Motion with everything for a lot less than a W8. There is not enough distinction between the two models yet to justify the cost difference. VW is adding some packages to do this starting in November and in the interim, all 2002 W8's have extra low 2.9% 60-month financing terms. All other 2002 VW models have 4.2% 60-month financing terms, so you can tell VW wants to help move the W8 cars better.
The w8 is expensive, but it feels like a much more solid car when I have compared it with the V6 versions (both awd and fwd).
The Monsoon stereo I could do without.
- D.