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Comments
Auto lock at 8 mph, or not.
Unlock with key removal, or not.
Alarm sounds with keyfob lock, or not.
Alarm sounds with keyfob unlock, or not.
Lights flash with keyfob lock, or not.
Lights flash with keyfob unlock, or not.
The hatch unlocking with all doors IS NOT an option. You must use either the keyfob, the driver door-mounted switch, or the actual (hidden) key slot in the hatch itself.
I would recommend also getting the rear seat add-on tray, which they didn't have when I ordered.
Enjoy your new wagon; it sounds like a beautiful color combination.
- brubru
We bought a new Passat 4Mo wagon a year ago. Until then an '89 Subaru DL 4WD wagon had been our only vehicle. I bought that new as well. I shopped the Outback VDC at the same time along with the Passat because of our good experience with our Subaru wagon (194,000 miles strong). However, after test driving both for extended periods and going through a negative sales experience with the Subaru dealer I happily opted for the Passat.
Other than occasionally wishing for a little more ground clearance when we're off the beaten path I have no regrets thus far.
- The engine is not yet broken in - give it time.
- Oil refiners use winter fuel additives to reduce emissions which does the same to fuel mileage.
- It's the EPA that determines the mpg on the sticker based on a computer simulated test loop - weather, wind, et al are not figured in.
- Your driving style affects mpg as does traffic conditions.
Give it some time. If it still isn't getting closer to the EPA estimates at around 10K miles, then complain.
Good Luck.
Billbrox
A cold engine uses much more fuel than a warm one (an extra fuel injector turns on during warm up), so winter mileage is worse unless you have the car already nice and warm when you fill up.
Also very small amounts of idleing and city can really hurt mileage even if most of the trip is highway.
Barry Hottle
I thought only VW dealers can sell certified cars. Is it possible to get an extended warranty from VW on a pre-owned car. How do I verify if all the coil packs have been replaced on this car? Since which model year Passats started coming out of the factory with defect free coil packs?
After this experience, I requested from the selling dealership, and then VW of America, a replacement vehicle or a full refund. This morning I received both dealerships' negative response to my request and their decision to adhere to the existing warranty. At this stage, I may have to wait until my car has problems for the third time before I can invoke Virginia's lemon law. In the meantime, I would appreciate any feedback on similar Passat experiences, and advice on next steps. Also, for those of you considering a new Passat '04: Beware, this is a nightmare on wheels. My car had less than 600 miles and couldn't start.
It took me a little while to get used to the setup and some shoes make it more noticeable (like with my work boots). I don't even notice it now (driving an '03 for over a year).
However, I will not buy another, nor would I recommend one. When I bought the car I knew that it took an unconventional motor oil (5W30 I believe) and that oil changes would cost $50 or so. I was not aware that VW had a hidden the area with some sort of plastic cover that was difficult to take on and off. Oil changes now take twice as long and I have been charged extra at least once. A friend has told me that even minor things like replacing a burned out headlamp require a trip to the dealership. The very last straw came this morning when I finally stopped to get new wiper blades. The Passat uses special blades that look very cool and are extremely easy to change, but do not last very long or work too well. The pair that came with the car started to squeak after only a few months. Less than 9 months after buying the car the blades were completely spent. The cheepies that cost $10 for a set of two from Costco last longer and work better. Last night I could barely see thru my windshield in just a light rain. As far as I can tell, new blades are only available thru the dealer. I stopped today and was charged over $80 for a new set.
It is too bad. Until recently I had nothing but good things to say. I was even so happy with the car that I figure that my next car would be another Passat or an Audi. Not anymore.
5-30 weight oil isn't "special" a lot of new cars call for it, including my Subaru and my X5. It is a standard wieght of oil that you can easily find at any auto parts store in a variety of brands. My VW dealer charges $25 or less for a Passat oil change.
The Passat - like a lot of current cars - has a plastic shield under the engine. It is easily removed, (I usually change my own oil) maybe a couple minutes at the most to remove and replace. My Subaru and X5 have plastic shields under them as does my Jetta wagon - all easily removed. These shields protect the undercarriage of the car and engine compartment from road debris and dirt - they are a great idea. They also make the underside of the car more aerodynamic thus helping with gas mileage - lots of cars have them.
Replacing bulbs doesn't require a trip to the dealership either, any repair shop or an owner with limited mechanical skills can easily replace all but the dashboard bulbs in a Passat - usually without any tools - all you need is your bare hands - very, very simple.
As for the wiper blades - go to any auto parts store for replacement blades which are no harder to replace than any other car. The dealer may have some sort of premuim blades they charge a premium for - you didn't have to go to the dealer for wiper blades.
I had a 2000 1.8t Passat that I put about 60,000 miles on without a single problem outside of a floor mat clip breaking. I'd recommend a Passat to anyone looking for a solid, dependable vehicle.
"As for the wiper blades - go to any auto parts store for replacement blades which are no harder to replace than any other car. The dealer may have some sort of premuim blades they charge a premium for - you didn't have to go to the dealer for wiper blades."
I suspect thepoodle has the new aeroblade wipers (your 2000 model year did not have these). On the surface, it appears that the entire blade needs to be replaced (and I'm guessing that VW markets it that way). The entire blade is rather expensive.
However, a little work and after-market refills allows just the insert to be replaced...but the manual nor the dealer will tell you this. I replaced my inserts in about 15-20 minutes with $7.50 refills from Wallyworld.
To respond to the question of the wiper blades on the Passat, yes, they are of a new design (since 2003) and they are expensive, but easy to change. I was told that in high speed driving and rainy weather that they will put more force on the windshield and keep it clearer at fast driving speeds. I don't know if its true or not. The wipers are expensive, but cheaper when they first came out. The current price is about 60.00 or so a pair, and as far as I know are only available at a VW dealer. You can change the wiper arms to the previous design type used on the 2001 and earlier models and change the blades to match. The only problem then is the wiper blades don't have the same coverage area, but the difference is approx 1" width of wiper area. I have done several of the conversions and people generally seem to be happy with them, but don't expect VW to pay for the conversion.
The fuel economy on the W-8 is poor; in the area where the dealership is where I work many people on the v-6 report only 14-16mpg in urban driving, 20-24 highway. We've only seen a few w-8's, but one has to keep in mind that they require SYNETHIC OIL CHANGES AND HAVE EXTRA WEIGHT DUE TO THE 4 Motion drive train...so the few people who have they say fuel economy is poor; one person said she gets only 11 mpg in town....Dennis
I test drove a passat wagon today and absolutely loved it! Up until today, we were ready to buy a Honda Odyessy (minivan w/ all options, dvd) but I think the passat is much cooler and what I pictured myself driving. However, I have a 2year old, with another baby on the way. My husband has an SUV, so we do have a bigger car, but I'm concerned the wagon won't be roomy enough for my two kids and I. I am a stay at home mom, always on the go. Anyone have any input? I'd appreciate it. Thanks,
Have you considered the new TDI Passat. 27 city 38 highway mpg. More torque than the v-6, and no turbo lag like the 4. You could go 600 miles on a tank of gas.
Unless your husband has a full sized SUV the Passat wagon probably has nearly as much room.
My brother and I grew up in the back seat of everything from a Rambler wagon to a Toyota Corona sedan. I never felt deprived, or especially put upon, even as I grew to be a six-foot teenager.
I read constantly how the arrival of kids signals the necessity to buy a minivan or an SUV...don't know when that became necessary for either parents or kids.
I ride in the back seat of our friend's Passat sedan all the time, often for hours on end, and can't imagine why you'd need more room than is in this car.
Sorry for the rant....one of the columnists in AUTOMOBILE magazine just wrote a piece questioning why Americans think they have to "own a truck" to haul kids around. I have the same question. Can't imagine why a Passat wagon wouldn't be the ideal family car...
S-class Mercedes-Benz. They were sleek and "spacy" looking. Unfortunately the Texas sun is extremely hard on them and their service life is somewhat short. While they are new, they work flawlessly, but after time passes they work wonderfully only in one direction. The opposite direction provides you with the most "unGodly" sound you have EVER heard (similar to fingernails over blackboard). The next sound you hear is your jaw hitting the floor when the cashier pronounces the price ($95 - EACH). The newest version on the '04 models has been know to separate and actually scratch the windshield into oblivion. What a thrill! Especially when you find no model year '04 windshields are in the country and need to be shipped from The Fatherland! My '02 Passat has 62K miles on it and I have changed the wiper blade INSERTS once. They are the old-style rubber strips I got at VW. If I get a newer Passat I will make every effort to get the old-style wiper arms that accept the old-style inserts ($4 each). The oil change is a hassle, the noise panel is real tuff. It stands up to debris AND my efforts to remove it. Besides that I have a lift at my disposal, but it is still an exercise. 5K miles oil changes with Mobil 1 are met with mixed emotions. Oh yeah, I LOVE THE CAR!!! I will buy another one!
My '02 1.8T Tip Passat gets 30mpg at 70mph. I have never achieved more than 38.5mpg, but average around 33-34mpg during my morning 30mi commute. If I drive like a maniac I can get as as little as 16mpg 'tho. I averaged 29.5 last week over 360mi and during the light traffic mornings (6AM), lunch trips and heavy traffic trip home in the evenings (5:15PM). P. S. We are using the AC here in Texas already!
I'm with the others here, the Passat should do just fine for a family of 4. Especially, if its your "small" car. We just got a new Passat sedan (moving up from a Jetta). Right after we got it, me, my wife, our 2 and 4 y.o., plus dog (beagle)tooke a long weekend trip to Grandma's. No problem with space. A little tigher than loading up our Explorer, but a heck of alot more fun to drive. Needless to say, a Passat wagon is now at the top of my list for when the Explorer's lease is up.
My only complaint is the initial lag at go. But its easy to get over once your going.
Have you had this problem.
I traded my 2001.5 1.8T 5-Speed in for the new one. I raved about the old wagon. It was rock solid and reliable.
Once people find out that the TDIs are available, you won't be able to get one.
Hurry Hurry
This was never mentioned to me during the long buying process that went on over 5 weeks and having been a long time Toyota owner it never occurred to me that anyone could make a $1.00 part into a $170.00 item complete with time wasted for service calls.
To top it off, I didn't lose the key, it simply wasn't in my key bag when I got in the car. In my excitment to actually drive my new car, I didn't notice until I got home from the dealer and called to ask about the key that I find out this lovely news and got to witness the whole pass the buck, god forbid that anyone actually make a customer happy if it costs a dollar game started.
BEWARE, if a key is $170.00 I hate to think what a real part might cost.
It's all quite surreal, I left the lot a happy person. Now I look in the driveway and see a $26,000 mistake. Sad to say, but it's back to bland and sensible Japanese cars for me from now on.
I hope you are able to enjoy your beautiful new Passat and not let one simple key ruin your experience. I hate to see what may happen if you actually have to bring your car to the dealer for a repair or recall.
If you truely did not get a valet key from the dealer, try to give VWoA Customer Care a call and advise them of your displeasure/situation. Also, contact the Owner or President of the dealer and tell them your story. Tell them you were planning on bringing your car to them for your scheduled services, but will not if they can't remedy this situation. They will most likely lose allot of $$ on service if you go elsewhere.
Good luck and try to enjoy your new ride!!!!
I see your from Atlanta....me too. What dealer did you purchase from? How was your experience (other than the key issue)?
Moreover, on a VW wagon, what function does a valet key serve? On my 2000 Passat wagon the rear hatch can be opened by the remote lock button on the driver's door. I've had 2003/4 Passat and Jetta loaner sedans that had a key slot to disable the remote unlocking feature, but my 2000 wagon does not.
Poorly thought-out design in my opinion.
The reason I believe the keys are expensive is the immobilizer anti-theft system. I'd guess that's the same reason for the need for a service visit. I'm not so sure that the Japanese keys aren't in the same price range, if they have an immobilizer theft system, too. I'd suggest that you call around to some other VW dealers to see if they can beat the price.
Frankly, if it were me, I'd look at the car and think, "Gee, I bought a beautiful, safe, roomy car, but my dealer sucks." And then I'd contemplate meeting my service needs elsewhere, unless your dealer sees the light.
And really, all the valet key does is "protect" anything in the glovebox. It's not like the "wayback" luggage area is protected, since anyone can simply get into the backseat and reach into the cargo area. I wouldn't worry about replacing it, if were going to cost me anything.
2004 passat 1,8t wagon.
I loved my 1999 despite they had to change front suspension parts 13 times in the last 4 years.
With my 2004, I have unpleasant engine vibration from 60km/h up to 150 km/h since the car is new.
It does create a 100-200hz vibration in the steering weel, the door, floor,
gas pedal, clutch pedal as well as in the shifter.
Highway traveling is very anoying.
- Tires got ballanced 5 times by 3 differents garage.
- VW dealer has replaced 3 rims.
- They then suggested me to replace the Continental tires by Michelin MXV4
at my own expense (750.00 Can$).
- I did it.
- VW dealer have then tried to unmount / remount the front sub-frame.
I have reached 17,000km and 7 months and the dealer has kind of gived up !
VW Canada does not shown much interest to solve the problem.
Recent test drive of others 2004 passat (sedan and wagon) having 5,000km and
more have demontrated signs of the same problem.
I can not live with such a problem !
Legal procedure via canadian PAVAC or consumer protection group is slow and very time
consuming .
As a responsible father, my immediate and likely only satifaction is to inform as much as possible other car seekers/buyers not to fall in the same
trap.
The dealership I purchased from agreed to reimburse me for the cost of the second key. It cost $120 to cut and program. So it's not just VW that has these expensive keys.
Not that it matters, but I do believe that Ford provided instructions for how you could program the key on your own if you were able to find one and get it cut (you can get blanks on e-bay). The Ford keys aren't laser cut, so if you can get a programmable blank, you can get it cut anywhere, and you can program it yourself if you like.
That's my $.02 worth.
You could also look at the motor mounts. If a mount was loose the engine might move enough to hit something. Going from acceleration to braking suddenly takes pressure off of the drivetrain, and can make the engine shudder. Usually the mounts contorol this.
Sticking brake calipers that release suddenly could also be something to look at.
One item of comparison is that after 10 years your VW will still need a key to start it, unlike a Toyota where any screw-driver will start the car. 10-year old Toyotas are near the top of the stolen car list because the ignition locks are garbage and wear out quickly.
VWs also have higher quality steel than Japanese cars. That's why you see so many more old VWs on the road than Hondas or Toyotas.
A few years back all the VW cars were made with virgin steel. I'm not sure if they still do that. My newest VW (we have 3) is almost 6 years old ... its approaching the 1/2 way point on the corrosion warranty. You'll never see a Japanese (or Korean) vehicle with a 12-year rust warantee ... not even Lexus.
My father-in-law has a '93 Camry with >250,000 kms on it. It runs like new. Great car. But he recently spent $3500 to have it repainted and the rust spots fixed. And it's been garaged and babied since he bought it new. My '92 VW truck has lived outdoors all its life, travelled from Canada to Mexico, and seen more off-road time than most 4x4s, and it isn't even rusting where there are 10-year old stone chips. It was a work truck for an electrical contracting business working on multi-acre vacation properties that usually had the power installed before the driveway!
These vehicles are made of high quality steel and fully galvanized before painting.
Mercedes and VW cars simply last longer than Japanese cars, regardless of price. If you own a vehicle for a long time (like I do) then German cars are a better buy, even if they cost more initially and to maintain. But if you keep your car less than 5 years, then maybe the Japanese cars are better, because their resale often drops little for 5-6 years, then the price drops like a rock.
But I'd still be shocked at $170 for a key. On my wife's last Passat, we replaced the rear rotors/hubs and bearings at over 200,000 kms on the car, and the parts cost less than CDN$100- for both sides.
I doubt if you could replace the rear disc brakes on most Japanese or American cars for that price.
Did this start immediately, or after a bit?
Its something we definitely want to check when our TDI wagon comes in!
As others have posted, what should be a simple and inexpensive item to replace costs multiple times more than I believe necessary. For example, I cannot go to just any oil change location, I have to go to the dealership because of the special tool needed to get into the engine compartment and remove the oil filter. I have to get engine coolant from the dealership. I have cannot replace just a bulb in the tail light area nor the lens (unfortunate contact with a garbage can left in the alleyway by sanitation department