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Comments
I suggest avoided the clip on types - the can become projectiles in case of an accident.
Good Luck.
When son #1 got older, we moved him to the right seat and again used the shoulder belt to secure the seat. I've actually never used the Lower Anchor portion of the LATCH system. We use the tether strap though (the one that anchors on the back dash board or behind the seat back in the wagon).
With one child who is no longer in a carrier that uses a base in the car, I agree that the most convenient spot is in the right rear seat, but I wasn't even thinking about the reasons altair4 was. I can't remember the last time I had to parallel park, but that is a VERY good reason to use the right side. For us, it was just easier to hand the child pacifiers, milk, toys or other things from the driver's seat if the baby was in the right seat.
Now that we have two kids, our four-year old son sits behind the driver (he's in a booster seat now), and his one year old brother is on the right.
You might want to look at the most recent (I think it's actually the MAY issue) of Consumer Reports. They had a story about securing baby seats, and it turns out that with several models, the LATCH system failed to secure the seat in a 30 MPH crash. YIKES! But seatbelts did fine! I can't remember the brands affected, but I could look it up if you don't have access to Consumer Reports.
So, you might want to get the base for the infant secured in the middle seat, and when he/she graduates to a regular car seat, put it in one of the outboard positions. Whatever you do, call your local fire department and see if you can schedule to get them to check the installation of the seat. They are pros and can get them installed properly and securely in almost no time (and generally for free).
Good luck!
In follow up to Bronsonb's comment - besides fire departments, Daimler Chrysler has a program where they give free installation help (regardless of what car you own). They have specially trained installers that you can find using your zipcode on this website:
http://www.fit4akid.org/
We had one of their specialists install our car seat. The car would have been demolished before that seat would move. I give them a "thumbs up" rating.
Krzys
- Combi Avatar
- Evenflo PortAbout 5 infant seat
Two other seats tilted back on impact "more than standards allow" (both these seats passed using regular safety belt and failed with the LATCH system):
- Britax Marathon
- Combi Tyro
Hope this helps.
They said that the seat belt with the locking mechanism was very safe for this. I have the 2004 passat wagon, so it has that feature.
They were incredibly helpful and took an hour with me to show me how to use the seat and everything. I feel so much better about it now. They also said that I shouldn't use the waterproof seat cover I had planned to use to protect the seat. The officer said that it really won't prevent denting of the seat (I have cloth seats) and diapers aren't going to leak.
Thanks so much for the responses. By the way, I do have one of those mirrors that is tethered to the headrest. Thanks Altair for mentioning that,
Leslie
The crack is about 8" and doesn't seem to have gotten bigger in two days. It's too big to repair, but I hate to replace the windshield if I don't really have to.
When I was at CHP getting my infant seat inspected I asked the officer, and he said I need to fix it. That the windsheild safety system where it shatters to protect passengers is now compromised. Of course all the windshield replacement vendors make you feel that you have to fix it by tomorrow.
Does anyone here have any advice about how important this is as a safety issue? It's not in the way of my view of the road at all.
Thanks!
Leslie
Yes - replace it ASAP. You went to the trouble to set up the car seat perfectly - why risk your life now.
I had "bullet" holes fixed in each of our Passats a few weeks back (courtesy of gravel on the road after a rare Atlanta snow/ice storm. Insurance paid for the repairs completely. I asked the guy doing the repair if insurance would pay for REPLACEMENT, and he said they sometimes did, but it also depended on the company. I hear State Farm is better than others, but that's just hearsay.
Also, the guy told me he thought it was in the $200 - $400 range to replace a Passat windshield. That seems low to me, but only because most things on Passats are expensive to replace.
Don't know if this will help or not.
thanks for the previous response, too,
Leslie
Anyone have any suggestions with regard to placement of the crossbars on the rails? Forward? Toward the back? Does anyone know how either configuration might affect performance?
I looked at the picture on the VW.com site of a Passat Wagon with VW crossbars and they were placed forward on the rails between the center support and front base. Is this what VW recommends?
Thanks,
Ron
We're thinking about trading in our 2002 Jeep Liberty for a 2002 Passat Wagon. We're looking for a bit more space and will need to put 3 car seats in the back seat. (we'll have 3 kids under 4) Is there enough room for three full size car seats?
I found a certified pre-owned 02 wagon 1.8T GLS at a local dealer for $15K, 45K miles.
Anything I should look for before I buy it. I guess it will come with a two year warranty, but I'm not sure what it all covers.
I have not read all posts so I'm sorry to ask questions that have been posted before - but are we all happy with our Passat Wagons? Is the gas mileage good on the 1.8T, does it have enough power? Is there any truth to the 180hp or is it really just 170.
Thanks. Drive safe.
Jim
I guess I'll have to try it at the dealership. I already have a van and do not want two.
This car would not be the primary kids carrier, but still, in case of emergency, I would like to fit the whole family in there.
I'm looking at the same vehicle for 3 kids!
I do also have a van (T&C) which has a lot of room, enough for 4 kids. It is very comfortable but gets terrible gas mileage.
BTW what minivans fit 3 car seats in the same row? Only the Sienna comes to mind.
It would not hurt to get car inspected for sludge build up.
If you buy it use Mobil 0W40 or any other VW certified oil (502.00 certification if I am not mistaken).
Krzys
Our van has 2 captains for row 2, then a bench in the back. 3 car seats would probably not fit on the same row, but that is not necessary. (why would they need to sit in the same row? better to space them apart :-)
In the van the oldest would move to the back row.
thanks for the input
Jim
Sorry about the cancelation.
I need some help;
Luis
First, the AWD version is the sources of most of the reliability problems, and wort avoiding. Most of the turbo problems related to faulty coil packs, a problem that has been solved. If you go for a GLX, you move to the excellent V6 and average or better reliability. BUT: Over its lifetime the Passat is not inexpensive to maintain. If you keep the car beyond the warranty and put miles on it, as I have, you may get into some fairly costly maintenance. I've put about $1,500 into brakes and axles in the last 6 months (at 78k miles.)
Subaru reliaility is excellent, and car for car they are a bit cheaper than the Passat. Plus they are AWD. If I were replacing my Passat today I would be buying a Legacy wagon or an Outback.
YMMV.
I have done lots of research and have thought that a used Outback VDC would be best for me, but after testing driving the 2002 Passat GLX and 2001 Outback VDC, I decided to go for the Passat. Why? The Suby has frameless windows and the noise is way LOUD when the speed is above 80MPH!
I envy the mileage you'll be getting! :P
Anyway... my question is thus: As far as the passat's go, how does the GLS 1.8 turbo compare to the 2.8 V-6? I reckon I don't need the AWD, and I'm sorta indifferent to the GLX vs GLS... I like the fuel efficiency of the 1.8 turbo, but I'm a little concerned about not having a bit of getup-and-go while driving up hill, or with a heavy load. I don't want to be putzing along in the slow lane. If any 1.8 owners could weigh in, that would be great. Likewise for any 2.8 owners. Last question: Any difference between the two in terms of reliability? Thanks!
However, one time I did have the V6 for a weekend trip and got an astounding 32 MPG on the highway for a long weekend drive.
I will say that both cars feel different. The V6 is quieter and definitely has a more solid feel when driving, handling, and breaking. The 1.8T is a bit noisier and doesn't feel as substantial on the road.
But I will agree with the other poster regarding power. I've never been without power when I've needed it in the 1.8T. No problems merging, no problems passing. Ask me which one I like better, and it would be a tough question to answer as they both have their plusses.
When I bought the car I noticed that brake and ABS indicator lights, on the dash board, light up once in a while. Owner told me that he had got them checked and both break+ABS are working fine. Any one having similar problems?
We had an early Subaru Impreza that was a gutless wonder but great for congested city driving.
Our new Passat has WAY more horsepower than we expected or will ever need. I'm used to driving leadfooted from the Subaru, and let me tell you, the 2.8 V6 sucks some serious gas if you have a heavy foot, and it gets expensive buying premium. We don't regret the purchase, mind you, but probably would have been perfectly happy with a 1.8L.
The other day I merged onto the freeway and looked down to see I was doing 90.
Anyway it is a wonderful car and sort of reminds me of my friend's Benz (at least compared to a Subaru), but I can't imagine for a normal regular driver that the 1.8 wouldn't be just fine. If I could have I'd have bought a TDI.
My 2 cents.
Further, if it were the 1.8T engine, I'd look and listen real hard to the engine for any signs of oil sludging (coking). Listen for noisy lifters, clattering sounds - check the web or here for more details. If the oil light blinks during the test drive, pass on this car.
I'd look real hard at the brakes (especially the rears). I'd check to see if all of the carpeting was dry (especially the passenger side front and rear). If the thing has any warning lights (MIL, Brake), I'd pass on it, regardless of what the seller said about them.
If it's an automatic, make sure that the transmission is fully functional and that it hasn't gone into limp mode.
Depending on the mileage, it may be time for a timing belt change (disregard the 105K mile recommended change interval in the manual - it's way too long and the powertrain warranty in all likelihood is not going to cover the second owner if it snaps). Many people change the timing belt at 60,000 miles, along with the water pump (since it's right there) - these engines are interference engines - you'll pancake the valves if the TB goes.
Finally, try the radio on both AM and FM. They have a tendency to lose AM reception if the antenna shorts out.
Good luck.
What city are you in? Downtown Manhattan, or downtown Birmingham, AL? What did you drive bvefore the Passat and what kind of mileage did you get with it? Actual urban stop-and-go driving is tough on the 1.8T's mileage. You get into boost after every stop and boost is eating a lot of gas. I've read of people in NYC getting in the mid-teens routinely.
One suggestion I will make is you are running that tank of gas really low. 300 miles at 19 mpg is 15.8 gallons out of a 16.4 total capacity. Some people would recommend that you fill up sooner - the fuel pump is cooled and lubricated by the fuel.
I fill my '03 when the fuel chime first sounds - that's about 12.25 US gallons. I get about 21-22 in a suburban driving environment with quite a few hills. That means I'm filling up at about 260 to 270 miles. On the Interstate, any trip longer than about 30 minutes will have the trip computer showing over 30 mpg. And calculating by hand confirms that consumption rate.
My personal best tankful is 32.63 mpg (with Tip tranny) - almost entirely Interstate driving. With probably 95% or more of my driving in suburban areas, my overall mileage in almost three years of ownership is 22.6 mpg. Good luck!
A lot depends on your locale and also your driving style. All the best and enjoy your Passat!
Thanks.
Craig
Thanks again.
I'm very interested in anyone's w8 experience thus far. I read bhottle's post of 1/07/05 and am wondering if there have been any developments good or bad with your wagon.
I have been looking for a used w8 6spd wagon and have had more than one salesman
tell me that there was not a 6 spd offered.
Anyone have feedback on the w8, especially in the 6spd?
Has the vehicle proved reliable?
Has it spent a lot of time in the shop?
Would you buy the manual again?
How has the fuel economy been?
I live in Northern CA, and I drive a bunch in the course of my work and spend a lot of time in the snow. It's time for a replacement for my 1994 volvo 850 turbo wagon ( w/220 k). The volvo has been great to drive and somewhat expensive to repair. I have owned many VWs but none w/ 4 motion.
Thanks for your time.
over 100K) went and took the engine w/ it, of course. Now, dealership only repairs with a
long block and extended warranty from National Auto Care will only replace w/ a used engine w/ 24K on it. They have the privelege of authorizing w/ replacement parts, not what the dealer
says is best. Do you want to be the heavy in these types of negotiations? You'll have to be prepared based on my research that says dealerships are not easy going, have their rules, and do not do any interface w/ your warrenty company. Roll your sleeves up and prepare for fisticuffs
if you choose any type of VW. Sorry. Charloa
My main complaint is the following: The 6 speed manual is a little finicky. 1st gear is VERY short, so it takes some practice to not lurch around a lot. 2nd gear is a little too tall IMO, so there is a bit of a gap between the two when you're going for ultimate performance. Not a deal breaker, but can be an annoyance. Other than that the 6 speed works great and has a nice feel. It will positively smoke the same car with the tiptronic; I've driven both.
I live in Maine so AWD is a great feature. You have to really try to get this thing off its game in the snow. It's nice to have a car that is a blast to drive but can also handle the snow with no problem and settle down for a comfortable cruise when you need it to. Great all around car. I don't know if W8's in general are more troublesome than normal Passats; you tend to only hear about the bad ones on these forums. I had a 99 Passat V6 before the W8 and the W8 is definitely more solid and feels bolted together a bit better. The '99 was fairly reliable, so I expect about the same form the W8. Time will tell, but so far I give this car very high marks.
I have a 2004 W8 6 speed wagon which I bought used (8000 miles) in May. I have loved it since I got it. Have had no repair issues at all. Gas mileage is about 17 city and 24-25 highway. Having driven the auto and the manual (I found a sedan to test drive) there is no question that the stick is the way to go, but they are very hard to find. I was told that there are only about 250 '03 and '04 W8 6 speed wagons in the US.
No W8 snow experience yet but I've driven all wheel drive Subarus, Volvos and Audis in the winter and I expect the W8 to perform equally well. I will never go back to front (or rear) wheel drive after having all wheel drive for the last 8 winters. Combine it with good winter tires (I use Dunlop Winter Sport M3's) and its actually fun instead of something to dread.
Good luck!!
Nxt Game