2013 and earlier Volkswagen Passat Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • ffxvwffxvw Member Posts: 93
    Stickguy, I believe that the money has been scaled back to $1000. At least that's the party line I'm getting.

    Fees: Washington Assoc. Fee is $175.

    Papaanton: The best way to get a good lease price is to use the conventional approach. Shop around, and compare different lease numbers. While many dealers do use hugely inflated lease numbers to get large profits, they ordinarily won't let you leave without "what-If"ing you down some. The worst mistake you can make is to split your negotiating. You can waste tons of time negotiating the price down, and then get killed with a high lease rate. My advice is, if you're going to lease, why worry about the price? By shopping for the best payment, it automatically follows that you'll have the best price when you get the best payment. And try the 39 month payment, its unusually strong for some unknown reason.

    Jason
  • ffxvwffxvw Member Posts: 93
    Hey, everyone. We just got our first Passat Wagon in-stock, and its a beauty. GLS Automatic with luxury package in Silverstone w/Black Velour. We also got some Jetta Wagons for those interested in that premiere.

    Jason
  • dpr5dpr5 Member Posts: 32
    There is a high probability that I will buy a 2001.5 Passat GLX (manual) in the next 4 to 6 weeks. The only extra I will need is the In-dash CD player. As a dealer install option' there are no published prices that I can find. The only price a couple of months ago I received was $400 from a dealer when I was doing some 'window' shopping. Seems very high to me in for just a CD head. Does anyone have invoice and msrp numbers for this option? Thanks...
  • ffxvwffxvw Member Posts: 93
    Cost $355
    Retail whatever they want to charge basically.

    Jason
  • its_kristyits_kristy Member Posts: 37
    $400 is actually pretty cheap. I've gotten prices ranging from $395 to $695 (yes $*6*95!).
  • goldnbrgoldnbr Member Posts: 8
    VW's website lists the retail price for the in-dash CD player for the Passat as $280. The retail for the 6-disc CD Changer is $350. Those prices don't include installation, although the CD Changer is so easy to install it's trivial and not worth paying for.

    The VW site is commerce.vw.com. Look in the Passat Accessories 'Travel and Comfort' section.
  • fiftyfivefiftyfive Member Posts: 11
    The prices I posted included everything that I paid, so there was no DOC, whatever that is. However, many of the other cars on the lot had additional items on the sticker like door moldings, etc, which I ignored. I consider those items to be designed to give the dealer negotiating room. Toyota distributorships are the master at adding "$800" of worthless weather proofing to every car that enters the country!

    I purchased the car and can offer no help on a lease, except that isn't the purchase price of the car on a lease one of the most important determinants of the cost of the lease, along with the residual value, of course. I think you should be negotiating the acquisition cost of the car in a lease just as vigorously as you would on a purchase.
  • ffxvwffxvw Member Posts: 93
    FiftyFive, it would be true that the price of the car should be decided beforehand, except for the fact that the residuals and rates are published by VW. So, since these remain the same, by negotiating the payment, you are in effect negotiating the price. It just removes an extra layer of time and effort on the consumer's part.

    Jason
  • dpr5dpr5 Member Posts: 32
    gldnbr, Thanks for the information and link... That makes a good reference when I get serious with the dealers. If anyone has any information on the dealers in the Triangle area of North Carolina (go Tar Heels), it would also be appreciated.
  • clpb312clpb312 Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased a new Passat. I was originally looking for a 5 speed V6 GLS model with the luxury and leather package but hadn't been able to get close on price. I ended up buying a 5 speed GLX model for $27000 including the 6 disc changer. From all I've read, isn't this below invoice? Did I miss out on some incentive program?
  • spellboundspellbound Member Posts: 77
    Are you sure it was a 2001.5? I know there are some incentives on the regular 2001 V6 models with manual transmissions.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    I thought that everyone who visits this particular discussion might be interested in reading the Edmunds.com review of the 2001.5 Passat. Please feel free to use the following link to check this new article out: First Drive: 2001.5 Volkswagen Passat. The Passat is the best-selling German car in its class in the U.S., and VW wants to ensure its burgeoning success in the States by improving upon an already successful formula.

    Car_Man
    Host
    Smart Shoppers / FWI Message Boards
  • parneydudeparneydude Member Posts: 2
    fiftyfive---send me your letters. I'm interested to see what my limited choice in dealers say. I may have to go to KC.
  • papaantonpapaanton Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for taking the time to respond specifically to my pretty generic request. Since you two took the the time, I decided to do a little (the emphasis is on "little")research.
    Traditional thinking (including this site's own leasing guide) would support fiftyfive's argument re: bringing down the negotiated sale price(aka net cap. cost). After all, my monthly payment would be based on the negotiated sale price-residual value aka the monthly depreciation + the lease charge (which is based on the money factor...).
    But, ffxvw (who I'm certain didn't need the refresher on lease calculations any more than fiftyfive)has got an equally valid method (that should get the same result, as long as you understand the lease process, and that may be quicker). For example (grossly over simplified):Fiftyfive might go into a store (with a dollar to spend)and ask, "how much or your widgets?" and negotiaing from that point; ffxvw wouild say "I've got a dollar, how many widgets can I get," and go from there.
    In the end, I think I'll just fax a 'bid' letter (per www.fool.com's suggestion) to local dealers--anything to avoid facing those sharks. Thanks again
  • fgrethelfgrethel Member Posts: 24
    Sorry for the tardy response. I have been shopping.... I agree with fifty five that the negotiated capitalized cost is critical to a lease negotiation. However, so are the residuals and the money/lease factor and other lease related fees such as the acquisition fee and disposition fees that may be charged at the initiation of the lease and at the end of a lease. At this time it appears that the numbers for the WV Passat 2001.5 are according to Car_Man and others:

    Residual is 69% after two years 24000 miles
    Residual is 62% after three years 36000 miles
    Money factor is .00320 or 7.68% on the above terms
    WV Acquisition Fee is $490
    I have not been able to determine if there is a disposition fee. I will ask Car_Man to help with that info. In Phoenix, AZ, dealers will also charge a DOC fee of $199 to $299. This is mostly profit, but I have yet to find a dealer of any brand waive this charge. I have not closed a deal with any dealer yet, but I plan to offer $500 profit over invoice (dealer keeps hold backs) plus the $117 port/flooring fee that WV invoices. Thus, a GPS 1.8T with Luxury (PJ6), Leather (PAD), Home Link (VC1), Monsoon Radio (RAM) with a sticker of $25,805 will negotiate down to $24,053. Not including any DOC or acquisition fee, I would have a monthly payment of $394.19 plus AZ's $29.56 in sales tax for a two year 24,000 mile deal with nothing down. I am annoyed at the above market money factor and I may decide to wait. Thanks for your input and help.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I recently bought a 2001.5 GLX... and I ran it through Lease Prophet before I did so.

    It was pretty recently. If I recall... aren't those the base residuals or did you add to the 36 month figure for the 12K/Year? If I remember... it was a 64% residual.

    The base published residuals are generally for 15K miles per year, 12K per year generally calls for a 2 point add, however.. If you're going to do much more than 13K/year the 15K program generally is cheaper net to net.

    Also, I think VW May only offer a 15K/year program on the 24month. and I also think they may allow a 3-month ad to term, I.E: 36 month residual allows a 39 month term.

    .00320 isn't that bad really these days. Lexus is at a .00345 in comparison, and most banks are above .00320 with the one exception being Fifth/Third bank and also Firstar generally matches Fifth/Third's program. They're at a .00285 right now I think for 36+ month terms with a security deposit. They get pretty high on the 24 Month terms however they may be enough lower on the residual to negate any savings, and also they do not include GAP insurance (Generally $100-150) in their leases in states where it is not required. However, my experience with them has been pretty positive.. they're rel sticklers for contracts having everything done to a "T" and they can be picky at lease end so be forewarned.

    They may do Business in AZ.... It pays to ask as they are cheap!

    Bill
  • fgrethelfgrethel Member Posts: 24
    Thanks for the info. The residuals I listed are for both GLS and GLX models with 12,000 miles per year and either 24 month or 36 month terms. These were provided by one of my local dealers and confirmed by Car_Man. I would be happier if these were the base residuals at 15K/year. As you know, VW finance can change the residuals at any time as they tweak the other components. According to the dealer, VW does offer a two year, 24000 mile configuration. I am interested in this one as it mimics the warranty period. I am pricing an extended warranty to see if it makes sense to do the three year. However, as I understand it, the lessor will not allow that cost to be capitalized. I have not confirmed this. Can you tell me what "Lease Prophet" is? I do use different lease calculators from the web to get to my numbers. However, I noticed that ALG is now charging to see the current residuals. I will do a search, but any info will be helpful. I will check on Fifth/Third & Firstar as well. Thanks for the tip!
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Lease Prophet is a program, actually, it's a dedicated computer and software that you lease, which basically scans every bank in the country's leasing program on a particular car and tells you who has the best program out there.

    Mine is only set up for Banks that do business in the Southeast. (I.E. SunTrust, Huntington, Washington Mutual, FirstUnion, etc..) as well as the manufacturer's arm. It's made by a company called Market Scan (http://www.marketscan.com) and costs us about $800 per month per terminal I believe.

    You ought to be able to add the warranty to the capitalized cost of the car, it's just not allowed as a "hard add" (I.E. it cannot be residualised like, say, a CD Changer).

    And, yes, they can change those programs whenever they feel like it. I always get a kick (Im being kind here) that whenever the fed raises rates the banks always fax us higher rates within a few days, yet when the Fed lowers rates it always takes em a couple of weeks to catch up... :)

    Hope this helps... I'd run the car through Lease Prophet for ya but it may not help ya in the Southwest...

    If I get the time today I will.

    Bill
  • solomonjeesolomonjee Member Posts: 1
    I am looking out for a 2001.5 GLS 1.8T with Tip in the Washington State, Seattle area. I have spoken to a couple of dealers and the best I have got is about 750$ above the invoice price + tax and title. Has anyone bought or have info about any better deals ? - Thanks in advace
  • merckxmerckx Member Posts: 565
    I'm looking at a new 2001(old style)Passat-base car,no options at all. List price exactly $22000. Thebest I could find so far is $18600. This seems a little high for old body style-I was thinking $18000 even. Is this a realistic price?
  • jeproxxjeproxx Member Posts: 2
    A dealer has given me a haggled price for a 2001.5 GLX for $29,341 which is not even close to invoice and he also refused to give it to me for invoice. A driver's option lease gave me a haggled quote of 525/mo 48mos 0 down? Is this an acceptable offer or what? This is the first VW dealer I've been to.
  • its_kristyits_kristy Member Posts: 37
    Jeproxx-

    Not sure if you are talking the Tip or Manual but either way, that sounds like a rip off or a really bad rip off. I had someone quote me 29,375 for the GLX Tip and I laughed and told him we both knew that $29,375 was not even close to reasonable. Although I actually did get mine at invoice (I had connections), market conditions are not allowing pricing that low at this point. I have seen many reports of 2-4% over invoice (invoice + desitination ONLY). My last quote before I bought was $27,231. Assuming you are getting the Tip, I would think you could get AT LEAST another $500 knocked off of that price.

    If you would like additional information on my buying/negotiation experience, e-mail me and let me know.
  • peete_rocpeete_roc Member Posts: 10
    Greeting everyone,
    I'm interested in purchasing a 2001.5 GLX automatic. Has anyone bought one recently in San Diego? If so, what dealer and what price? Also, has anyone dealt with Credit Union Buyer Direct? I hear it can find you a new car for below invoice... is this true?

    Any help is greatly appreciated...thanks
  • diegomandiegoman Member Posts: 6
    I had a GLS priced at South Bay VW by a guy named John. Very nice person and good price. Right now though I'm still trying to decide if I should get the 1.8T GLS 2001.5 Passat or the EXL V6 Honda Accord... Both seem to be darn good cars. The Passat has a very nice ride, but the Accord is feature packed, plus I LOVE the indash 6-disc changer.

    Good luck!
  • allisonpallisonp Member Posts: 1
    I am in the process of buying a 2001.5 1.8T Auto w/ the Luxury Pkg. I got a great quote of $22,999 - but I am debating on whether to upgrade the stereo system and getting the cd player. Is the difference in sound with the Monsoon really THAT noticeable? With the Monsoon and 6-disc CD player, my price goes up by $724. This seems steep for a stereo.

    Any feedback on this would be appreciated!
  • jeproxxjeproxx Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the info. I had a gut feeling that it wasn't right. Dealer also said that "they can't keep Passats long enough".

    BTW, it's for the Passat GLX Tiptronic; I could also consider a 5 speed. Have you bought the 5 speed with that price you've quoted? Financed? I don't know how to get your email info here. I'd like to hear how you bought yours.

    Thanks in advance.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    You might want to call around to some of your
    local AutoStereo shops and price an 8 Channel, 200
    Watt, Actively Crossed, Amplifier, and a Six Disc
    Changer, and Component Speakers...6 1/2", and if
    they will give you a 24 Month Warranty for all
    parts & labor...Included free.

    I am sure that you will find $734 to be quite
    reasonable... Hope this helps...PS
  • pas433pas433 Member Posts: 1
    I have got a quote of 29950 after much haggling on the New Passat GLX 4Motion. Could someone tell me what the real invoice price for this is as I get it as 28563 on KBB etc. but all the dealers in my area (totalling four !) put the invoice as 29733. If that's true how is the quote then ?

    An urgent feedback is most welcome !!!
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    I just looked this up on KBB under NewPassat 2001
    and it states $29566.00 Inc. $550 Destination.

    My Invoice on this Sedan is $29,683 Inc. Destination, Port Prep, and FloorPlan Interest
    Reserve.

    Can FAX you a copy if you like...
  • its_kristyits_kristy Member Posts: 37
    Just click on my name for my profile and I have my e-mail address in there. I just modified my profile because I didn't have my address in there before.

    Let me know what aspect of the sales process you are interested in and how detailed you want me to get--I have a tendancy to get really detailed.

    And yes, I did pick up my GLX (manual) about 2 weeks ago for $26,664 plus about an additional $120 in BS fees (dealer doc and some inventory tax). So I really paid $120 over invoice. I financed my purchase (less $12k down) at 6.65% (5 years).
  • its_kristyits_kristy Member Posts: 37
    Pass-

    That price is a *great price*, assuming that they aren't gouging you with many additional fees aside from tax (sales), title and license. Alot of times, dealers will add on an inventory tax, dealer doc, advertising fees, etc. Just make sure they are quoting you the 2001.5 and that you get everything in writing, including the VIN.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Kristy,

    Was this in Texas? Texas Charges .002something for Inventory tax. it's sometimes called an "invoice tax". It's charged by the State.

    Bill
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    I have heard this term tossed around like they
    are a "Dealer Add*. I think there is a topic some-
    where here that insinuates...no accuses, Dealers
    of actually printing their own Invoices.

    Kristy...I can assure you that these are not *BS
    Fees* and that a quick call or email to VWOA will
    confirm that every VW Dealer in the US gets the
    exact same charges, ie., Port Prep & FloorPlan Interest Reserve...$25 & $92 respectively. Various Zone Advertising fees apply where appropriate. We do not have one here, but there is a $75 fee in the SF & SJ area, and $100 in other parts of the state. What it might be near
    the River Walk or near the Galleria I do not know.

    But please, you know me, this is the truth...No more posts about *BS Fees*...
  • its_kristyits_kristy Member Posts: 37
    Please, read my posts before you make accusations. The word "BS" was not mentioned in connection with any of the fees I mentioned in post 732 or the the ones you were assuring me were on the invoice. I referred to the 'dealer doc and some inventory tax' as being BS in post 723.

    Yes, I will admit that both of those items (floorplan and prep fee) are on the invoice, however, as stated above, I was not even referring to those two as BS. That said, I think it is interesting to note that I was *verbally* quoted with the exact term "at invoice" by TWO different dealers and when I received the formal, written bid, neither of them had the port prep or the floorplan interest resere in or added to the price. This was without any request or prompting. So, it appears as if the term 'invoice', and what are and what aren't considered valid fees, is inconsistent even among the dealer population.
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
    Fiftyfive, congratulations on what sounds like a great deal! Can you send me the drafts of your letters? Did you buy a 4 motion or a front wheel drive? My e mail is vkaul32391@aol.com
    Thanks.
  • montanabill1montanabill1 Member Posts: 12
    Any news on when the 4Motion GLX wagon will arrive here in the States?
  • bdhsailorbdhsailor Member Posts: 24
    Hi,
    My dealer wants me to pay $432/mo for a 12K, 39 month lease (no money down except first lease payment) on a new GLX that stickers at $30,375.
    Is this a good deal?
    Thanks
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Before you can really tell...

    You need the cap cost, (and find out if that includes the bank fee or not), the residual and money factor...

    Bill
  • brianl0646brianl0646 Member Posts: 1
    That is a great deal. Do it before he changes his mind. The lease deals on Passats are good right now because the residuals are pretty high and there is no security deposit.
  • cliffybcliffyb Member Posts: 114
    Kristy,
    Was that a "2001.5" Passat GLX that you got that deal on? I ought to pay you to come negotiate for me. Here in Northern California every lot seems to have 25-30 Passat's but the dealers all think they are something special. I keep telling them that I'll wait until they get their heads out of the clouds.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    See what I mean?
  • spellboundspellbound Member Posts: 77
    Cliffyb, I'm sure with the economy the way it is that prices will come down as new car sales slow. However you still should be able to get a decent price right now in Nor Cal. I guess it depends on what you consider a decent price but you should be able to get $750 over or so. If that sounds reasonable I can refer you to my salesman, he's been straightforward and honest with me thus far in the process. If it sounds like too much you can always wait for incentives.
  • BGBGLBGBGL Member Posts: 6
    This is a dealer option. Does anyone know about this. My dealer said there was a fee involved and because the car was so well painted it was not really necessary. any comments? If you were getting the car would you request this?
    feel free to e-mail at bgbgl@aol.com
    thanks
  • its_kristyits_kristy Member Posts: 37
    VWGuild-

    Yes, I see what you mean.

    Cliffyb-

    Yes, that was a 2001.5 GLX (manual). I should clarify that the price I got was because I had connections with the sales manager. This was disclosed in several previous posts but not in the one you are probably referring to. That said, I think that you could probably get the same model I have for somewhere in the low 27k's, at least here in TX. I had several quotes between $27,250 and $27,500 before I bought. I'm not sure what type of pricing you have been getting, but if they are quoting you MSRP, move on to the next dealer.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    I posted this thread on Vortex yesterday, but I will post it here for those who did not read it...

    If you are REALLY interested in buying a new Passat, or any other car for that matter, I would
    suggest that you do it now, while the market is so
    soft...

    This past Thursday, 3/15, *Consumer Reports* released their latest Reviews and the 2001.5 new
    Passat won in virtually every category...safety, performance, etc...If the New Passat had been launched 6 months ago; the prices that are being quoted here would be of "pipe dreams".

    I have said many times that the *market* dictates price, and now, more than at any time in the recent past this is being proven to be true.

    The DJIA suffered it's worst one week loss in history a/o Friday night...The NASDAQ is where it was in 1998.

    If there was ever a better time to buy the Best of the Best; it is now...because when the economy turns; these steeply discounted prices will go away...

    If our Flagship product, and those under it, had been launched during a period of surging economic news, coupled with the stellar reviews, all of the posts here would be braggadocio about the ability to purchase this extraordinary car for MSRP, and not having to pay any added Dealer mark-up.

    To see this fantastic product being sold off, like some distress
    merchandise that has little or no value, does not make me happy.

    To every one of you that build or sell a product that you take pride
    in...give that some thought...If you build homes for a living...I
    am sure that you understand that when the market goes soft, and the
    extra effort and craftsmenship that you have given to a project is
    given NO VALUE...it is humiliating. We are all hard working folks
    here...well, at least for the most part, and I have to assume that you
    also take pride in the products you produce, or the services that you
    provide...If those products & services were prostituted with equal enthusiasm as ours are here; I am sure that you would be less than
    thrilled...
  • dpr5dpr5 Member Posts: 32
    Mark, I respectively disagree on the market price as defining the value of craftmenship and pride. Market price is simply defined by supply and demand. The value of craftmenship and quality is just one factor that has an effect on the demand. Economic conditions as well as the manufacture's volume productions are factors with the greater impact. The PT cruiser built of the base of the Neon has been selling for a price that to me is way out of line because Damlier Chrysler completely misread the demand side of the equation and stupidly did not build the production capability.

    Craftmenship should better show through on the resale value which is terribly important to the cost of ownership. Every dollar I spend on the new car whether its invoice + $1 or msrp has no impact on the value of the car when I decide to resell 4, 7 or 10 years later. It is therefore only financially responsible to make the best deal I can for that new car. Because of that simple reality, I will not buy any car at MSRP and will either delay the purchase until demand decreases or look for another high quality vehicle that is not in such great demand at the moment. Except in the very rare exception cars are a heavily depreciating purchase.

    The Passat has been recognized by the trade, by consumer mags and others as a well built and well crafted automobile. All that participated should take pride in a job well done. The state of the DIJA or NASDAQ should have no impact on that satisfaction much less cause any humiliation. Now for me, some of my stupid investments were humiliating. :).
  • snurplesnurple Member Posts: 130
    Is the Passat worth "market value" or not? If this mass-produced auto is *always and only* worth market value, then rushing out to buy one now, when its market value is lower, really doesn't make sense. Right now, the Passat IS worth less, and other things, by comparison, are worth more. In other words, people are forestalling new auto leases and purchases and putting their money into other goods and services--or even into savings and cautious investing.

    Many people are realizing that it is *a better value* to enjoy the financial peace of mind that comes with continuing to drive their current reliable vehicle, perhaps w/o payments, than it is to lease or purchase the latest 4-wheeled depreciating asset, that also happens to come with burdensome monthly payments.

    The economy is doing poorly now, and you can be sure that the ripple effect of thousands of layoffs will continue for months after any projected upturn. I'm thinking that this, and subsequent years will be tough ones for the auto industry, in no small part because marketwide auto leasing is taking a huge hit. More and more people are turning to buying--and without the "programmed 3-year plan mentality" of leasing, I think that many will keep their cars, even after they have paid them off. Can you imagine the impact to the auto industry, if people suddenly started keeping their cars for just one year longer? Can you imagine the peace of mind that comes with 12 payment-free months?
  • peete_rocpeete_roc Member Posts: 10
    Greetings Everyone,
    I just test drove a 2001.5 GLX auto...awesome car!
    I have a question regarding it's invoice price. I looked up the invoice on three different sites Edmunds, Cars.com, and Kelly Blue Book. Why are all three very different with KKB being the highest?
    Invoice MSRP Destination
    Edmunds $26,699 $29,285 $525
    Cars.com $26,114 $28,750 $550
    KKB $27,187 $29,825 $550

    From what I can tell, these invoices do not include the destination cost...is this assumption correct? Also, which site is more accurate and/or more reputable?

    Anyone’s help/input is greatly appreciated...thanks.
  • ffxvwffxvw Member Posts: 93
    Lets be perfectly honest about this. The question isn't whether its a good value to buy a Passat. In 99% of the cases, purchasing a new vehicle is not a wise decision financially, at any time. When someone comes in to look at a Volkswagen, they're not here becuase they NEED a car. They just want one. The one thing that all of these market calculations, and economic forecasts overlook is the desire factor. If someone wants a Passat, and they have the financial cushion that they can afford a new car, then guess what? Its a good value, at any time.

    Jason
  • spellboundspellbound Member Posts: 77
    I show Edmonds, KBB and another source confirming the $27,187/$29,825 and $550 destination.
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