2013 and earlier Volkswagen Passat Prices Paid and Buying Experience

jr1854

I'm planning on buying a new 2001.5 Passat GLS-1.8 next week. However, I can't decide whether I should purchase the "Masterguard Plan" extended warranty offered by the dealership. I plan on keeping the car for at least 5 years but its only covered under warranty for 2yrs/24k. The platinum warranty plan that I'm considering costs $975 for 5yrs/72k of bumper-to-bumper coverage. I'm also not sure about the deductible amount (I think its $50). Does this extended warranty plan seem reasonable or is it a rip off. What other warranty options should I be considering. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks.

vwguild

Always buy the Manufacturer's Extended Warranty...common sense.
If you take that $975 and add it to whatever you pay for the car, and then
standback and look at it...5Year/75000 B2B, 2/24 Trip Interruption Protection,
12 Years/Unlimited Miles Corrosion & Rust thru, and 10Years/100,000
Complete PowerTrain and then compare it to any car in it's class...What
do you think you will see?

jlb_76

I'm looking at a GLS 1.8T with Tiptronic and Monsoon in suburban Philadelphia. What kind of dealer financing should I expect and what (even if unlikely) are the possibilities for Memorial Day incentives?

Thanks.

CarMan@Edmunds

Jlb_76, Volkswagen currently has special financing rates of 2.9% for 24 month, 3.9% for 36 - 48 month, and 5.9% for 60 month terms on all 2001 Jetta models, excluding the Wagon, TDI, & Wolfsburg. Through tomorrow they also have $500 Dealer Cash that may be used in conjunction with these special rates. After the 15th, the cash drops to $300 per unit. This information should strengthen your bargaining position significantly. Happy shopping.

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vwguild

Volkswagen Credit does have a Subvented Program for Wolfsburg...
*A* Tier from 3.9%(24) - 6.9%(60) even those with "less than perfect
credit" *D* tier 8.9%(24) - 11.90%(60). Rates good till May 31, 2001.

Although *technically accurate* as Dealer Cash...Volkswagen Credit
has promoted this program primarily to the F&I Dept. to promote the
use of their products over those of other lenders. Which is distinctly
different from the typical Incentive money that prohibits the Dealer from
accepting the cash AND Offering SubVented Rates. That has always
been the Standard...one or the other, but not both...

monicacz

I am in the suburbs north of Philadelphia and want a 2001.5 blue silver GLS wagon 4-cyl with tiptronic. Does anyone have an idea of the supply of wagons? They seem to be in high demand. Also, any advice on pricesand dealers in this area?

stamkis

Has anyone heard any guestimates as to when the 2002 Passat's will be out?
Talked with a newbie salesperson tonight. He didn't know anything about arrival dates. For once I believed a salesman. He did think that since the 2001.5 came out in February that the 2002's would arrive later than last year. Probably in the fall. Anyone hear anything different?

im_brentwood

I hear October as of now...

But who knows? The manufacturer isn't dying to let us know!

Bill

rams160

I am interested in a 2001.5 GLS sedan base model. I want the alloy wheels but do not want to spend the extra dough for the luxury package. Anybody know how much it is to add alloy wheels. I am interested in getting the same ones that VW puts on w/ the luxury package. Can I get these from a tire/wheel shop or do I have to go through a VW dealer. Thanks in advance.

kimmers71

The Adelaide wheels are over $200 each. If you go the ecommerce section of the VW's website, they'll have these and other style wheels and their prices.

Also, you might want to keep in mind the tires themselves. I have a GLS with the luxury package and they have Michelin tires. I looked at the GLS without the Lux package and it had Continental tires. They may be a different size.

Check out the forums on www.vwvortex.com. Someone probably already posted a question such as this. Also, there is a classified forum. You could probably find the Adelaides or other wheel there.

carguy5000

Dude, by the time you dick around buying the wheels etc, the money that you will save will be next to nothing. Think about resale time. A Passat with the luxury pkg is worth that much more than a base unit with the wrong wheels. Whats another thousand bucks when you are spending that much on a car in the first place?

car_nut1

Have a Passat GLX w/auto; 42mo. lease w/41 mo. remaining. 370 miles. Pay $369 per mo. $0. down. Pine green w/beige leather; six cd changer. I hate the color combo; would like indigo w/gray or blue anthricite w/gray. My lease gives me 10,000 miles a year. Dealer said no problem exchanging the car, but wants $7000. Seems like an awful lot. Any advice??

KCRam

hi car nut1

$7000represents the depreciation of a 1 month old car (I'm assuming you have a 42 month lease). Your dealer has to sell that green Passat as a used car, even though it only has a few hundred miles, and they have to recover the depreciation hit from you because you are having some remorse over the color.

Basically, you're asking to end your lease after just one month, and lease a blue passat instead. Extremely expensive proposition.

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rgreenfield1

A local Sacramento Dealer still has eleven 2001 Passats. They are all GLS V6 5speed with luxury package, monsoon and cloth.

What is a fair price for this car? The ad in the paper offers $3000.00 of the MSRP of $26,450 but I think they will go lower. What are the thoughts of the town hall as to the lowest I should shoot for?

thanks is advance

vwshopper

Ordering a Passat from the factory through a local dealer. How long can I expect it to take before delivery? One dealer said 6-8 weeks, another 10-12. I'm in San Diego if that makes a difference.

car_nut1

Kcram, a car really depreciates that much in less than a month? When you buy the car the dealer reminds you over and over how desirable the car is and how hard to obtain. Makes you feel like they're doing you a favor finding one for you. Is it possible to swap or sell off my lease to someone who finds the color combo less offensive. I think my lease is a pretty good deal. It's a 2001.5. I've seen the same lease pkg go for $40-60 more per month. Not 4-Motion.

im_brentwood

Depends....

Almost any car is going to depreciate $3-4K as soon as you drive it off the lot. Irrespective, that seems high to me.

Why not call VW Credit (Orwhatever your lease co is) and get your payoff?

Or try swapalease.

Bill

CarMan@Edmunds

Car_nut1, brentwoodvolvo had a good idea. For a small fee the Web site www.swapalease.com allows consumers to advertise their leased vehicles in the hopes that another consumer will be willing to assume their lease payments. If your lease is such a good deal, you should be able to find someone who is willing to assume it. You may have to put up a little money to entice someone to take it off your hands, but I certainly think that will cost you less than trading in a one month old vehicle. The largest portion of a vehicle's depreciation occurs during the first month of ownership. That is why short leases have much higher monthly payments than long ones do. In say a 24 month lease you are spreading out the largest part of a vehicle's depreciation over a period of only 2 years. However, in a longer lease, like your Passat's 42 month term, you are able to keep your monthly payments down by spreading the initial depreciation hit over a much larger number of payments.

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inky

I am making $500 over offers to 4 regional VW dealers. They are very willing to deal on 5 speeds. So far all want at least $750 over invoice as shown on Edmunds-but they cannot resist offers of even small profit when the money is real and offer is hanging there. The 5 speed can be had $500 lower than automatic.
CD player. Who makes suitable single CD unit for this car? HOw much?
Anyone like the new beige color?
INKY

carguy5000

NO

raybear

I found a GLX V6 4Motion for $500 over today, but that's really rare. Depends on where you are looking, the timing of the offer, and the dealer's mood.

inky

I think the color may be why they are giving up $1,800 discount and talking about free tint now.
I think I will hold out for a silver-blue for the same price. I like a light interior but the MO. Beige is a little much with that chrome. Oh, the chrome. Looks good on the silvers but not all.
INKY

ffxvw

Does anyone like it? I think it looks decent with black interior, but the beige interior looks horrendous. The main problem is so many of the other colors look really good.
My top choices:

Silverstone
Anthracite
Indigo Blue
Pine Green

Don't like:

White
Black
Blue-Silver
Colorado Red (though it looks much better now)

Medium:

Mojave Beige
Fresco Green
Reflex Silver

I still haven't seen a single Ink Blue car, so I don't know how that one looks.

Jason

cliffyb

Are you talking about all those 2001 passats at Niello on Arden Way?

Those things have been sitting there rotting since January!

I shopped that lot for months in hopes that they would get in a new passat equipped the way I wanted it. They (Dieter the saleman) offered $3500 off the old ones and this was back in March.

Even if they were to offer you $5000 off I would not go for it for the simple reason that you would still be losing in terms of depreciation.

I bought my mojave beige, 1.8t manual, with luxury, and leather for 23,000 +ttl from Lasher on Florin Rd. I shopped extensively at Roseville, Niello, and Lasher, and Lasher was far and away the best to deal with. Ask for Eddie.

cliffyb

I bought the mojave beige with the beige interior and get tons of compliments on it. Truth be known I would have picked the black but could not find it except in cloth. Now that it is approaching 100 degrees here in Sacto I am glad that I don't have black leather. I think different exteriors look better with the beige leather than others. The ink blue looks good with it as does the indigo blue, black and red. A combination I kept seeing was the silverstone with beige leather...now that looks hideous.

inky

Your car is exactly like the one I am looking at. I assume you have the monsoon sound also. List is $25,625. How in the world did you get it for $23,000 even? That is less than invoice. My dealer is offering $23,995. I like the silver blue with gray interior. I have not seen all the colors to be sure. I would pay $23k in a heartbeat.
INKY

rgreenfield1

you are right. They are at Niello. I sent mail and received the "special interned price" of $23,695 on the cars. The outrageous price was only topped today when I was at Roseville Auto mall. There, I drove a 2001.5 GLS dealer demo with 540 miles. The salesman said it was a special "red tag" for $30,895.00

The best deal I have found in Nodal so far is at the Walnut Creek WV dealer. They will sell a 2001.5 GLS automatic for $27,885.00

Do you think Eddied at Lasher will beat that?

Thanks

spellbound

You may want to try Boardwalk VW in Redwood City CA. Ask for George Johnson or Bill Pansky and give them a chance to earn your business. They were very helpful to me in finding me the Passat wagon I wanted at a decent price. Nice guys and painless to deal with.

im_brentwood

$30,895 for a GLS?

Hmmm.,.... That'd make my 4K mile 01.5 GLX FWD Manual Reflex/Grey GLX worth, what, $38K?

Sheesh...

Bill

rgreenfield1

Minor error in previous post. The Roseville $30k price was a GLX and the Walnut Creek deal is GLX for 27,989.00

Roseville was still unreasonable. Thanks for the tips and I'm going to check out everyones recommendation.

Now one additional question. Other than price what can you say pro and con about stick vs. tiptronic?

im_brentwood

OK... you scared me there!

As far as Stick vs Tip... you could go either way on a Passat. Sticks will be worth a bit less, but the initial cost savings will negate that. Oftentimes, cars with manuals, in reality, can cost more in dollar amounts to own than automatics because of depreciation.

Sooo.... buy what you like! Also less stuff to go wrong if you're going to have it forever.

Bill

cliffyb

My car does not have the monsoon. The deal I got on it was a couple hundred or so over invoice. They really surprised me with that offer so all I have to focus on was my trade. Kelley Blue Book said that the trade in value on my explorer was about $4500(170k miles)so I was there about 4 hours until they caved and gave me that amount.

That was my fourth trip to Lasher and I had made sure to ask for the same salesman every time(Eddie) so they knew I had kicked tires and done my homework when it came time to discuss price.

Stick to your guns and eventually they will cave, I guess. Avoid the Roseville automall. I gave up on their fun and games after the first visit. Niello seems like an OK dealer but the Passats are sure pileing up there. I never got around to discussing price with them so maybe they are not competitive.

Remember there is a VW dealer right off Hammer Lane and 99 in Stockton and also in Auburn, and Fairfield.

rgreenfield1

OK, I think I have a deal. 2001.5 GLS V6, stick, leather, luxuary, monsoon. For 26,685.00

Thoughts?

cliffyb

Thats a good deal. If it's the color you want then go for it.

The only thing I would say is that the premium for the six cylinder is not worth it.

While the 1.8t is one of the best in it's class, the six cylinder lags behind most of it competition.

Thats a lot of dough for 20 supposed horsepower. Especially when you consider that for $500 you can chip the 1.8 to the tune of 200+ hp!

Where did you end up finding the deal?

im_brentwood

Very agressive price on the GLS.

However, have you driven a 1.8T Manual? You may be surprised. IMHO, A GLS 4cyl is a better deal.

If you want the V6, shoot for the GLX, Get the wood and the climatronic..etc.. That's the real advantage.

Failing that, the 4 really is a better value. But, again, get what you LIKE and WANT

Bill

spellbound

I agree the 1.8T is a better value. It's also one of Wards 10 best engines and can be tuned for plenty more power.

However the V6 while perhaps is not state of the art as far as new engines go is not a bad engine. It's been used (borrowed) from Audi A4 & A6 models and is tuned well for everyday driving.(decent mid range torque) While the 1.8T has a number of advantages (inexpensive, good power & milage)the V6 is quieter, smoother and has more torque off the line (no turbo lag). In addition, my limited research when purchasing my car lead me to believe that the V6 models retained most of their price premium in resale value. I also had worries (not based on any factual info, just my feelings) about the longevity and potential problems of the turbo engine after getting a lot of duty driving in CA traffic in the summer (heat). I tend to keep my vehicles a long time. And last, I feel the V6 sort of transforms the Passat into feeling like a more upscale car.

Either engine is a good choice, it all depends on your preferences and budget.

Also for what it's worth you do get the wood with the V6 on a GLS. The GLX adds memory power seats, climatronic, auto dimming mirrors and 16" "Road America" wheels.

merckx

The 6 is a little pricey,true,but what was the deal breaker for me was all the interior wood that comes with the 6.Of course,many people love wood-look at the Lexus LS430.But in a modern design like the Passat it seemed too retro.But the engine itself truly transforms the car.Not so much in pure speed;it is far quieter and smooth.I got the turbo 5spd. last month,and I don't regret it a bit.But if you actually like the wood,I would consider the 6.It does transform the car.

jpvwaudi

All 2002 VW's will recieve the 4/50 b to b warranty, with free service that up until now has only come on the Audi!!!! My job just got a little easier.

mlc_mi

I picked up my reflex silver GLX 4motion with tiptronic last week. I officially paid $567 over invoice. But I also traded in an old Toyota Corrolla, so I know the dealer should make some money off of my old car. For my trade-in, they gave me $200 under the Edmunds TMV for my old car in "average" condition. The engine on the Toyota never gave my one bit of trouble, and I got new tires last fall. But given that it did have quite a few dings and scratches, the horn wasn't working, and there was something funny going on with the AM radio, that was probably a fair price.

rgreenfield1

I wanted to thank everyone for their input. I'm all set to pull the trigger and make my deal.

I did want to offer two comments. First, let's not be so competitive amoungst buyers. Do you have a Passat in the garage? Are you happy with the car? Do you like the color? If so, then you got a good deal. Are there people who may have paid $10.00 less, maybe. Who cares. If you like the car and are happy then it's a good deal. The best comment I received was that the deal was competitive. Hey, that's all I wanted. Just not to be totally abused. Could I search the country for a lower price, maybe but this was the car I wanted and the set up I wanted so as long as the deal was competitive, good enough. So the next person that asks opinions remember, they are not you make them feel good about their decision. Just make sure they are not getting taken advantage of.

Now my next rant is against the dealers. When will the dealers realize that there is an internet. Hello, wake up, it's not 1960 anymore. First, you want my business, then don't have all the salespeople standing in one spot smoking. Three dealerships I pulled up, saw the 7 or 8 salesmen standing smoking and I just turned around. Then the salesman who let's out the smoke as he's walking to me, forget it, my business is already gone.

Next, respond to email. You have email on the your web page, then as a dealer, respond to it. The whole point of email is speed. Responding four days later, you've lost my business.

Finally, now this may seem radical, but it would help if the salespeople had some clue about the product. How many times did I speak with sales staff and ask a simple question, and the response, "well I'm new" or "well we have so many models I'll have to check" WAKE UP!!!! Buyers today are far more knowledgable. If you have internet access and are not researching your new purchase, then you deserve these idiot salespeople. But the fact is, just from reading the posts here, buyers are more in touch with the cars than sales. We buyers are taking the time to know the product, sales staff should do the same. Again, nincompoop salespeople cost several dealers my business.

Well thanks for the rant time. And again, your advise as a group has been very beneficial and I appreciate everyone who took the time to answer my posts.

carguy5000

Rgreenfield-Agreed, most are only looking for a "fair deal".

Cliffy, it seems that those who own 4-cyls are the only ones saying "the 6-cyl is a waste", not the other way around.
In the past, I had both a 4-cyl Camry and a V6 Camry, just as the Passat is, these were two completely different cars. The V6 models are heavier, smoother and much quieter. As far as power...what are you kidding me? The V6 five speed is more than "responsive".

jr1854

Can anyone else besides "jpvwaudi" confirm that the 2002 Passat will increase their warranty to 4yr/50k? Is this just rumor. 1-800-DRIVEVW had no info on the 2002's yet.

I'm trying decide whether to buy a 2001.5 now or wait and buy a 2002 next fall. Some of my dislikes on the 2001.5's were lack of CD player, and only a 2yr/24k warranty. CD players should be standard equipment on the 2002's but I have not heard anything official about the warranty improvements.

With these changes to the 2002's, I'm hoping the base price doesn't jump too much. I'm sure the extra warranty will be reflected in the new price. Its a tough decision whether to buy a 2001.5 Passat now, or wait 6 months and get one with a CD player and a better warranty.

Does anyone know when the 2002's will hit the U.S. markets? Any word on prices or warranty info yet? Please advise.

ffxvw

I heard this the other day about buyers competing on who got what deals.

"Why is it that everybody under-reports how much they spent on their car, but over-reports how much they spent on their house?"

Jason

im_brentwood

Excellent post.

You have the same frustrations with salespeople that I have as a dealer principal. Getting good ones is very tough, and the good ones always seem to gravitate towards selling the luxury imports. Why? The money's there.

I'm with you, If I get a competitive price, I pull the trigger AS LONG as I like the way that I am treated. And you have to take some posts here with a grain of salt. Like the guy who claimed to get a Lexus LS430 for "$800 over invoice" in souther California. Hmm... in SoCal that would really be a $50 over invoice deal if that (LDA in SoCal is 1.5% of MSRP..)

Weird, he never would post where or who he got the car from...

Don't worry, if you got a competitive and reasonable price on the car, enjoy!

That being said, make sure it's the carthatYOU want, and that YOU are going to be happy with, nothing else matters when all is said and done, right?

Oh, jpvwaudi is right on the warranty for 2002. However, don't expect the factory to oficially say anything to consumers yet. They's slaughter their current sales.

Bill

chippervw

Has anyone used it?? I called them last week and they put in contact with "their" dealer in my area. Sam's told me that the dealer would give me "exclusive pricing" only available to Sam's club members, then the dealer would show my his invoice price (which I know what it should be thanks to Edmunds!) and we'd settle on a price as close to invoice as possible. Anyone had experience with this. is there anything I should watch out for? Sounds a little too good to be true. Dealer was very nice on the phone but wouldn't give me the exclusive prices over the phone (according to Sam's policy). I'll let you know how it goes, but any advice would be appreciated! Thanks,
Chippervw

kimmers71

I believe the deal is it's a certain percentage over invoice. It's either 3 or 4% but can't remember for sure. When looking at a Ford Escape, they was some discussion on this Sam's Club discount.

I paid $700 over invoice/a tad over 3% for my Passat but probably could've done better but was happy with the deal and took it.

Don't assume that you'll get the best price just because you're going through Sam's (I assume that's why you're asking about it), try negotiating on your own also.

cc12359

I talked to the LA dealerS for a GLS 1.8 Wagon with all options, out of the door have to be 29300. Not a buck less. I walked away. Should i get anything better? Anyone in LA about wagon got a better deal and where?

venanzik

Has anyone here tried the drivers option as a means of buying their passat? Are there any points to be warned of? is it better than leasing? etc etc..? let me know what you all think? (ps: right now buying is a bit above my budget)

raybear

The wagons are in short supply. I can't tell you if that's a deal or not, what's the price before tax and registration and please be specific with the options.

clscflm

I've made plans to get the 2001.5 at the end of summer to get the best deal possible, but, of course, now with a whiff of the 2002 updates am being tempted... Does anyone out there (vwguild?) know if there is a specific percentage for the increases on new models so I start juggling figures to see if I can manage the 2002? I like the idea of longer warrenty (and that in-dash CD player!). Thanks.