Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

1…106107109111112…162

Comments

  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    Those thing just look plain goofy. It literally looks like a go cart. I put it in the same category of goofiness as a PT Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, Pontiac Aztec, Chevy Avalanche, and Cadillac Escapade (that big SUV thing).

    My next car? Most likely an Accord EX-L, 4 cyl, 5 speed manual, with Navi.

    -Craig
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I drove an Accord EX V6 last weekend for the heck of it. It was too sedate feeling compared to my Jetta, and it was also missing some features (auto up/down front windows, center sunvisor, heated mirrors) that the Jetta has. Also, you have to get the V6 to get traction control, and that's something I really would wanna keep because it's such a benefit in my current car.

    The Mini does look like a go-cart, and I also question its safety due to its minuscule size. I like the PT Cruiser, but I have a phobia with American cars from past experiences. The Aztec is ok, if it didn't drive like a minivan. I like the styling a little, mostly because it's different from pretty much anything on the road.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Uh, folks -- check out the discussion title. We're getting way afield here.

    ;-)
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    First off, I don't know what that means. Second, comparing the Passat to another vehicle I don't think is off topic. Unless you want me to start a new topic for each comparison. Those usually get closed pretty quickly, though.

    -Craig
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    You are welcome to start any comparison topic that you think is appropriate. No, they don't get closed pretty quickly, almost all of them remain open until they auto-archive themselves.

    In the last 15 or so messages, the Passat was mentioned in one (yours at #5512), and VW in two messages. (That's a rough count, but that's what I see at the moment.)

    The point is that this is a discussion focused on one vehicle and most of the conversation should revolve around that vehicle.

    There is nothing wrong with the recent conversation here, you folks are talking about what you like and dislike about all kinds of vehicles. That's fine in any discussion up to a point.

    And we've reached that point - it is time to remember that this is a topical discussion.

    There is a topic in your Owners Club that is perfect for this kind of free-wheeling exchange of ideas. Here is a link: Meet the Members. Any subject goes there. Doesn't even have to be VW related. ;-)

    If you have questions or comments, please email me. This is obviously WAY off-topic and I don't want to continue the interruption.

    Thanks.
  • rainskeirainskei Member Posts: 1
    New GLS V6 FWD on 2-10-03. Great so far but the stereo is anemic on the left (front an rear speakers). Seems like I heard of a problem with wiring (reversed polarity in speaker wires) in this application and wonder if anyone has the scoop on this.
    I guess I should be glad to have a radio vs. coil problem!

    Thanks in advance for any advice.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Your Monsoon radio is probably wired incorrectly. There was a problem with that in the Jettas, don't know if it carried to the Passats or not. Take it back to the dealer, since the car is only 4 days old and get them to fix it for you. Good luck! :)
  • radman12radman12 Member Posts: 15
    Can anyone tell me the factors that lead VW to price the V6 ~$2000 more than the 1.8T? I don't want to be missing something. Is it simply demand or will the V6 outperform/outlast the 1.8T?

    Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
  • mauislickmauislick Member Posts: 107
    I just got a 2003 passat wagon and the monsoon in it seems to be a lot better than in my 2002 wagon. I can barely turn it up past 1/4 with the fade to favoring the back speakers....and it's much clearer ( it seems) In looking back I wonder it the amp was hooked up in the 02 or it ws properly wired....
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    I don't know how VW justifies the large price spread between the 4 and 6cyl. The V6 is quieter, slightly faster, and comes with options not available on the 1.8 four such as power seats, more woodgrain in the interior, etc.
    However, the 1.8 turbo four can be chipped and actually outperform the six, and still get up to 30 mpg on the highway. The 1.8T is also lighter. Personally I prefer the 1.8T for all of the above reasons. If you drive longer road trips the six might have the advantage because it is quieter.
  • frapzoidfrapzoid Member Posts: 127
    True, you could chip the 1.8 but you are running the risk of needing a rebuild much sooner than normal. A good friend of mine is an automotive consultant for some major car companies and weekend racers at Laguna Seca. He advises amateurs to never chip a car unless you are some of the weekend racers with deep pockets who can pay for premature engine failure. First of all you are taking a pressurized air/fuel mixture system into a small four cylinder engine and then taking it way beyond it normal capabilities by adding a chip. I do like the 1.8 engine but I just prefer the V6 when mated to a five speed. The noise of the 1.8 to me is way too loud.
    The order of preference of Passat tranny/engine combination for me are as follows: V6/Stick,1.8/Stick,V6/Tip and the 1.8/Tip combo bringing up the rear. It's all about personal taste. But as far as chipping, I would save my money and get a car that gives you the kind of performance you need right off the showroom floor without adding anything to it.
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    The enemic 2.8 V6 gives you the performance you need right off the showroom floor?

    Honda's new 3.0 V6 with 240hp is lightyears ahead of that old 30v engine.

    Also factor in the handling of the car. The V6 is a boat anchor, weighing down the front end. The 1.8T give the car a more balanced feel and quicker turn-in.

    The items most likely to fail and need replacement is the DV (diverter valve) and clutch. New DV's (all metal contruction) are about $100, and a new clutch (aftermarket) varies. But the performance you get from a chip? Wow.

    The 2.8 V6 is about $2500 more than the 1.8T (both in GLS form). The GLX, which requires the V6, is a lot more money than the GLS, but you also get other options, such as power seats, dimming mirror, Climatronic, etc.

    -Craig
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    I believe that many of the chips are made by VW / Audi for variations of the 1.8, such as Audi's more performance oriented versions. I'm not certain what the risks are with those chips, somebody more knowledgeable may be able to help here.
    I just Iike the performance and balance of the 1.8, and the mileage is a great bonus. Once the 1.8 gets up to highway speed the noise is not a problem. I do wish I had the power memory seats, because it's difficult to set the right combination after my wife has driven the car. I think VW could be losing some sales by not offering memory power seats with the 1.8.
  • big_guybig_guy Member Posts: 372
    Audi uses the 1.8T in the TT Roadster with a different chip. It produces 225 HP and is still covered under the full factory warranty. I have read of people getting up to 400 HP out of a 1.8T engine but I would never even consider going that high. The 225 HP number sounds good to me.

    Now if they would only offer the Passat w/ the 1.8T, 5 sp manual tranny, 225 HP chip, upgraded suspension, and 4Motion system . . . that would be sweet!
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Whoa - how could you want all of that without the 6-spead manual. ; ^ ) Why settle for the 5-speed.
  • frapzoidfrapzoid Member Posts: 127
    outrun... did I say that I bought a Passat for performance? I have a BMW for that kind of driving. Handling? Again, my BMW has much better handling and balance than your Passat. I actually wanted to like the 1.8 better than the V6. But the noise issue was too much for me to deal with. I'm not going to bring up again what my friend said about chipping. Do what you want. The Passat is a family car not a race car. If you want performance why did you buy a Passat? Cars like BMW and Porsche come to mind... Passat owners let's stop arguing among ourselves. That's what Subaru drivers are for LOL!!
  • big_guybig_guy Member Posts: 372
    Your right, the 6 spd manual would be the better choice. ;)

    Isn't VW offering the Passat W8 with the upgraded suspension, 4-Motion and 6-speed manual tranny right now? Just pull that heavy W8 out of the engine bay and drop in a 1.8T w/ 225 HP and my ride is born!

    Frapzoid: Not everyone has enough cash to buy a performance oriented BMW or Porsche. The base Passat w/ 1.8T and 5-spd tranny provides a nice handling sedan with satisfying performance for less than $23k and it gives you a much nicer interior than similarly priced sedans from Japan. Just my $.02
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I was about to have one put in my Jetta 1.8T, but I gotta wait until the ignition coils are all replaced. VW finds chip in there, and they think a problem you have is linked to that chip, you're screwed. Kiss that engine warranty goodbye. The same with any modification (suspension, engine, wheels, etc).

    The Passat 1.8T would pull about 220hp and 260lb/ft of torque when chipped.
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    I test drove the Passat GLX several months ago as part of my car shopping process. I like its built and ergonomics, particularly the German engineering. But I was surprised to learn that, after reading the reviews in epionion posted by many VW owners, including Passat owners, that the VWs have serious problems with coils and other electrical glitches. My brother-in-law recently purchased a Jetta, but I have not heard him complaining. Have the problems been solved?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    The coil problem was in the 1.8T engine in the Passat, and VW is working (albeit late, as usual) to correct it. I don't know about electrical problems, never heard of those in Passats.
  • blaktsblakts Member Posts: 2
    I have happily owned a 2000 Passat GLX. Recently I have been told that the end caps on the tie rods are worn and need to be replaced. About a $400 job at the dealer. Other mechanics, one specializing in foreign cars tells me that with 49K miles, that these have worn too much and should be a warranty item. VW disagrees. Anyone else having a similar problem?
  • mauislickmauislick Member Posts: 107
    go to "maintanence and repairs" on this board to sooth your concerns about all the highly relaiable cars out there..there isn't a brand NOT mentioned there......
    the early passat had their share of problems but it seems the later models have their share of problems also.....if your worried about problems maybe a car isn't for you......
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    Blakts, you might check this thread on Club 5

    http://clubb5.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=29257
  • mauislickmauislick Member Posts: 107
    hey no promoting "other auto websites" here at emdund.com i've been warned about that!
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    Thanks for the info on the recall. This was never announced here in the Vegas area to my knowledge. I had a repair last year (covered by the warranty -$50 deductible) for an unexplained engine light problem. If I would have paid out of pocket, it would have cost $500.

    I called the dealer this morning and they said that they can't start repairs until mid March because they don't have the parts yet. I have noticed a slight hesitation on acceleration, and it's usually at a really bad time. Like when you are trying to beat traffic on a right on red. So far I've been lucky. Thanks again for the info.

    thebug...
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    Like big_guy said, not everyone has enough room in their garage/budget to buy a Passat, a car for the wife, and a BMW/Porsche. We're limited to two cars. First is the "family transport", which in our case is an '01 RX300 AWD w/Navi. Suits the wife perfectly, and totes around our two kids with ease.

    Next is a "commuter" car for myself. One that is safe, very good on gas, "performance oriented" (ie somewhat fun to drive), somewhat luxurious, and can haul the kids if need be. At the time (in April 2002), the cars on my list were the Passat GLS and Subaru WRX Wagon. While the WRX was a blast to drive, the interior was cheap looking, the doors felt "tinny", there was no sunroof option, and the back seat was small. That left the Passat. If I looked now, I'd strongly consider the '03 Accord EX-L (4 cyl, 5 speed) with Navi.

    I find the stock 1.8T fine (for now). But as always, we get "used to" the power of a car, and eventually it "feels" slow. Why else would someone try to modify a WRX? Yet lots of people are doing it. Same applies to the Passat. The V6 can't be modified without spending a fortune on a supercharger (chips do nearly nothing to it). Yet for as low as $300, one can chip a 1.8T and get well beyond V6 performance and maintain great gas mileage, albeit at the risk of a few engine parts failing. But thats part of the mod game.

    -Craig
  • hlb1hlb1 Member Posts: 3
    I am very close to buying a new Passat. I have found a GLS 1.8T 5-speed with everything I want except ESP. The dealers tell me there are no GLS 5-speeds in my state (Washington) with all the options I want (leather, Monsoon, Homelink and ESP) in the colors I want (Silverstone Gray or Blue Indigo). However, if I'm willing to forego the ESP, I can get everything else I want.

    I've been told that dealers often don't order ESP for the 5-speeds?

    What do you all think? Is ESP superfluous on a 5-speed?

    Although it would be fun to get the car now, my current car runs fine, so I could easily wait a few months to see if a "pefect" car makes its way up to the Pacific Northwest.

    Thanks for your opinions.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    What a load...Whether it is a 5 Speed or Tiptronic has absolutely NOTHING to do with the functions of the Electronic Stabilization Program.

    ESP is a Safety feature that provides *Yaw* control in a very aggressive, emergency avoidance situation. It is a Bosch product that works with the Bosch ABS System.

    You have just encountered Sales BS from people that cannot, or will not, get you the car that you want...
  • buckhill2buckhill2 Member Posts: 2
    I agree, you got some BS. The model, down to color (minus homelink) is what I had to order. In the NorthEast there was only 1 GLS Indigo 5spd, ESP, Leather, Monsoon. They ordered it - 90-120 day wait time.

    Here in Central NY (Syracuse) the dealer is more surprised that VW doesn't make ESP standard for the price/value on snowy/icy roads.

    Don't compromise on what you want, the dealer want to SELL you something, that's his job.
  • blaktsblakts Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the link BJ, it appears I'm not alone and that the fix instituted by VW from the 98 & 99 models isn't very effective. I was looking to see if this is a wide spread problem, but I'm not really seeing a quantity of complaints.
  • hlb1hlb1 Member Posts: 3
    After hanging around this board for almost a year, I finally bought me a Passat this weekend. It's a GLS 1.8T, Silverstone Gray/Black, with leather, Monsoon, and Homelink. Great deal, great salesperson, great experience overall. Can't wait for my first road trip.

    Thanks to everyone who contributes to this board -- especially vwguild. The information I learned here over the past many months really helped me feel knowledgeable and confident when if finally came time to buy.

    Two questions: First, I think I've read on this board that the steering wheel radio controls can be reprogrammed to scroll through the preset stations, rather than stopping at each station on the dial. Is this true? Has anybody made this change?

    Second -- and I know this one has been discussed ad nauseum in the past: A lot of people on this board insist on using premium fuel, but my salesperson assured me that regular grade fuel is fine. Could someone please remind me of the benefits (if any) of using premium fuel on a regular basis?

    Thanks again for all the great info here.
  • mbabmbab Member Posts: 5
    This is in reference to msg. #5377 by mvcjones.
    I just joined this msg. board. Bought my 2003 Passat GLS 1.8T Tip on 02Jan03. I have been experiencing the clunk in the brake pedal at start also. I was bothered at first but was told that this is not a problem. It is annoying but I have learned to live with it.
  • mbabmbab Member Posts: 5
    Has anyone experienced a brief whistle from the engine (2003 Passat GLS 1.8T Tip) during "fast" acceleration (like when merging with fast traffic on HWY)? I don't hear it during normal (slower) acceleration. Does my car need repair?

    Also, when the engine is cold, there is a loss of power for the first 1/2 to 1 mile. As soon as the engine is warmed up the power seems to come back. Is it normal for this car? I never experienced this in my Camry.

    This discussion group is great. Tons of info.

    Thanks.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    First, congrats!

    I have a Jetta with the steering wheel radio controls, and am not aware that they can be reprogrammed. If you find anything, let me know. I would love that feature on my car!

    I use 89 octane in my Jetta, and it's a 1.8T (basically the same engine you have). You can use a lower octane than regular, and the knock sensor in the engine will compenate the timing and stuff. It is recommended, however, that you use premium 'for best performance', according to my Jetta's manual. I wouldn't use regular though. I tried that, and fuel economy was noticeably lower than with 89 or 93 octane.
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    the clunk is just an ABS self check....Toyota does this also now.

    The whistle...it's most likely the sweet whistle of the turbo.
  • altair4altair4 Member Posts: 1,469
    Read entry #7 here:

    altair4 "Why premium gas for Passat?" Dec 3, 2002 2:06pm

    The price saving is offset by the reduction in economy and performance.
  • stevehollysteveholly Member Posts: 26
    Hi folks!
    I usually do my own basic maintenance and tried to do an oil change this weekend.
    The problem, however, was that I couldn't find 5W40 oil (as my 2003 owners manual says) at both auto parts places I went to...
    Any thoughts? Is 5W40 the new Holy Grail??

    Steve (2003 GLS, indigo, manual)
  • mbabmbab Member Posts: 5
    hlb1, Congrats! Did you buy the 5M or Tip? Let me know if you experience loss of power after cold start (initial 1/2 - 1 mile).

    I did not read the whole manual, but if the wheel could be reprogrammed I would love that feature too. I will try to find out. But if you find out first let us know.

    I use premium gas just to be safe, and it's recommended too (u know that). I would not give a damn to what a sales person says. Call up service at your dealership.
  • leifleif Member Posts: 41
    Valvoline makes a synthetic 5w-40, and the manual says to use only that weight oil.
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    Actually the manual says 5w30 is acceptable if 5w40 is not available.

    In addition to Valvoline SynPower 5w40....you can try the diesel oils (which are API SJ certified):

    Shell Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 (available at Wal-Mart)

    Mobil Delvac 1 5w40 (much harder to find)
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    Another can of worms has opened.

    It is NOT recommended to use diesel oils in gasoline engines. I won't explain fully why as it's beyond what I can remember and I really don't care. There's a topic dedicated to this someplace on here.

    And the 2003 manual does state that 5w-40 is the only oil to use, and it's ok to only top off with 5w-30 if 5w-40 is not available. The 2002 manual is different.

    -Craig
  • altair4altair4 Member Posts: 1,469
    Actually, it depends on the model year as to what the manual says regarding 5w-30. The 2003 manual is pretty explicit that 5w-30 is only adequate for topping off (in the 1.8T engine). Previous years apparently have said that 5w-30 is okay to use under certain conditions.

    Others report, on other automotive websites (which can't be mentioned by name here unless you want to get a nasty-gram from the monitors), that direct contact with VWoA have resulted in phone conversations indicating that 5w-30 is perfectly okay to use. BUT IT DOESN'T SAY IT IN THE 2003 MANUAL.
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    tlw3 "Diesel oil" Jun 25, 2000 2:33am

    Even it it has the API SJ certification, as well as meeting CF, CG, CG-4, and CH-4...don't use it? A lot of our oils meet both SJ and CF criterias. The Castrol Syntec 5w40 oil at the dealership is a API SJ/CF certified oil.
  • gatorsnapgatorsnap Member Posts: 56
    My dealer offered the Castrol Syntec 5w40 and stated that that is also what they put in the diesels. I decided to go with the 5w30 Mobil One synthetic for my V6. I would imagine that the heavier weight oil would be good for high temps and high RPMs to keep the pressure up. I have heard that I can special order the 5w40 Mobil One, but haven't checked into that yet.

        For you guys that have a clunk when you start on the brake pedal - I have noticed that I occasionally have a clunk that I feel through my clutch pedal when I start. I also have noticed a slight power loss upon cold start, especially when it is pretty cold (-20F) out. It only seems to last until I have driven about a block down the street. Probably would not have noticed it all, but it is uphill.

    Gator
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Like I said, my Jetta has the wheel controls. I have perused the manual front to back, and saw nothing about being able to change the wheel controls. Perhaps with VAG-COM...
  • chazm9chazm9 Member Posts: 1
    I've read and been told conflicting things regarding the need/recommendation for running Premium Fuel in the Passat. We just bought, but have yet to recieve a 2003 Passat GLS 2.8L V6 Automatic, Luxury, Cold, Leather, Monsoon, ESP.
    We'll be having the car delivered soon and can't wait, but I wanted to hear experienced Passat owners opinions on this subject.

    Consumer Reports listed Premium Fuel as a requirement, but didn't specify 1.8T or 2.8L v6 or both.

    One dealer stated that noone he knows runs Premium in their V6, but aluded to his apparent belief that it would be more necessary to run in a harder working engine (1.8T)?

    Another dealer's web site stated that they suggest running premium unleaded in the V6.
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    I think your answer is here:
    http://clubb5.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=24482

    -Craig
  • bgazdzinskibgazdzinski Member Posts: 13
    In both the 1.8T and the V6, you CAN use regular
    fuel, the knock sensors will pick up the knock and retard the ignition timing.
    Retarded timing means lower power, and lower MPG,
    but its safe to do so.
    I would guess you loose 10 or 20 HP, 20 when its hot out. hot intake air tends to promote knock,
    worst in the summer with the ac on, stuck in traffic...you may notice a BIG difference in performance then. Its likely you can run mid grade gas in the winter without serious reductions in power, as the motor may not knock
    with cold intake air.
    You cant HEAR the knock that the sensors are looking for, they operate before you hear
    and serious knocking.

    Brett
    2003 GLX
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    So you can change the functionality of the wheel controls IF you change the head unit, basically? That's what I got from that ClubB5 link anyway...
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    You also have to buy that "intermediate" control box that will translate the steering wheel signals to IR for the new headunit.

    It's not really changing the functionality of the buttons themselves. You're adding a piece of hardware that will translate them differently.

    It's not a cheap solution.

    -Craig
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.