Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

vocus

I will just continue reaching for the preset buttons, that's free.

outrun

I'm probably in the minority, but I like the way the buttons work. My former Acura 3.2TL had the buttons go through the presets and I wanted them to just scan forward and back. Now they do.

Hitting the preset buttons is easy enough. Scanning while driving is harder, which is why I like it on the steering wheel.

But I do agree that this should be a programmable feature. Why else did VW tie in the radio into the "communications channel" so that dealerships refuse to use their VAGCOM with an aftermarket radio.

-Craig

heymista

In comparing the Passat to the Camry and Accord, I noticed that the 4cyl 1.8t is not nearly as quick from the start (0-15 mph). Is it more responsive after break-in? The salesman says the "turbo lag" wears off over time, and the car will be quicker after break-in. Is that true or salesmanspeak?

outrun

A car is usually quicker after breakin, but I don't really think you're going to feel anything in the 0-15 mph zone with an auto, unless you chip your 1.8T. With the manual, revving to 2k or so (where max torque is) is easy, and launching can easily result in wheel spin.

If you want more info about chipping, go see the folks at clubb5.com.

As a summary, it raises the level of boost from the turbo, resulting in sigificant power increases (210hp, 245ft/lb torque). This is more power than my old '89 Firebird Formula with a 5.0 TPI V8 engine.

-Craig

rbkr

Just bought a new candy white Passat GLS 1.8T w/ black leather, tiptronic, monsoon, ESP, cold weather pkg, & homelink (all available options) from Rodney Sailors at Paramount VW in Hickory NC. I had made an inquiry about a vehicle shown in their online inventory, wasn't the color we wanted so they got it for me from a dealer in GA at no extra charge. Very knowledgeable and friendly, went all out to make the deal work. They also include a customer appreciation pkg they can tell you about. Seemed motivated to make a reasonable sale (they got the $500 from VW since I financed through VW credit at 1.9%). Out the door at invoice $24706 (which included their processing fees) + tax. Only bad, forgot to send temp tag but they overnighted to us along w/ the monster mats I ordered and a car care kit that they gave me. Beautiful car, hope to have many happy miles with it.

Note- originally posted on Passat Pricing board, updated in this post.

gatorsnap

For chazm9 : I have run both mid grade and premium in my GLX. My salesman gave me the same song and dance about using regular but I broke it in with premium and then occasionally run mid grade in the winter. I am sure that bgazdzinski (brett) is correct in saying that if you run lower grade fuel, do so in the winter and it is less noticable.
    Lower grade fuel will affect your gas mileage. I am certain that the effect of running regular is not worth the price difference.
    By the way - your car sounds really nice, but I am curious why you didn't get a GLX if you got the V6 & leather ??

    Gator

bronsonb

I noticed the recent discussions about oil and was a tad concerned. I have changed the oil in my wife's 99 V6 Passat sedan twice. According to the manual, a variety of oils are acceptable. 10W30 (or was it 10W40) can be used provided it's marked "energy conserving" or something like that (I don't have the manual in front of me, so I am working from memory here). Is the 5W40 for the 1.8T only?

Believe it or not, we also have a 2003 Passat GLS wagon with the 1.8T. It's only had one oil change, which we had the dealer do since there were several minor warranty items to take care of. And even though I have read most of the manual, I did not read the section about which oils to use. I am assuming that the different engines use different weights of oil. I just want to make sure I did not misread the manual for my wife's V6 when I used the 10W30 energy conserving oil in the last two oil changes. Thanks for your help!

koolkuts99

I have read some articles about the ignition coil failures for all VW 1.8T turbo. Is anyone experiencing the same problem with 2.8liter V6 passat??

bjbird2

koolkuts99

Go to one of the forums specifically for coilpacks, such as "VW Ignition Coil Problems?"

They have all the information you need (and probably more) on coilpacks.

vocus

Only the 1.8T and W8 engines are affected, not the V6.

outrun

Some VR6 engines are too..

-Craig

gatorsnap

I do not know how accurate this is, but I had a service manager on the phone and I mentioned the "recall" on the coil packs and she was very adamant there is no recall. She said that everyone that could be affected was to recieve a letter from VW stating that if the coilpacks went out they would be replaced even if the car was no longer under warranty. The way she made it sound, no letter, no worries. The other thing she said was they were not changing them unless there was a check engine light. I did ask her directly if my '02 (90 deg) V6 was on the list, and the answer was no. I asked her if my engine had coil packs, the answer was yes, then I asked why they put the same packs on all the other engines and not mine - she couldn't answer that one.

     I'm not griping

Gator

mara2

My new 2003 passat makes a Wheezing or whistling noise while accelerating. Has this happened to anyone?

outrun

If you're referring to the 2.8 V6, then she's right - there is no "recall" on those.

-Craig

outrun

If you have the 1.8T (4 cyl) engine, it's called a "turbo". It's a little device that jams a lot more air into the engine to create more power. It spins at very high rates, resulting in a slight whistling sound when accelerating.

-Craig

dudleyr

It is the opposite of a wheeze. A wheeze is starving for air, while a turbo is putting extra air into the engine for better combustion.

bv73ms3

Anyone interested in my car for sale? Great condition, 53K miles. I need to sell it for $14,500 to pay off the lease. Email me at bvmd73@aol.com for details.

thanks

gatorsnap

(If you have the V6) My V6 has a very low whine also - not nearly as loud as a turbo. I originally thought it was coming from the transmission, but it is definitely the engine. Can't hear it unless the radio is off.

      Gator

mbab

I posted the same question earlier. Someone guessed it was the "sweet sound of the turbo..". I kinda suspected that myself but wanted to confirm. Your posting confirms it. My dealer serviceman guessed it also but did say that it's normal (surprising). He wanted to take a look at it. May be he is new and not that well informed. I did not want to take it to service without being sure it was really a problem. Looks like I will not now. If you know more, let me know

cdtower

During this winter, I noticed what I THOUGHT was an issue with the airflow distribution switch. When the switch is turned to the 'split' level position, heat only comes out of the Dash vents. However, according to the symbol on the switch and the VW owner's manual, air is supposed to come out of the dash vents AND the floor vents. So, I took the car to the dealer requesting a repair. Here is the repair summary, "WHEN HEATER CONTROL SETTING IS ON DASH/FLOOR NO HEAT WILL COME OUT ON FLOOR. REMOVED RADIO AND HEATER CONTROL TRIM. FOUND CONTROL CABLE AND TAB ON CONTROL FLAP BROKEN. REMOVED DASH. DRAINED COOLANT AND EVACUATED A/C SYSTEM. REMOVED CENTER CONSOLE, REMOVED FRAMING THAT SECURES FRESH AIR/HEATER BOX. REMOVED HEATER BOX. SWITCHED HEATER CORE, BLOWER RESIST AND ELECTRIC FLAP MOTOR FROM OLD BOX TO NEW BOX REINSTALLED HEATER BOX. REINSTALLED FRAMING. REINSTALLED DASH AND DASH ACCESSORIES. FILLED COOLANT AND CHARGED A/C SYSTEM. TESTED HEATER CONTROLS FOR PROPER OPERATION. WHEN CONTROLS ARE ON HEAT, VERY LITTLE AIR COMES OUT FLOOR VENTS. WHEN SWITCHED TO COLD OR A/C SETTING THE AIR IS EQUALLY DISTRIBUTED BETWEEN DASH VENT AND FLOOR VENT." Well, when I got a call 5 DAYS LATER that my car was ready, I returned to the dealer to pick it up. Upon reading the summary and testing the air flow in the car, I noticed that nothing had changed. At this point, I was pretty upset. So, I asked the service manager to go get an '03 Passat so that we could test it for air flow. To my surprise and his, the air flow in the '03 Passat was just like mine (i.e. little to NO air flow from the floor vents when the switch is in the split position). However, if the A/C is turned on, then air flows equally when the switch is in the split position. After all this, I am left feeling that my dealer basically just experimented with my car. Has anyone else noticed this? Has this happened to anyone else? Is this a VW design flaw? Your thoughts, please...???

outrun

Went to the dealership for my 15k service. I asked them about the coilpacks, and here's what I got from them:

An official recall is going to be announced in the next month or two (he said by end of April). They will replace coilpacks in all affected vehicles with the "J" series packs. I asked him if another version is being made to replace the J's - he said "not that I know of".

So there you have it. Yet another story.

BTW. My manual shift knob is starting to peel and it rough at the front. I asked if they could warranty the item even though I'm passed 12k. He said that the knob is covered under the 4/50 warranty. Just incase any of you also have the same problem I am...

-Craig

vocus

So they're recalling the "J" series coils as well???

altair4

No, he said they will be replacing the coilpacks in affected cars WITH the J series coil.

vocus

Sorry, I must still be asleep...

outrun

Not necessarily pertaining to the Passat, but good info none the less.

I received this email:

-----------------------------------------
We CAN buy gasoline that's not from Middle East. Why didn't George W. think of this? Gas rationing in the 80's worked even though we grumbled about it. It might even be good for us! The Saudis are boycotting American goods. We should return the favor. An interesting thought is to boycott their GAS. Every time you fill up the car, you can avoid putting more money into the coffers of Saudi Arabia. Just buy from gas companies that don't import their oil from the Saudis. Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling that every time I fill-up the tank, I am sending my money to people who are trying to kill me, my family, and my friends. I thought it might be interesting for you to know which oil companies are the best to buy gas from and which major companies import Middle Eastern oil.

DON'T BUY GAS FROM THESE GAS STATIONS:

Shell......................205,742,000 barrels
Chevron/Texaco.............144,332,000 barrels
Exxon /Mobil...............130,082,000 barrels
Marathon/Speedway..........117,740,000 barrels
Amoco.......................62,231,000 barrels

Here are some large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil:

DO BUY GAS FROM THESE GAS STATIONS:
Citgo....................0 barrels
Sunoco...................0 barrels
Conoco...................0 barrels
Sinclair.................0 barrels
BP/Phillips..............0 barrels
Hess.....................0 barrels

All of this information is available from the Department of Energy and each is required to state where they get their oil and how much they are importing. They report on a monthly basis. Keep this list in your car; share it with friends. Stop paying for terrorism.
---------------------------------

Neat, huh?

-Craig

altair4

Here in Western PA, BP gas stations sell Amoco gas!

What about Union 76?

vocus

Aren't Amoco and BP the same company now?

outrun

This was an email I got from a friend. I don't know the source nor the validity of the information. Just thought it was interesting.

Heck, I've never heard of Marathon/Speedway, Conoco, or Sinclair before.

http://www.amoco.com brings up the BP homepage, so I'd assume you're correct.

I'm guessing it's the same as Exxon/Mobil. There are Exxon stations, and there are Mobil stations, but it's the same company.

Unfortunately, my home and work are surrounded by Mobil stations, I like my SpeedPass, and I haven't blown a coilpack yet using Mobil gas. (knock on wood)

-Craig

altair4

Marathon is Ohio based. Conoco, I think we used to see them, but I think they pulled from our market. Sinclair (with the green dinosaur!), isn't that a midwest marketer?

vocus

Never heard of Conoco or Sinclair. I have lived on the East coast all my life though. We used to have 76 here in MD, but they all moved down South.

altair4

They're big here in Western PA. They actually took over all the Amoco stations a few years ago. So for awhile, we had no Amoco (and they were a fairly large marketer here). Then BP changed all of their pumps here to show Amoco gasoline (such as Amoco Ultimate for the premium grade) quite recently. Ah, a few more mergers and the pump will read Amoco/BP/Mobil/Exxon/Shell.

mitdagessen

You are not doing anything buying your gas at certain stations. If you want to help reduce our reliance on foreign oil (a noble cause), use less gas. Get an efficient vehicle, take the bus, ride your bike.

I know in Minneapolis, most of these stations get their gas from the same refinery.

dudleyr

Every gas station where I live buys from the same distributor, so it is all the same gas. Just using less fuel in general is the best revenge.

babyb

Here in MN Amoco/BP is prevelant. The days of Sinclair are getting less, only 2 in a 20 mile radius. Marathon just started putting up stations within the past 2 years, and the only Conocos left are around downtown Minneapolis. Knowing that most gas is similar, case in point (I do realize that this is related to Harley Davidson Motorcycles). In a motorcycle magazine, and it has been talked a little bit about around motorcycle rallies that Amoco/BP Silver (highest grade available) is the best as compared to other brands. Don't really remember why, but ever since I have known that, I only by Amoco/BP gas for my Honda Accord (soon to be VW Passat)!

pat

Just google that thing about the gas and you will see we are dealing with yet another urban legend. Don't we all know to check out rumors like that before swallowing them hook, line and sinker?

Besides, we are not a political message board and this kind of stuff doesn't belong here, even IF it is true. There are zillions of sites all over the web where we can talk about these kinds of things, but the Town Hall is not one of them.

There is a Volkswagen Owners Club discussion "Meet the Members" (accessible through the link at the top of this discussion) where chit chat, day to day thoughts, and that sort of thing are most welcome and quite appropriate.

Feel free to take off-topic chit chat there. That's exactly what it is meant for.

Thanks.

Pat, Host

4petite

You meant Passat not Jetta

pat

confusion and very long day.

Yes, thanks PASSAT is exactly what I meant and I edited my message.

Sheesh. Thanks for the assist!

:-)

outrun

So I can still buy Mobil gas with a smile?

Cool.

-Craig

vocus

I usually get either the cheapest fuel (in price) or the closest station. Sometimes I'm lucky, and it's both.

lee0001

Hello Passat Owners. I am just about to consider acquiring a new Audi A4 1.8T AWD. But, I'm beginning to feel that I didn't due my due diligence by not considering the Passat GLX. I was able to negotiate a good deal on the Audi, but I feel for a comparable price, I could get the VW. As I compare them side by side, it seems that the VW has more features than a comparable priced Audi. Can anyone tell me if the handling/ride is any different between them? Should I cancel my audi deal and work on a VW deal? tia, Lee

altair4

Audi certainly has more cachet than the VW. Are you status driven or frugal? Driving and feature comparison should be telling you what to get. Does Audi still have the free maintenance service? That's worth something and should be in your equation. I think the VW has more room, but I haven't seen the new Audi up close. Good luck!

vocus

I believe the Passat's rear seat is larger than the A4's. Also, I know for a fact that the A4's center console design intrudes a little on driver leg room for the tall (it did for me, and I am 6'3). Audi does have 4 year/50K free maintenance, VW does not.

afjag

I too was "sold" on the Audi 1.8t Quattro when a friend suggested I drive the Passat GLX with the 4Motion. I bought the Passat. The Audi dealer was in shock, but I just liked the Passat better. Lots more room and I found the VW's ride better. But that's me.

The price is going to be comparable. I got my VW for invoice and got the 6 CD changer thrown in too. My advice is drive the VW. I'm not sure you can make a bad decision on this one.

gee11

OK: here is the deal. Tested an 01 AudiQ this aft (w/44K on it) and am also looking at an 02Passat1.8T. I am a little scared of the Passat warranty left over as the Audi is also considered "assured" whatever that means. I've been an SUV owner my entire life and this is my first car experience. I live in Calgary where there is a certain amount of snow.... I am sure people have done this before but does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions????

gatorsnap

If you compare the specs on the Quattro A4 and the front wheel drive Passat, you will find that the Gas tank on the A4 is bigger and the trunk(aka Boot) is smaller. I believe that some reason for the smaller trunk on the Audi is due to the 4WD. The back seat is definitely bigger in the Passat.
    In the snow and ice, my Front Wheel Drive GLX is very good. I can say that (in my opinion) good in snow and ice has alot to do with percent of weight that is on the drive wheels, and good tires.
    The main factor in my decision to go front wheel or 4WD is how many and how steep the hills are where you live. If it is pretty flat I would go front wheel. It makes the car lighter and more nimble in my opinion, and you get better fuel efficiency.

    Gator

vocus

The trunk is smaller on the 4Motion Passat as well, so is the gas tank.

outrun

The increased price of the Audi includes the "prepayment" of maintenance.

And doesn't Audi have something like 7,500 or 10,000 miles between oil changes?

So figure about $1,000 tops for maintenance.

The decisions is if you want AWD with a 5 speed manual, or a sportier ride, or more room, etc. There is no "better" vehicle. It's all down to what you like/afford/need.

-Craig

vocus

I think it's 10K for Audi's V6, but the Passat V6 has the same, doesn't it? The 1.8T in the Audi would probably be 5K just like in the VW.

Yeah, I forgot you gotta get the V6 and automatic with the AWD on the Passat, but not so on the A4. Also, I have seen W8 Passats advertised for $33K, something to think about when looking at the just as costly A4, You could have a V8...

hoodornament

A dealer made my friend an offer of $31k out the door for a W8 , tax excluded. So youre not kiddin about the drop in prices

vocus

I know, I have seen 3 different dealers really knoncking down the prices of the W8s. If they had been $35K instead of $38K in the first place, VW would have had something. A car that's larger than the A4 and with AWD and V8 power too? Definitely would choose the W8 Passat over the A4.