Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

gadams1515

I saw in Motor Trend that VW is coming out with the Passat TDI this fall. Has anyone heard this from somewhere else? This would be great news if true.

vwguild

is coming to all but Calif. & NE...130HP with available Leatherette...Build week #45 2003...Tiptronic only.

Also same Build week...1.8T/4 Motion with Tip or Six Speed...

gadams1515

Tiptronic? That brings up some interesting questions.

Will the tip suffer from the same shorter timing belt maintenance schedule that autos in Golf and Jetta have now?

What will the mpg be? The whole reason for having a manual in the TDI is maximize mpg.

I have wanted a Passat TDI for years, but auto only makes me wonder why.

The 1.8 4motion sounds interesting.

dudleyr

I agree. A manual tranny TDI Passat wagon would be a dream car to me (especially with leatherette - finally), but I would not even consider the automatic version. More expensive, less fun, less performance, and significantly worse fuel mileage. Why bother?

Will we get whole package (maximum space along with maximum performance with the manual) for 2005?

bjbird2

I've read that VW will be introducing a new generation Passat in 2005. Does anyone know if the talk about the 2005 being introduced in the fall of 2004 are true?

vocus

The new interval for 02+ Golf and Jetta TDI timing belt replacements is 80K, just like the stick shift models.

vocus

1.8T 4-motion? The 1.8 is too slow for all that additional weight, but think of how it would smear the A4 1.8T Quattro in price...

Another question: Since the 1.8 is shared with the Golf/Jetta/NB, do you see VW offering 4Motion on those models any time soon? I know the Jetta and Golf offer 4Motion in other markets. Just wondering...

Thanks for the info!

vwguild

1.8T A4 Quattro around for a long time...maybe
they are thinking 225 HP like the Quattro TT...also a 1.8

Check out the R32 at the Vortex...

lovetosavegas

I wish they'd add a 6-speed manual tranny in Passat instead of tiptronic. Would fit perfectly with 1.8T

vocus

I would LOVE an R32, or at least its in-dash nav system, to be available here.

deerlake7

Boy, you're getting lots of questions, including one from me. Is the 4Motion available on any models other than the GLX?

rrwms

I have driven the German versions of the Passat TDI -130HP & the slower 115 HP version - with 5 spd in Germany. The 130 version is really a fast machine. I have a 1.8T 5spd here at home and was amazed at the power of the diesels. I really couldn't tell which one was faster. One thing for sure, the TDI had plenty of low end torque. Top end is a little lower though on the 110 version- I could only make around 170 Km/hr with it.

vocus

Since they are making the 4Motion available with the 1.8T, one would assume they will make that model a GLS.

What VW should do is offer some of the GLX stuff as optional on the GLS. Like an 'Electronics Pkg.' perhaps, with the climate control, automatic mirror, power driver's seat, and trip computer. Like the 'Technology Pkg.' in the GLX VR6 GTI...

whcatto

I got my 2003 Passat GLX one week ago. Today I washed it for the first time and notice water in the glove compartment, passenger floor and rear passenger floor. Anyone have any suggestion? The windows were up and the sun roof was closed.

Thanks

dudleyr

I have a quick question. I know you have said that the Passat diesel this fall will not have the manual tranny on the wagon. Will a manual tranny be available on the sedan?

The reason I ask, is that for EPA purposes any two cars from the same manufacturer with the same engine and tranny that weigh within 500 lbs of each other may use the same EPA results. Therefore if the sedan has a manual tranny they would not have to do a seperate EPA test for the wagon, so there would be no extra expense to certify the manual wagon.

Of course if there is no manual sedan this is a moot point - unless they put the 130 hp engine in the Jetta, and the Jetta is within 500 lbs of the Passat - which it is.

hmmmm! 130 hp Jetta diesel wagon - not as nice and roomy as a Passat, but it would still be yummy.

vwguild

TDI will come with Tip only...at least for now.
Production begins week #45 of this year...early
November. This would be for both sedans and wagons.

With fewer than 10% of all cars & trucks sold in the US having Manual Transmissions plus the current US lack of enthusiasm for Diesel...I would not hold out a great deal of hope.

I have no info on this engine going into the Jetta/Bora wagon which ends production(the A4 Version) week #10/2004.

dtox

Ok, how many of you have had NO problems with your Passat? I hear more bad things about Passat electrical problems on the Internet than just about any other, but I just love the car. I haven't bought it yet, but am seriously considering making the jump-- 2003 GLS, 1.8t manual, with leather & monsoon. Seems the negative reviewers state the same problems: bad ignition coil, interior lights failing, ineffective wipers and defrost(?)...

If you have had a great experience with your Passat, please tell me about it.

altair4

I have an '03, 1.8, tip, reflex silver with black leather, monsoon, variant (wagon). I'm happy in all regards.

Recent road trip gave me 31 mpg. Fit and finish are very good. No problems during this past winter (one of our snowier ones here in Western PA).

The ignition coil thing shouldn't be a problem if your build date is past August 2002. Rear defroster on our wagon works quick and melts snow and ice fast. I have not noticed any problem with the wipers (once I got some road spray - diesel fuel - cleaned off thoroughly). Interior lights have not been a problem (I did install a Eurowswitch on the headlights to defeat the DRL's, however).

All in all, I would say the car is mostly well-thought out (except the defrosters on the external mirrors should be on a timer), well executed, and well built. It's really the first car that I find myself looking back at when I leave it in the parking lot. I really like it. That's my opinion, but YMMV.

vocus

I went to a VW lot on Sunday to poke around a little (had to kill some time), and I saw 3 W8 models there, 2 sedans and one wagon. One each had the Sport Package on them, but no stick shift. I was surprised to see the car without discounts.

dudleyr

My fathers 2000 Passat (1.8t manual tranny) has not had any problems yet. All original parts still. Just oil changes, tires, etc. Original brakes, shock, clutch.

arjay1

I am driving my 3rd VW, a 2000 Passat 1.8t with tip. I will be doing my 45,000 mile oil change this weekend and have had no problems or repairs. My tires are still original and will go at least another 20M to 25M. No maintenance at all except oil, filters and the spark plugs at 40M.
Great car and still proud to be VW!
R. J.

bjbird2

This is my first Passat, a 2002 1.8T, and it's one of the best cars I've owned. I won't hesitate to buy another one. The only problem I've had was with the coils, which the dealer has replaced. If you're buying a new 2003, tthe coils should not be a concern. Other than that, at 12k miles it's been problem free, and a kick to drive!

rayainsw

I have about 13,500 miles on my W8 - with no problems.

And yet, I suppose I would sell somebody my W8 at a 'discount' . . .

Cheers,
- Ray
Always looking at whatever's newer . . .

vocus

No Sport Package W8 yet, eh?

gatorsnap

I have a '02 GLX with stick. 17500 miles and nothing wrong. It is soooo smooth at 80 and up. The car's only downfall is it is so easy to get a ticket.

    gator

outrun

I did install a Eurowswitch on the headlights to defeat the DRL's, however

If your main purpose was to defeat DRLs, you wasted money. All you need to do is pull relay #173. The Euroswitch allows the use of "driving" lights, and fog lights without the headlights on. And if you're really adventurous, you can wire a rear fog light to be controlled by the switch.

-Craig

vocus

I don't know if the Jetta and Passat's switches are similar, but in the Jetta's switch all you need to do is tape off the 'TFL' pin. Is the Passat's switch different somehow?

vocus

I know what you mean about being too easy to get a ticket. I think all VWs are that way myself. I have a Jetta, and I have to look at the speedo, because the car doesn't feel like it's going the speed it's usually going. I have caught myself going 90 when I thought it was more like 65 before.. :0

altair4

Nah, I knew what I was doing. I wanted the ability to shut all lights off, to put on just my parking lights, and to run my fog lights without the headlights (headlights along with fog lights just don't work in actual fog!).

I'm an amateur astronomer and needed the ability to run with just parking lights, at local star parties.

Plus reaching up into the dash to get to the relay is a PITA, so a couple of pieces of tape over the correct terminals gave the full control that I wanted. It's all good now.

outrun

I found pulling out the relay much easier than fiddling around with tape over a small metal prong.

I also have a Euroswitch and use the fogs without headlights during the day while driving on the highway.

-Craig

altair4

Forgot to mention my future plan to do the "CB5 Rear Fog Mod."

vocus

I wanna do that to the Jetta as well. I also want to add fog lights eventually, and the Euroswitch.

bjbird2

Where is the best place to get the Euroswitch?

bjbird2

Where is the best place to get the Euroswitch? I pulled out the DRL relay, but I would like the control of the Euroswitch.

altair4

I can't post it due to the user rules on Edmunds. Change your profile to provide an e-mail and I'll drop you a note.

vocus

Email me if you want (see my profile), and I will give you the B5 site. I am on there too.

altair4

From Thiago, but the price is now $40, shipped.

vocus

I want one too! You B5 guys get all the good deals, darn it!!!

outrun

Wow. I just looked at my email - I paid $57 about a year ago.

Great deal.

And vocus, don't call *ME* a B5 guy. I'm a B5.5.

-Craig

vocus

Caught on a technicality..

I sat in a B5.5 for the first time on Sunday, and it really was nicer than the B5 was. I will probably upgrade to the B5.5 in a couple years when I tire of my Jetta.

altair4

Ummm, if you contact Thiago, make sure that you mention that your vehicle is a Jetta, not a B5. I don't know that it will make a difference, but better safe than sorry. I seem to recall that the switches look the same, but the mounting pins are different (this might relate to Audi vs VW, or it might refer to Passat vs Jetta/Golf - can't exactly remember).

I paid $40 a couple of months ago. Brand new unit, in the box, VW OEM. Works like a charm!

vocus

Thing is, he sells them for $57 on Vortex, $40 on Clubb5... What's up with that?!?

bodble2

Isn't it a crime that the sedan loses about 25% trunk space in 4motion guise? What good is a family sedan with a 10 cubic foot trunk?! Funny the A4 quattro doesn't have this problem.

vocus

They use different AWD systems. I asked what the differences were on here I think, but in the A4 discussion...

bodble2

I thought the 2 systems were very very similar. But regardless, to lose 25% of trunk space? There's got to be a better solution!

altair4

I guess I would suggest you buy via CB5, like I did. ;->

vocus

Oh, I plan to. That's why I became a member..

tmstiner

I just purchased a 2003 Passat GLX (including ESP and five year warranty) thru Auto Exchange in Kaiserslautern, Germany. They will deliver it for 28,000 USD. I felt like I received a good deal, and the price is competitve with those in the States.

If your planning on staying in Italy for awhile, know that the warranty here in Europe is only for two years, not four like back in the States.

Good luck to you.

sso

I've heard rumours VW may be planning on making 4-Motion available on GLS models. Would that be included on the 1.8T 5-SP? That would be nice. A larger, less expensive A4-Q with nicer interior lighting! Any confirmation on this?

pkradd

Well, nothing in the manual. Where EXACTLY is the air filter location on the 1.8T? Thanks.