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Comments
Passat options can be tricky - they add up in a hurry. In '02 (When I bought my GLX) If you added up separate options you could approach the GLX price and not have a GLX - Know what I mean ?
Remember that 4-motion and Automatic Trans are options independent of GLX, but the V6 is part of it, and in 02' there were some options that can only be had on the GLX (Like power seats).
I agonized over the 1.8T Vs. V6 issue. The 1.8T is an excellent engine.
I now have had my '02 GLX Stick for a year and have 19,000 miles on it. No problems at all.
I still get the impulse to floor it. Red Line in 3rd gear gets 100 mph. The thing is I rarely wind it that tight - but I routinely settle into fifth gear and unintentionally find myself at 90. The V6 torque curve is very strong in lower RPM's so you don't have to wind it.
There are plenty of other cars out there that are faster, but for the combination of handling, power and comfort, (safety too) I still feel like I got a bargain.
Gator
There was also a tensioner/pretensioner problem in the '98s that affect the timing belt if I remember correctly. There was a recall on it, but make sure it was replaced.
-Craig
Then there are those who say the 1.8T has too much turbo lag in stop and go traffic and the V6 is better suited towards city driving.
On the flipside:
There are those who find the 1.8T very quiet on the highway (a little less than the V6, but quiet over all) and find it to have superior gas mileage, which makes it the perfect highway cruiser.
And there are those who find the heavier V6 too lethargic in the city, while the lighter and nimble 1.8T make it a better city driver.
In the end, drive whatever suits your fancy. For me, the 1.8T/manual transmission was irresistable. The combination of durability, economy, lighter weight, power, and tunability make it the obvious choice. I didn't get a GLX for that very reason (plus the ergonomic faux pas that VW calls Climatronic).
But that's not saying the 2.8 V6 is bad. It's a very refined engine that's been in service for a long time. Audi used it in the A4 and A6 for years, and VW has used it in the Passat since '98. It trades off peak hp for a wide torque range.
I drive 90% highway. The advantage of gas mileage in the 32+ range for an engine with this much oomph was a major selling point.
-Craig
Nothing like adding a few hundred pounds to an already heavy vehicle and strangle it with a slushbox.
-Craig
2.0L/130HP TDI Passat only with Tip...
Selling the car seems a bit drastic; so why don't you try one of those wedge shaped seat cushions...it will elevate your thighs and make for a much more comfortable drive...
-Craig
I know the engines are supposed to be the same but the Audi's felt like it had better low RPM pull. However, the Audi's ride was very hard and unforgiving over the slightest road imperfection. The Passat GL rode like a dream, especially after the A4.
Yes, after 25 the turbo really pulls away but if you are putting along in in-town traffic and the road opens up, giving the turbo a little gas doesn't do anything. You have to stand on it and then it kicks down and takes off. I have to get an automatic because my wife doesn't drive a stick. I found this all or nothing acceleration to be enough of a deterrent that I decided to go with the GLX's V6 (that and the power seats).
Tonight, the dealer's salesman and I 'chatted' a bit. I didn't mind the $500 over invoice for the GLX but we could not get anywhere's near each other on trade-in. I averaged the fair and good trade-in values from Edmunds and KBB. The dealer opened up $2,500 lower and came up $1,000. I walked. There are lots more dealer around Cleveland.
This is not the '90's car sales (or sales of anything for that matter) just aren't strong enough for them to let anybody walk. Then again, they have to stay in business, so they have to make some money. $500 over invoice is a fair price for the dealer - Paying that at a dealer that is close to where you live isn't unreasonable (for convenience sake) I have heard of people paying $200 over, and just invoice. They also had to drive up to 100 miles to get prices like that. It depends alot on where you live and how bad the guy needs to sell.
I can't comment on the ESP - my '02 GLX has ASR.
Gator
ESP is factory installed, and cannot be installed as an after-market part. Given it's relatively low price (I forgot how much), it is really cheap.
Does it work? Yes, very well. Let's just say that I've had to make an evasive maneuver and heard the ABS system kick in for that brief duration. I would recommend it to anyone buying a Passat.
Every car model has its lemons, but "in the shop on a regular basis" is not a fair characterization of Passat reliability based on statistical (as opposed to anecdotal) data. The Passat's reliability can be summarized as: better than most American cars, but not as good as the most reliable Japanese cars. If utter reliability is your top priority, buy an Accord or Camry. If you are willing to trade a bit of reliability for more driving fun, look at Passat.
Although I do knock on wood every day...
-Craig
I got in an accident last weekend and my GLS V6 was totaled. Looking to get a new model but want 5 speed with leather, V6 in fresco green or silver blue. I cannot find any 5 speed gls' even though VW says it is a "standard" model. Anybody know dealers who have any in stock or could track them down for me?
Josh
Thanks
I would not put much hope in finding a new VW through channels other than VW - they have one of the most sophisticated order delivery systems of the major car dealers - One article I read stated that VW can take an order at a dealer, and trace inventory all the way back to the factory in Deustchland for the car. If the car like you ordered is already on it's way and not spoken for, you get it early.
It happened that way for me.
Gator
Gator
A long time Saab. I've got 102,000 miles and it's in great shape.
Jan, use Valvoline SynPower 5W40 which is available at any Napa store using part# 966.
I know that mine (03 1.8T) says 5W40 only. 5W30 can be used to top off.
My dealer's answer to the question was that they are using 5W30 and know nothing about 5W40.
Krzys
will be available as well.
Since here in the US the only readily available 5w-40's are synthetic, and since the dealers charge extra for synthetic (apparently they have Castrol Syntec in a 5w-40 formulation), it would be hard for VW to argue that 5w-30 is inappropriate, even in a '03 model. I have heard tales of VW dealers using anything from 5w-30 to 20w-50 in the 1.8T engine.
Being anal retentive, I'm going with the 5w-40 Valvoline or 0w-40 Mobil 1, but that's just me. YMMV.
I will check with my local dealer as to the oil that they use and the price for an oil change. It should be very interesting.
Its amazing how difficult VW can make something as simple as getting an oil change!
Also, I like to do 3K, 6K, then 10K and every 5K after that when I get a new car. Does that seem reasonable for this car? I saw something on here about leaving it in for 5K before the first change.
Thanks!
I am now wondering is this something that is common with used Passats. If it is not a big deal ..I don't want to miss out on this car. On the other hand if it is serious I don't want to buy it. I might just start looking at something else. Experienced Passat drives please advise.
Silver with black leather interior.
Wanted to ask a couple of basic questions:
(1) Is it OK to run with the mid grade octane 89, or should you always go premium at 93 or 94 ?
(2) Any special maintenance required for the turbo engine ? Car has 81,000 kms ( 50,500 miles )
(3) What is the recommended time for changing the timing belt and water pump ?
(4) Recalls - I am aware of one for the tie rods. Wondering if any others ?
Thanks for your input.
2) In 2003 manual VW suggests 5000 miles oil change interval.
3) I think it is 105000 but I might be mistaken.
4) No clue.
Krzys
2) What Krzys said. Stay on top of the oil changes and consider the use of synthetic oil in the proper viscosity (as recommended in your owner's manual). Use a good quality filter (VW brand is very good, by the way).
3) I think Krzys is correct at 105,000 miles. However, you really need to understand what remains on your warranty, as the second owner, and then make an informed decision on this topic. I believe that the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty issued to the original owner is halved when sold, which means that you have no factory warranty left. A recent post on another website devoted to the Passat B5 revealed that the cost would have been $3,500 to $4,000 USD (the poster was covered by his warranty) for the repair of damage caused by a failed timing belt (the 1.8T is an interference engine - engine valves will be irreparably damaged should your timing belt fail). If it were me, and I confirmed that I had no warranty coverage for the engine if the belt failed prematurely, I would replace it at 60,000 miles. I'd also get the water pump replaced while this was being done, since you'll save some labor charges. Also, make sure that a new (updated) timing belt tensioner is installed.
4) Make sure that the turbo heat shield was upgraded. I think the early model year 1.8T's had a shielding problem that could allow the oil lines to the turbo to coke up and clog, starving the turbo of oil and effectively killing it. I'm sure you will be able to confirm on the web if this is actually a valid comment for the 99 model year. If the upgrade has not been done, I'd have the oil lines to the turbo examined and, if necessary, replaced.
VW has a maintenance schedule for your vehicle on it's website at:
www.vw.com/SP/SchedMaint.html
Pick your model, year and engine and it'll tell you what needs to be done.
IMHO, I will stick to the oil grade (5w-40) and interval that VW recommends during my warranty period (I have an '03 Variant). Granted its a pain getting 5w-40 in regular oil or syn for that matter - I go with Castrol Syntec 5w-50 which I can easily get at Wally's store. My local dealer uses Citgo bulk (didn't ask about the vis grade though) for their oil changes but I only had one oil change (@ 5K) with them so far. I did my own 10K change.
Some folks get nervous about the 5K interval but that's a conditioning thing IMHO. When I lived in the UK, 4K/5K/6K oil change intervals are not uncommon. Better yet, go with a syn oil and you'll feel better about it. BTW, I did an oil change with syn oil and a genuine VW oil filter for what I would pay for dealer oil change on "special" ~24.00 (coupons in http://www.vw.com/SP/SpecialOffers.jsp).
My $0.02's worth.
I am surprised it took me so long to find this feature. If there are any other "cool" things about this car that others have discovered please let me know.
Thanks,
Bill
From a page titled "Insert to Tips and Advice 2003 Passat" (booklet/livret 3.5), quote:
"Your engine was factory filled with an all season high quality engine oil that has a viscosity grade of SAE 5W-40. You can use this oil over all temperature ranges for normal driving. If you need to add oil between oil changes use any high quality petroleum or synthetic oil with correct specifications. If engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-40 is not available, you can also use SAE 5W-30."
Further down the page (under heading "General Recommendations"):
"If SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity grade oil is not available in your area, be sure to always use a viscosity grade suitable for the climate and seasonal conditions that exist where the vehicle is being operated."
These guidelines apply to the 1.8T and 2.8 engines. The page does go on to state that the 4.0 W8 engine should only use 5W-30 for topping off or adding oil.
So, VW says that most of us can use either grade of oil, but the few W8 owners out there should avoid 5W-30. I hope this clears everything up once and for oil.
By the way, what's the consensus on timing of the first oil change. Should we still change the "break-in oil" after about 1,000 miles or is this unnecessary nowadays?