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Comments
Right side mirror drops when you put gear into reverse to help you avoid hitting the curb.
The mini sunvisor above the inside mirror.
The A/C vent in the glove box.
The speed sensitive volume control on the audio system.
The button behind the steering wheel to disable the lighting of the controls on the wheel.
You can tip open the moonroof without opening the sunshade...ventilation without sunshine.
The armrest is adjustable both fore to aft and up and down.
The "snowflake" warning on the MFA, warning of the possiblity of black ice on the roadway.
The ability to open your windows and close the windows and moonroof from the exterior, using the key in the driver's door lock.
The courtesy lights on the bottom edge of the door.
The tire stem caps that allow you to check your tire pressure without removing them.
Hope that helps!
Krzys
Not sure of the build date, but the manuals probably come from a box at the dealership rather than shipped with the actual car. If you're really paranoid about this, I'll be happy to fax you a copy of the insert. Just post your fax number or email it to me.
But... At 14,000 miles she noticed a shimmy when braking from highway speeds (65 - 70 mph). I took the car in for its 15K. service (road trip time). I was told that this was normal for the 4Motion and that the rotors needed to be turned and the brake pads were fine.
$200.00 for the FRONT rotors to be turned. the vibration is reduced but still there.
Has anyone else experienced this premature rotor ware??
BTW, what's the square-ish dash slot to the left of the steering wheel supposed to be for? Change, maybe? I find it impossible to access while driving.
Right side mirror drops when you put gear into reverse to help you avoid hitting the curb.
That's a GLX-only feature.
-Craig
Generally speaking, if you define the noise as suspension or axle related, it must be a fairly solid, hard sound. Any repair to axle or suspension will be expensive. Second, are the noises normal...well, bet the car did not come from the factory with them. I don't consider any axle or suspension clunks normal. If you are really going to make an investment here, why not take it to a qualified mechanic and determine where the noise is coming from and what might be wrong. In the end, this is the most cost effective way to go, and will give you the peace of mind you desire.
The mini-sunvisor above the rear view mirror is pretty useless. Two-part visors that could cover the front and side windows at the same time would be more useful.
The fore/aft movement of the center armrest is handy, but it would be a lot nicer if it could be locked into the desired position rather than sliding around.
I have the standard audio and it definitely doesn't have speed sensitive volume control.
Having said all the above, I love my Passat!
The SVC is accessed by holding down the dolby button on the cassette player. Using the radio station tuning knob, you can adjust it from 1, 2, or 3. Then hit the dolby button again.
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There's also a radio diagnostic function. It's done by holding the mix button down while you're on the radio (AM or FM). You can scroll through it by hitting the mix button
The mini-sunvisor (or glare blocker, if you will), actually works well in both roles. I've been on a roadtrip recently that had me positioned with the sun coming in right over the rear view mirror...ta-da!, dropped the visor and my eyes stopped watering again.
I'd agree with you that the armrest could be better if it stopped moving around so easily.
Couple of other things I wished were changed:
1) Give me a fuel tank that's at least 1.5 gallons bigger.
2) Let the front door windows go all the way into the door. It would make going through the drive-through ATM a little more comfortable.
3) Give me someplace to stash my CDs.
I've always heard that if you can't get 5w-40, 0w-40 was a better substitute for it than 5w-30, especially for a turbo engine, due to high temperature performance. Thus, I'm surprised that VW does not mention it. A lot of people on Clubb5 and Vwvortex are running Mobil 1 0w-40.
As to when to do the first oil change, modern engines don't have lots of metal particles in them from the factory, so I don't think the old advice to change the factory oil at 1000 miles or less applies any more. On the other hand, the factory oil on VW's is not any special "break-in" oil so there is no need to keep it in for some minimum period of time. I plan to do my first oil change at 5000 miles, per the owner's manual recommendation. That way, it will be easy to remember when subsequent changes are due.
-Craig
If you're a little price conscious, it's less expensive than Mobil 1 0w40
If going synthetic, Mobil 1 0w-40 and Valvoline SynPower 5w-40 are the two most recommended brands.
-Craig
The use of synthetics allow the drop of the base stock to that of a 5 weight (0° C)and additves to get the 40 weight (100°C).
Consequently as it meets the CH-4 specification (4-stroke diesels), it also meets SJ & CF specs. You will notice regular motor oils that meet both SJ & CF, so technically appropiate for some diesels, even when designed for the gasoline engine environment.
People at the TDIclub who owns both a TDI and 1.8T and use Delvac 1 in both cars have noted smoother performance running the Delvac 1 on the 1.8T, and better gas mileage when they ran "gas" only oil, and through oil analysis get better results.
It's just a misconception that diesel oils are always only for diesels only.
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Every time I bring this option up....I: get only for diesels, not gas engines.
I checked the two most obvious site (playing the cards), the 'tex and clubb5, ran through the search engine for Rotella & Delvac, resulting in:
- Rotella/Delvac is made for diesels, you can't use them in gasoline
- I've used Rotella T 5w40, and noticed a smoother engine and also one claims he has oil analysis results that prove it's better.
- SynPower is a group III oil, just like Rotella T synthetic.
Just bought a US Spec 2003 VW GLS Passat Wagon (1.8T). Will be in Germany for two more years before returning stateside, but my radio is set up for US FM radio broadcasts. The tuner only hits stations with the last digit (after the decimal) as odd numbers only, ie. 89.5, 95.9 and so forth. Many German Radio stations broadcast with even last digits, ie. 89.4, 101.8 and so forth.
Is there a way to set a US Spec Passat's radio to pick up European FM radio, or is it permanent.
Thanks, and looking forward to breaking through my initial 500 mile break in period to open her up on the Autobahn.
I'll stick with oil that was made for gasoline engines.
-Craig
Pros:
1. Solid and high building quality
2. Strong engine (excellent mid range power) with a lot of mods available
3. Superb handling and ride
4. Comfort seating
5. Good fuel economy
6. Good safety features
Cons:
1. Not exactly trouble free (4 headlights already)
2. Not an easy DIY maintenance car
At any rate, IMHO, I'm voting with Outrun on the Diesel oil - it sounds like a really bad Idea to use Rotella or some such on a gasoline engine. (I think I'm gonna research this and post some more when I get a chance).
Hey on the hidden features - no one mentioned the rain sensitive (delay setting) wipers. It is kinda like cruise control, they have to be "set" every time you start the car by wiping once, but you can go for hours with no rain, and then once the moisture hits the windshield they come on. I had some passengers really get a kick out of this.
I first saw this on a 2001 "C" class rental. Did not know I would get this when I bought my car - It was a nice suprise when I found out it was there.
Gator
What do people think about the difference in price of the GLS V6 + Leather vs. the GLX? I am in the market for a Passat (love the car) and want a leather V6, FWD, but am confused by all of the different models. If I want power seats, I have to get the GLX?
Also, if any one bought a 2003 in NC and can suggest a dealer, that would be great!
Danny
Good Luck,
Bill
The Climatronic is an ergonomic nightmare. The little value it gives you is outweighed by the confusing controls it has (at least for me).
Nothing easier than 3 dials (temp, speed, direction) and two buttons (A/C and Recirc).
Oh, and the rain sensitive wipers that gatorsnap mentioned is only available on the GLX. Same with the auto dimming mirror.
I don't like how VW has restricted certain features to the V6 only models.
-Craig
One question, is there an aftermarket replacement for the ashtray? I don't know why VW's come with an ashtray when BMW's don't.
Dan
Tonight the dealer sent me home with an overnight loan of a 2002 GLS 1.8 auto, indigo blue with gray leather, homelink (currently useless to me, an apt. dweller). It's a single-owner car but has 25,000 miles. Curiously, no CD player.
Without question, the overnight loan was good strategy on his part because the car and I have definitely clicked. The asking price is $22,788. I ran the Carfax check and got a clean bill of health. Any advice on what to offer for the car? Thanks.
Has anyone had any experience with the wipers not working? I think I just need to replace a relay.
It does not have a CD player/changer now, but I am looking at getting a changer for the trunk. I have heard that an aftermarket changer would be a better bet than an OEM vw model. Has anyone had experience with one versus another? What are some good choices?
Lastly, my uncle suggested a change in the manual transmission fluid. Is this a necesary change right now, or something that can wait? A self fix or dealer fix?
Thanks
Good luck
No one can really tell you if you can afford the stretch or not...and there's no telling whether the dealer has or can get the Passat as I described it. Anyway, more food for thought. Good luck with your search and let us know what you finally decide. It's a wonderful car to drive!
I have a new angle to pursue. Dear Old Dad absolutely loves the 2002 loaner car. Although I have my own stubborn aversion to personal loans, he has offered me the option of a $4,000 loan on a NEW Passat. My independent nature rebels, but it's got me thinking.
IF I can get the 2002 for $20K I'm sure I could live happily ever after. But . . .
My original dream car was a 2003 Blue Silver GLS 1.8 auto with gray leather and cold weather package. Window price was around $26,700. Before I pay $20,000 for the '02, does anyone think I can get close to the dream car with $24,000? (I know I could manage a GL in that range, but after bonding with the overnight loaner, it would be gut-wrenching to give up the leather and moonroof!)
Thanks for listening to my scattered thoughts.
Good luck<
However, what I would do is start Emailing/faxing/calling dealers in your area, make THEM this offer. Tell them the color and equipment you want and what you are willing to pay per carsdirect.com price. I think you will be getting some call-backs. This is a better deal than the used one, ESPECIALLY with the fresh warranty you will get.
Good luck again
We have the GLS, in reflex silver with the black leather, in the wagon format. It's a great car! Nice performance, good mileage (I got 32 mpg on trip on a tight engine). There's only one thing I would change on the car...I wished it had a bigger fuel tank for more in-city travel. Good luck!
It is not that expensive but may save your butt. In the worst case you can turn it off.
I was trying to buy automatic GLS wagon 1.8T Monsoon and ESP. Well, dealers in my area told me that I can get Monsoon and butt wormers but no ESP with Monsoon (at least this is what they had in stock). It seems that people prefer to be worm and listen to nice music and be in the ditch instead of avoiding the ditch alltogether.
I bought ESP, butt wormers and Monsoon.
Krzys
PS You should be able to find NEW Passat for the money you want to spend. By the way what is APR for used car (5% or more). VW offers 2.9 for 60 months (it used to be 1.9). You might pay more for used car when you include interest.
I am going to try to set my volume control as soon as leave here! How will I know if I have a double-din unit?
Someone pleeease tell me what YMMV stands for. Thanks.
2001.5,GLS,V6,manual, lux, monsoon -no CD
As far as the speed sensitive volume control, read your owner's manual - it should give you instructions on how to set this and the "turn on" volume.
YMMV..."Your Mileage May Vary." It's a way of saying "This works for me, but it may not work or be acceptable for you."
Excellent point about the financing rate on new vs. used! I've got a lot to ponder.
My conscience is pointing toward the 2002, but only IF I can make a deal under $20,000. I'll return it to the dealer tonight and talk some turkey.
Truth be told, I'm a walking marshmallow with very little talent for negotiation. (Librarianship hasn't trained me for combat in the auto sales trenches.) But I'm psyching myself up with hints from these bulletin boards! Many thanks to all!
The VW Passat Problems message board is naturally full of problems, hence the name. However, every car is going to have problems...check out the latest Accord page.
So, from the general Passat message board, what is the general consensus? I want to drive my car for several years - at least a few past when I stop paying for it in five years.
Any suggestions? Should I leave VW for a few years and return later or is the Passat much better than the Jetta?
Is it realistic to expect to be able to negotiate down to the neighborhood of $29,500 cash (approximately 1.25% below invoice)? Am I correct that dealers get a 2% holdback fee from VW, giving them room to maneuver below invoice and still make a profit?