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Comments
Yes, I have placed posts on VWVortex about this, so the "complaining" is not confined to Edmunds. Is that a problem? Should I only let a the folks who read one or the other of these know?
As someone who read virtually all posts in these boards before we ordered our car, I would have appreciated some real information about the build quality and corporate attitude of VW. Not the "Hurray for VW" that the dealers here post. I have yet to receive a single call from either VW Springfield or Volkswagen of America following up about the problem. I have called each several hours after they said that they would call me back.
The problem is not just that the car broke down immediately, but also that it has taken four days and counting to fix it and that Volkswagen has not taken a bit of interest in it. Perhaps they are overwhelmed with folks who don't bother to post to these boards? Or perhaps folks don't want to post because the very understanding "rickrover" will tell them to get over it?
So newpassat5 and other people who have had real life experiences (good or bad), please keep participating. Every reader is free (and responsible) to make his/her own impression/decision.
I'm not doubting your problem itself, but you STILL seem to be implying that this sort of issue is the norm instead of the anomaly it truly is. Now you even seem to be "blaming" people on this board, a board that is about 75% negative experiences, for not giving you the "real information" before you bought... pah-leeze. Go sell that bill of goods somewhere else.
Good luck with your problem.
Perhaps they are overwhelmed with folks who don't bother to post to these boards? Or perhaps folks don't want to post because the very understanding "rickrover" will tell them to get over it?"
#602 of 605 by newpassat5 Mar 20, 2001 (10:17 am)
You don't see how I read "Blame" into that? :-(
Look back at some of the earlier posts and you will see that people criticized me for posting this negative experience. One particularly pleasant person suggested that I should be removed from this and other mesage boards for posting my experience in two places. I was simply saying that I would have prefered to see more posts like mine, rather than fewer posts like mine. I would still rather see more posts like mine.
My experience is the norm for what I have experienced. I am not suggesting that this is either your experience nor your norm. My advice is that folks should not buy a VW, and certainly not a 2001.5 Passat. Take it or leave it, agree or disagree, that is completely up to you.
The write-ups (Edmunds, Consumers Union, The Car Place, etc,) I've read have all been fantastic on the VW Passat, especially on the new 2001.5 version. I have read very negative comments in the town hall forums on BMW, Mercedes Benz, and yes, even Lexus. These are mechanical machines we drive, and an isolated problem (even at 18 miles on the clock)is hardly a valid reason to trash a car. I can certainly understand the frustration of having this happen, but once this particular problem is resolved, the car may never have another incident. What I think is more important is how the VW dealer handles the problem (both on the car and with the angry new owner).
When buying a new or used car (any car brand) make a thorough check before buying on how the dealer's service department takes care of its customers. This takes some research, but it is so important. Some dealers treat customers like royalty; others could care less if you ever come back again. Toyota makes some very good cars, SUV's and trucks, but our local dealer has a very poor reputation for its Service Department. I would never buy a highly reliable Toyota based on some of the "local" horror stories I have heard. The dealer's reputation is everything!
I am enjoying the comments I am reading here on the VW Passat. Very informative and helpful. Thanks!
For the last time... I do not object to you posting your problem! I object to your accertation that ALL VW's suck and no one should buy one. I also object to your post above where you imply that somehow you were maliciously mislead buy the great Passat-Pushers of Edmunds.
Whatever, good luck with your problem.. I hope they fix it.
I am not sure why you took offense to my post. Don't really care....
My advice, plain and simple: You better believe that if it was my Passat, and it broke down on the way home from the dealer, I would be giving it back. Getting another one - same day - no questions - and not taking no for an answer from the dealer. In fact, I would still do that. You don't have to take it up the a*& from Springfield...be assertive. It is too bad about what happened, but to say to buy a HONDA ACCORD to everyone? Have you read recent posts about Accords? Show me one that has NOT broke down, and I will be surprised. You are frustrated, and rightly so, but to say that all VW's are bad is just hot air, and you know that. But as humans with faults, what we say/type is not always what we know in reality to be true.......perfect example with some of your opening statements.
Good luck.
Also, did you test drive the car??? With 18 miles on it as someone mentioned, you sure didn't for very long...perhaps next time an extended test drive of the actual car you are buying might help.....this break down might have occured on a test drive which, while not good for VW, would at least have been better than your situation now.
An earlier post made a good point about test driving. Before I took delivery of my GLX I nit picked over the body, took it for a spirited drive of about 10 miles and checked everything out very carefully. It took me 5 years to save up to buy this car for cash, and I wasn't going to blow it on a 15 minute delivery scam by the salesperson. It took them 3 hours to deliver the car, I checked everything I could at least twice. I made my wife recheck everything I did and look over the car very carefully. I even made her drive it too. I sat in the front the back, opened and closed every door and appendage. So if anything went wrong, I had only myself to blame.
I have no problem with anyone venting their frustrations out on this board, however ALL readers should be smart enough to read all the posts and draw conclusions on all, not just one experience. It took me 4 months to make up my mind, I saw negative as well as positive reviews.
BTW, I look forward to buying a car every 5 years or so. Reading all these posts are very helpful, speaking with every dealer in my area, stopping people at the gas pump with a similar car, test driving, going to the car show, busting chops with the salesman etc etc etc.
Due Diligence guys, it works when you buy a car too, not just when you buy a business!
The 30k service is an oil change stop.. $50 tops with a few other checks. The 40k service is the big one... about $300. Not sure where you are getting your numbers... a Mafia-owned dealership or something?
The 1.8T requires premium gas. The extra $2.00 per tankfull shouldn't put off the buyer of a $20k+ car in my opinion.
Drivability? Never had a problem, just smoot,h strong acceleration from about 1800rpms up. Almost sounds like you had a tranny problem... maybe a bad tiptronic ECU. Did your dealer ever try to rectify it.
Here in Vermont, mine has been very good in the snow considering the rather hard stock tires. The traction control is neat, you can feel it putting power from side to side as it scrambles for traction.
I know quite a few people have knocked off that mirror knob. Seems the post that holds it on is plastic. Despite weekly cleanings in and out, mine has never broken in the 2 years and 35k miles I have owned it.
I hate to sound harsh, but are you "... just cruising..." or are you "... just trolling..."
Nope, I have never had ANY hesitation. I still think it sounds more like a tranny problem then an engine problems, but I am certainly no expert. mute point anyway. VW serice is so spotty. Undertrained Techs make small issues into big problems.. to bad for the customers.
My tires are the Michelin Energys... maybe they are a bit better in snow then the Conti's -- or maybe I just didn't expect true snow tire performance from an all-season tire.
My driver's seat did have a squeak, it's gone away now. Since I am a really big guy, I don't blame VW for it.
Believe what you want, everyone's perceptions and experiences certainly differ.
----------------------------------
Do you have the Duratec V6 in your tribute? That's a really nice engine.
Newpassat5, you had a bad experience and it's only normal to tell people to steer clear of VW. I'm sure the dealership will correct the problem and then hopefully you will be trouble tree. If not, then trash VW all you want.
I am in the market for a 2001.5 Passat and cannot wait to get it. I have to wait until the end of April though (Need to pay off a loan and will have my $8k saved by then.) I have been in love with this vehicle since they redesigned it in 1999 and have been planning for this purchase since then.
I'm curious what people have paid for their Passats. I will be buying a 2001.5 GLS manual with cold weather package, monsoon sound and Homelink.
I am very interested in all the comments here, bad and good. I believe these boards are very helpful in providing we consumers in making a more informed decision. Keep the posts coming!
65k on a 98 is a little on the high side so the price should reflect that. Otherwise as with any used car a lot depends on how it was maintained.
Beware...the general manager at Stohlman VW..the guy with the beedy eyes..can be really rude to customers! I experienced that a while back and refuse to buy another car from them!
Pre-Owned car. If they will not certify this
Passat; ask why, and go on to another car. The
Certified program is explained in detail at VW.COM
so I will not bore everyone here with that, but you can also find any number of Certified PreOwned
there as well...just plug in your Zip and what you are looking for and it will give you a list &
where they are...
Bear in mind, that these are different from the
typical *used car*; BTB, Roadside Assistance, etc.
These cars will typically be priced at Blue Book
retail, and not under as most used cars are, but that buys a lot of piece of mind...regular used
cars get a 90 day/3000 mi. Powertrain and that is it...at least that is what we provide. The VW
Certified Inspection program is very comprehensive
and so is the warranty...And only OEM parts can be used for repairs...so you know that you are not
getting any parts from Acme Auto Suppliers.
http://www.wardsauto.com/be2001/engines.php3
Is there any way or reason to replace the big piece of plastic? Anyone tried to do so?
Otherwise, I've had my GLS V6 for almost a year (made two cross country trips in it) and couldn't be happier with the car!
I live in Charlotte,NC. Looking forward to buy 2001.5 4Dr Sedan Auto 4Cyl Passat. Since iam new to this country, and to buying cars here... Would like to have ur opinion/s about the pricing for this car. What do u guys think i should be paying for the above car configuration ?? Also, how much should i pay for the above configuration along with Leather, Luxury, Monsoon and Homelink packages ??
Also, can u advise where/which is the best dealer to go to to get the best pricing/service ???
I am just about a week away to get this car... So, would appreciate any kind of response ...
Thanks...
15k service, tires rotated. VERY NOISY to drive following this service. Dealer claims there's no alignment problem and that I have a tire defect, so I'm sent off to Goodyear to have the Eagle LS's replaced under the tire warranty.
Goodyear says that it's an alignment problem, sends me back to dealer. Dealer says it's because I over/under inflated the tires (not true). I try the Goodyear shop again and the guy does me a favor and prorates the tires. Also says after the fact that the car is WAY out of alignment.
20k service, new tires rotated again. TONS OF NOISE. I brought the car back at 22k for the tie-rod recall. They checked the alignment and said there was no problem -- dealer says it's a "heavy spot" in the right front tire...back to Goodyear.
Goodyear won't touch the tires, claims they won't get their money from Goodyear-corporate since there's nothing wrong with them. Points out how the front tires (moved up from back at 20k) have wear on the outside...both front tires. Says it's an alignment problem in the rear wheels.
I called VW Customer Service and after a promise to "investigate", they return with a simple response of "go to Goodyear... not our problem."
* I don't drive like a madman. Quite the opposite -- no curb hopping, tight turns, etc.
* I don't carry heavy loads in the car.
* Tires always have proper inflation.
* Isn't odd that this has happened again? Is there something that could cause the car to keep getting out of alignment?
Help! I'd love to hear any suggestions or similar experiences -- post here or send to tylerwhite@hotmail.com.
Thanks.
Fresco Green, Beige interior
Leather Package
Luxury Package (sunroof,alloy wheels)
Six disc changer in trunk
Automatic
$25,050. after that is title, destination etc...
dealer was in western massachusetts. visited 2 others and this seemed right around what i was willing and wanted to pay.
good luck.
I would have done after the experience at 15K would be to find another Dealer. Or...contacted the Service Manager...You don't mention him; so I
presume that this was all coming from the VW Service Advisor.
Now, more than ever before, the CSI numbers from
the Service Dept. are of paramount importance. There should not be a Dealership out there who would not be willing to bend over backwards to
satisfy and maintain a good customer.
I would get the name of the Service Manager...first & last...and send him an email or
letter with a chronicle of your experiences with
this issue...And send a copy to the Dealer Principal!
If this tact does not realize the desired effect;
find yourself a new VW Dealer.
Then I would send an email about your experience to VWOA...and attach your correspondence with
dealer #1.
Good Luck...
Both problems were taken to the service manager level.
I'm not sure if I was unclear in my first message -- I presented all of this to VW of America. Their course of action: called both dealers to ask what happened, then reported back to me the story from each dealer (not our fault) and said there was nothing I could do except go to Goodyear.
I have owned 3 VW's, but this is definitely my last.
Maybe I can help get this situation resolved for
you, but it is so specific I do not feel it appropriate for this venue...
I m looking into buying an passat GLX. While doing my research and checking up on 0-60 mph figures(http://www.vw.com/passat/usaspecs.htm#tech)
I notice that the GLS automatic does 60Mph in 8.2sec but the GLX auto. makes it in 9.9sec?????
why so much difference.. I thoungh that the GLX and GLS V6 ... shared the same engine
I m baffled
Dave
Has anyone bought a passat in Charlotte ??? Can u give some inputs as to which dealer/s did u go to and which dealer u recommend.. and also the specs of the car u have bought... and would apreciate if u could share ur experience with us...
which of the two options is good ...
Passat 4Dr 4Cyl Auto with Leather,Luxury,Monsoon
OR
Passat 4Dr 6Cyl Auto with no extra packages.
The above two configurations are approx the same cost (to my knowledge)... Which one do u recommend for my needs... Iam not a speed freak or anything like that... I just want it for normal day to day needs along with long distance travelling.... So which of the above two configurations do u think is good...
Also, is there a special tax for a 6Cyl car ??? (like Gas guzzler tax) ???
Thanx
I've ordered a Passat with the V6 because of my own needs and preferences. After driving a few and reading various posts these are my impressions.
The 4cyl 1.8T engine is surprisingly powerful for what it is, now making 170hp. This engine is one of Wards 10 best and is used (in different variations)in a number of cars including the Audi A4, Audi TT, VW Golf, GTI, Jetta, New Beetle & Passat as well as others that are not imported here. It works especially well with a manual transmission. It does have some turbo lag so (especially in an auto) is a little slower initially off the line. This engine gets better gas milage than the V6. It's also a bit noisier than the V6. They've been using it (in the US) since 98 and most of these cars only have 50-60k miles so it's hard for me to determine their longevity. The 1.8T engine has many aftermarker parts, a popular following and can easily be modified to produce much more power.
The V6 makes 190hp and has more torque at lower rpms. This engine is also used in the Audi A4 & A6. It has good power, is peppy and smooth but gets worse milage than the 4. Personally I think this engine works better with the automatic trans and is quieter which are a couple of the reasons I chose to go with it. Either is a good choice, I beleive both to be good engines.
My recommendation: Go out and drive both, then decide. It may intially be harder to find basic V6's and you may not have as much of a color choice. It sounds like the 4cyl may be fine for you but you need to drive it with the auto and see what you think.
The car was mainly for my fiance, so v6 didnt mean anything to her. (she drove a 16 year old rotted out jeep). she just wanted safety. I liked the wood of the V6 and the quietness of the engine. We wanted leather however, we didnt care about sunroof, but it seems like every car equipped with leather (v4 or v6) had the $1300 luxury option on the car. - also we didnt want to wait, so we wanted to buy a car off the lot.
Basically, we wanted leather and heated seats (which are nice in new england) and the v6 equipped the same way adds about $2400 approx. also, gas milage is worse for v6. we also needed to get automatic for her and that was another 1,000 dollars. the v4 off the line with auto does have a l i t t l e lag, but it is what it is.
ultimately, we love the color - fresco green, the interior ("beige") may eventually become impossible to keep clean but it does look great, v4 is fine and fun and quick, alloy wheels are nice but a chore to clean and ultimately we are glad to have the sunroof.
to best of my knowledge, gas guz tax is NOT on the vehicle nor is lux tax- that is over $35,000 cars i think.
Final thought: Drive them both. personally i like leather for seats. i hate cloth. V6 interior with wood is nice though.
To other passat letter writer. I bought mine at Wilbraham toyota/vw. Ok service, nothing great, nothing terrible; just typical car salesman. Dana is huge and they were even more 'typical': slick, fast talking, etc...
hope it helps. send more messages if i can help more.
stg
steel wheels. Car has 29,000 miles. Price is $13,995. It is at a Saab dealer who is reputable.
Checked with Carfax and car is legit. Was a lease car, one owner. The one thing that concerned me is car had a Saab battery,and after reading about batterys overflowing I wonder. Dealer will not give any warranty. Said use VW drive train warranty. Will take it to my mechanic tomorrow, but would appreciate any help.
is that this car *books* for $19,835 at kbb.com
Now it is a given that that number is about $2500
to the highside, which makes it a $17,000 car.
If I were you I would look for another car...*If
it sounds to good to be true; it probably is*.
This "reputable" Saab dealer is leaving a lot of
money on the table for reasons that we will probably never know.
Just one man's opinion...
Only thing i wanted to get to know is about the warranty coverage. How good is it ??? Has any one had experiences with this ??? and it would be nice to share ur experience...
And stgreen, can u let me know what was the configuration of the car and what price did u pay for it ???
Did it include Monsoon and Homelink too ???
And what was the make and model of the 6cd changer and the cost for it ???
Thanks.