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Comments
Do you think the vibrating is related to the check engine light? Or is it under braking?
I am uneasy about keeping the car without coverage. I understand there have been engine problems due to sludge related problems. I have regularly serviced the car and change the oil at 3,000mi. The dealer gave me two companies, one by universal underwriters group, called complete care, the other by GE warranty Services. Any and all suggestions and opinions would be welcomed.. Thanks
If I had my choice, I would take "factory" extended waranty coverage over alternatives.
My guess is that such coverage to 100,000 miles would be available to you for around $1200 (and perhaps a bit of negotiation could help this number somewhat).
This www site appears to offer a left version and a right version wiper blade for an 03 Passat. I "online chatted" with the CS desk there, and the guy assured me that this was a replacement blade for the 03 passat (I think he's wrong because the site says it's for 2001+ years). Anyone find an aftermarket wiper for the passat that they like? Or should I just go buy the Anco refill and do it myself?
thanks
matt
http://replacement.autopartswarehouse.com/parts/autopartswarehous- e/wizard.jsp?year=2003&make=VW&model=PAS--004&categor- y=All&part=Wiper+Blade
If you have not heard, VW tend to be VERY expensive to maintain and repair and at those miles, you will be in for some wallet draining repair visits.
I had a coolant overflow bottle leak in my 99 Mazda. Hot coolant leaked into the A/C compressor clutch electrical harness connector, which is located directly below the coolant reservoir. This caused intermittent A/C malfunction until A/C finally quit for good (current was not getting to the compressor clutch). I had no other problems due to this coolant leak, and it certainly did not "travel through the electrical system", which is physically impossible. Electrical harness is not porous like a sponge or a series of tubes so coolant could travel through it or get soaked up into it.
I assume that they are only replacing your engine electrical harness. Two weeks time to do this is ridiculous. This should be a one day job at most (assuming they have parts on hand).
I am providing my comments only based on my experience with other vehicles. I owned one VW in my life and never again - it has been 17 years since I sold that lemon. It had 10k miles on it when I sold it. Nobody could fix it. What you are describing (melted converter, destroyed O2 sensors, etc. sounds like an exaggerated story or is the result of totally incompetent repair. My advice is: let VW replace everything on your car, and then make absolutely sure it runs to your satisfaction. If they refuse, get a lemon attorney.
I currently do not own a VW, but still consider them to be "cars of interest" -- the new Passat looks to be a contender; and we test drove a Touareg earlier this year. No current VW is on my shopping list, that is.
Perhaps -- and I say this with no sarcasm intended -- you might be drawn back into the VW fold at some point (else why bother participating in the forum at all?)
Just a thought.
The actual TSB is very involved (17 pages). Two weeks is stretching it, but it comes to $$$ when there are quicker and simpler repairs to do. Some times they have order parts.
Electrical harness is not porous like a sponge or a series of tubes so coolant could travel through it or get soaked up into it.
Wires have tiny air gaps that can allow the coolant get sucked into the wires and consequently the harness.
I've got a few more questions for you: First off, I heard that the turbo Passat requires premium grade fuel and the car dealer told me that he believes the Jetta requires this as well. Is that correct? Also, how much would an extended service contract cost me and are they worth while? The car lot is asking almost 11K for the Jetta which puts it just at or slightly under Blue Book. Any thoughts on how much I should offer if I decide to purchase it? Thx again for the help!
Will either car come with a maintenance history?
Synthetic required since only certain synthetics meet VW502.00
http://www.vw.com/SP/pdf/oilchart.pdf
Seriously, it is a false economy to use lower cost gas in an engine that is designed for premium (like the VR6). And, while we're at it, it is generally a waste of money to put premium fuel in a car that is designed for regular.
And, if you have a wad of cash -- perhaps some $10,000 or so in a briefcase, you can LEASE a brand new 2004 Audi A4 1.8T quattro for 24 months at $329 per month (based on 10 or 12,000 miles per year). There would be no maintenance costs and no repair costs -- and, you would own nothing in 24 months. However, your total cash out for the use of the car would be 24 x $329 or less than $8,000.
There are some impressive VW deals out there too at this point.
That's at least worth exploring vis a vis plunking down 10 large (cash on the desk).
And, unless I am mistaken, this isn't a movie.
Current A4’s have a very attractive lease rate. In my area 2005 A4’s with 1.8T and CVT are advertised for $289 per month (think with 2 or 3 K down not sure).
Buying a used German car with high miles may be an interesting project car, but for a daily drive I’d go for a new leased A4. You would have no monthly outlay of cash other than monthly payments. You’d get to drop your car off in the morning, get a loaner car for the day, and pick your car up at the end of the day...for ANYTHING that goes wrong (or just regular maintenance).
You may theoretically be “ahead” buy purchasing the used car because of the residual value when you decide to sell it. The problem is with regular maintenance and the odd, or consistent!?!, repairs you may get sick of it and decide to sell it; potentially for less than the desired amount.
The issue of the residual, in this case, is particularly interesting -- for, unless there were NO maint or repair costs ( not even new tires ) it would COST the entire $10,000+ plus the costs to maintain and repair it. Then, in my example, two years later with HOW MANY miles on it? how much could you sell the thing for? $4,000? Good luck.
Rent what depreciates, buy what appreciates (in this class of durable goods that means rent or lease cars and buy real estate). Of course many of us buy cars and live in rented apartments -- not exactly the way to increase wealth.
There are good reasons to rent and buy all kinds of things, and this is not the place to debate the relative merits of this extreme generality.
However, in this case, with a suitcase full of money (~$10,000) the short term, low mo pay BRAND NEW car is a virtual "no brainer!"
I've never leased a vehicle before but it does sound like a potentially attractive option. If any of you are aware of any good websites which analyze the relative merits of leasing vs buying...calculators and that sort of thing...I'd be appreciateive if you pass them along!
Regards,
Patrick
Second - the dealer ain't gonna be impressed by $10K in cash. He doesn't want to deal with the banking details that comes with that much cash and he'd rather you finance a car - he makes a profit off that.
Good Luck.
Leasing works, generally, if you drive less than 15,001 miles per year, but sometimes that number can be 18,001.
Leasing works, generally, if you have business reasons to have a car or can take a deduction -- it is not always better, sometimes it is just "easier" to cope with the administrivia with a lease.
Leasing works if you want, generally, to have a young car (leases, in my opinion should MAX out at 39 months, unless they are "open ended leases" and you actually think you might buy the car after the lease.)
Most of the stuff I have read pertaining to leases leads "me" to conclude that of the three ways to own a car, leasing is the "second best" way for many people -- buying for cash up front is best (or I would argue 0% interest is best.)
If ever there was a lease that was, for instance, 36 months and had a "near zero" money factor (more or less the imputed interest = $0.00) that, it would seem to me would be THE BEST of all worlds.
In an era of apparently rising interest rates and what many believe will be a soaring stock market, I cannot imagine buying a car -- cash or financed. It is a certain way to have the value of your assets decline sharply and quickly.
I read an article that claimed Plasma TV's would be essentially dropping in price 50% in 2005 (this after an effective 2% per month drop in price has been going on for at least the past 2 years already.) Imagine if you bought a brand new plasma TV last month for $3999 only to find that next month a newer and better model was $1999?
To me buying a car is similar -- but unlike a TV or a vacuum cleaner or a washer and dryer, most of us do replace our cars about every 3 - 4 years (and many of us do find ourselves upside down or taking far less for our "young used car" than we expected 35 months prior.)
At least, IMHO, leasing sort-of equates to only paying for the actual use of the car and not attempting to creat an asset.
There are lots of resources you can check with regarding leasing -- but from my perspective there is virtually no difference in "your rights and responsibilities" when you lease vs when you finance or buy.
The only difference is you have not put any money out toward "ownership" -- which for me was always a financial disappointment.
Today, in my city a new Audi for ~$300 a month for a palty 24 months seems like car owing bliss. The car will always during your tenure as its keeper be young, have no maintenance or repair costs and if you are not a high milage person, you won't even need to worry abou the tires -- just gas, insurance, plates and go! (and make 24 payments, of course.)
As far as I know all VW group products that are gasoline powered require at least 91 octane petro -- in our neck of the woods that is "premium."
Good luck.
Except for the 2.slow engine
If you have already purchased the warranty, would you mind telling me how much it cost.
The quote I received from the dealer was
4yr/100,000 188.00 a month with 99. down.
I am very appreciative for any advice you have!
Mlh1, thanks for your inquiry,the dealership has not gotten back to me with a price from GE warranty Services, or Complete care.
FYI , the tecnician working on my 40k service suggested an extended plan as he has seen several engines shot and many oil pumps needing replacement , i guesss due to the sludge issues, however I have never gone longer than 4k between oil changes.
I have about $3,000 on a GM credit card that I am willing to give her, but would need advice on a comparable GM product AND a way to give my credits to her. We live in different states, and the card is restricted to household use only (unless someone knows a loophole...)
Thanks. Mike
Edmunds.com actually has an "extended warranty" discussion group, where you might find more information than on this forum. (I, for one, don't really know the answer on this.) As always, be on the lookout for biases etc. , but you might get more input if you post your question there.
Hope this helps.
I always thought you could do "whatever" you want with the GM credit...even if it is for your sister. I would call them and find out.
Cars...
I'd go for a Saab 9-3...base model if you can find one. This would be comprable to a fully loaded Jetta and then probably a little more expensive
Pontiac G6...
I will contact GM. I also will post in a GM forum to see if anyone over there has done this. I tried to steer her toward the Vibe since it has Toyota reliability. She seems to want a small sedan, so the G6 is worth a look. Thanks.
I, personally, would NOT go without this warranty -- for these cars (while great) are breathtakingly expensive to repair.
my car is a 2002 passat with monsoon radio system
1.) From reading some of the comments, it seems that the automatical transmission from 4 cylinder suffers from lag sometimes. Could someone explain to me more about it? Is it something I should worry about?
2.) Reliability of VW is lower than either Honda or Toyota, but if I lease the Passat for 3 years, I shouldn't worry too much about replacing parts, should I?
3.) I heard that visibility on Passat is not that good because of relatively small mirrors and head support on the rear seats, has anyone find this annoying? I am a new driver so this is kinda important.
And I appreciate any of other comments you may have that could impact my decision on choosing a Passat, thanks very much!
2. Compare warranties. VW is 4 yr/50K, while I believe the other 2 are 3 yr/36K. If you have a 3 yr lease at 12K/yr, then no worries. VBut if you purchase additional miles or get 15K/yr, then the VW will be covered.
3. I found the rear center headrest annoying in my rear view mirror. I simply took it out and stored it in a bag in my garage. I rarely have a 5th passenger anyway.
you may be able to get the adapter to work with the steering wheel controls
In addition to turbo lag (which is, in the gasoline versions pretty mild) you will also "enjoy" tiptronic and/or Drive By Wire (DBW) lag.
The turbo engine mates very well with the manual transmission.
No, As long as you can play "drop it off...pick it up" routine because every now and then check engine light will come on or worst "STOP...BREAK FAILURE" message will flash on the desh board.
Yes, you should worry. I have leased with the same thought in mind and since then have wasted numerous hours on taking the car to dealer for non scheduled service (though covered by warranty).
Yes, you should worry. I have leased with the same thought in mind and since then have wasted numerous hours on taking the car to dealer for non scheduled service (though covered by warranty). <<
I can only speak of my own personal experience, but I've never played this game in the 2.3 years that I've had our 2003 Passat wagon. I'm only in the shop for scheduled maintenance and state inspections. YMMV.
You may be right. But I read the Honda Accord thread here on Edmunds, and there is much grinding and gnashing of teeth there, too.
Just reading that forum would lead me to believe that the Accord is a rattly, noisy car, plagued by transmission problems and an unresponsive dealership network...hey, wait! That's what it sounds like here!
;->
That said, VW passat does handle better then Honda or Toyota, though even the top of the line V6 is slightly under powered.
True...untill the 3.6L 280hp V6 is introduced
I am looking at buying a used Jetta or Passat. I am trying to figure which best fits my needs. I am in ministry, and would need the car for home visits, hospital visits, etc. - along with regular daily use - including shopping and short jaunts with my folks. Living in Chicago, I like the idea of AWD, but am wondering if the Electronic Stabilization system is adequate. I like the look of both cars - they are both "respectable" and sporty. If it weren't for the folks, I would probably get a Beetle! This would be my first VW experience, so any help would be helpful.
By the way, is ESP available in 1.8T Passat? or only avaiable in the V6 Passat?
Please, someone tell me if I'm wrong.
Krzys