Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

carguy5000

Funny thing is until you spend some time with the V6, you don't notice how noisy the 4 popper is! I do agree that the 4 cyl is more economical though.
Again, number of cylinders aside, due to the added weight of the engine and the wood on the dashboard, it gives the car heavier, more steady feel at highway speeds.

david1812

Thanks to all for the feedback. Kimmers, Is your 1.8T automatic? If so, are you comfortable with the acceleration? I have to get the tiptronic since my wife can't drive stick. Sporin, I share your views on flash, etc.. What do you think of the '01.5 model? I think the chrome is unnecessary. It appears that they refrained from using too much but I still prefer the older, cleaner look. But the improvements on the new ones (stiffer, side-curtin airbags, more hp) are hard to ignore.

kimmers71

I'm getting the 5-speed but did take the TIP for a drive "just to make sure." The automatic had just as much acceleration but the pedal felt weird. It was real soft and then you could feel some resistance and then the car took off. The 5 speed was just more fun with the 4 cyl. with that much zip to it. Try and convince your wife to learn stick! I swore up and down that my next vehicle would be automatic but changed my mind once I drove it. I'm sure I'll curse myself a few times over the life of the vehicle but I know, overall, I will be very happy with my choice.

But again, if you're sure about 4 or 6, take both out for a long test drive the same day! That is the best comparison! I was previously going to buy a SUV, the Escape, Trib or RAV4 and drove all three on the same night and it made my decision very clear! Of course, until I saw the new Passat!! LOL

merckx

I just bought an old 2001 Passat before they were all gone.It is hard to ignore the stiffer structure of the new one and its increased hp,but I wanted a manual,and the armrest in the new one often fouled my shirting elbow-very distracting.Also,I hated the chrome around the gages and ALL the outside trim.I didn't like the idea of the increased front overhang,even if it is just an inch.I assume it is for increased space for the upcomming V8.It took away much of the sleekness.
I've had a lifelong interest in industral design.Since the 98s came out I've thought the Passat the most beautiful sedan,bar none.Not because it's somewhat rare or German-it's the high-arched roof and,as Sporin said,The short overhangs.It is just a family sedan,I know,but I think the car is just stupendously beautiful!
It's interior stance is unmatched.The Accord and Camary can't even come close.Most all German engineered cars have a hard to qualify difference that IS there.It's like sitting in a BMW 525-it just immediately feels right and familiar.
As far as the V6,it does markedly improve the Passat in many ways,but the interior wood utterly turned me off.It's a bit pricey,too.
David1812-even if it is just once in your life,buy the manual transmission.Your wife will learn-for some reason I realize many harbor thr unreasonable fear they won't master clutch/shifting.My Passat is my first 5spd.,and I love it.Tell yourself that if you don't master it (but you both will)you will have at least gotten it out of your system for the rest of your lives.

Sporin

I like the new grill treatment, and the mechanical and interior changes are great. But I absolutely do not like the chrome.

I just finished washing mine... nothing is prettier then clean, shiny black! :-) Of course, it wil be dusty, dirty black romorrow, but right now it sparkles.

ludacris

i still dont get why u guys hate the chrome so much...its not thaat bad. its not like they put chrome bumpers on it..theres just chrome on the grille and on the flanks. i really like it, the taillamps also look pretty good and the stance seems to have improved. i dont think the interiors as good as merckx, it uses good materials and all, but the styling isnt great. the maximas dash looks better to me..

catbert430

I love my new 2001.5 Passat.

The 1.8 with auto has plenty of acceleration. Like Kimmers, I did notice that the gas pedal feels a bit numb at first touch and then takes off.

I would have preferred the V6, but $2,570 for the engine and a few bits of wood trim seemed absurd to me. My past cars have all been V6s, but I don't miss the extra hp or torque at all. The 4 is still smoother and quieter than my old 99 Grand Am GT.

As for the chrome trim, I park next to my boss' 2001 Passat everyday. Sometimes I think his car with the lack of chrome trim and the plainer grille and taillights looks much better than mine. He feels that mine looks much better than his with the chrome trim and more stylized grille and taillights. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side.

david1812

I am going to the dealer this afternoon to test drive both 4 & 6 auto. I would love to drive a 5spd as I've only driven sticks for the first 20 years since I got my license but my wife never figured out or never bother to learn it. "It's too much hassle" she says. Anyway, I'll report back with opinions of the test drives.

kimmers71

I thought the same thing about stick. Tell her to quit being so stubborn! (I can say that because my husband says I'm the most stubborn person he knows!)

GOOD LUCK!!!

david1812

Well, been there, didn't do it. My controller (read wife) could not get over the new front end. I guess she really had the older version all drawn up in her head and was a bit traumatized by the new look. Designers are neurotic in that way I guess. So for now, I'll admire the new Passat from afar and keep driving our Jetta. I hope the new body will grow on us soon, like before the next design update.

pkradd

Hello. It's been a week since I brought my Reflex Silver beauty home. It's the GLS with 4 cylinder turbo/tiptronic. I opted for the luxury package (sunroof, alloy wheels, sun shade) as I'm in South Florida. It also has the Monsoon speakers and Homelink. Gray Velour finished up things (leather in Florida, I don't think so. Might attract alligators or something). I just moved here earlier in the year from Minnesota.

This is my first VW, although as a 20 something my girlfriend had a 1969 Beetle (in 1969). As a former Camry owner (6 years leasing a '95 and '98) I got tired of the car. Also there's so many of them! Anyway, this Passat is marvelous. I love the handling and feel of the steering. As someone said, the car feels so "safe". Fit and fininsh are terrific and the details are what makes the difference in my opinion between the Passat and the Camry. Camry's are exceptionally reliable. I hope my Passat is as well. To hedge on that I purchased an extended warranty. Oh yes, I bought the car rather then leasing.

It's fun to drive again!

rivasmmm

Originally I was waiting the shipment of my Indigo Bloue with Black leather Passat, but when the dealer said that the car would be driven up by a "professional" from a city nearly 40miles away, I chose anither car off the lot. I got the Reflex Silver with Grey leather, it looks sweet! I'm so happy with my purchase. I got all options, leather package, lux package, and Monsoon sound, minus the homelink. The car really does stand out and I sure don't feel like I'm driving just another Volkswagen. It's my first car, but all it would need is the Audi badge and it would definitely be an Audi. I got the 170Hp 1.8Turbo engine and I haven't floored it yet (Break-in procedure) but the automobile is simply begging for me to accelerate. I chose the car when it was still in plastic with 7 miles on it, but once it got detailed- man it turned heads. The silver is beautiful; it's not the same silver that VW has used on previous models. I only have 70 Miles on it now and I have to constantly remind myself that "it's just a volkswagen" and I shouldn't worry about it so much, but I guess that's how anyone would be with any new car. I managed to get the car for approximately $150 over invoice when my mom was doing the negotiating, but then when the Finance Manager reprinted the paper work, I was just too excited that I was getting the hottest color, he ended up tacking on another $225 to the price. So, I got screwed, but not really when I think about my cool new 2001.5 Passat. Much luck to those of you in the market. Your comments and research has been most helpful. Thank you.

pkradd

Mine was also in plastic when I chose it from about 6 other silvers at the storage lot. My salesman said there was no break in period. But I just make sure I don't drive the same speed all the time. I've floored the car from time to time. It gives some kick. Have logged 480 miles (It had 15 when I picked it up). It definately is a head-turner. And at night, the dash speedo in blue and all the switches in red... very cool! (Or awesome as is the preferred word nowadays).

slummyj

Your dealer sounds like mine. Never fixes anything on the first try. If I'm lucky, they don't make it worse. Now I am waiting for a new door hinge (so far 10 days) to fix a door that the dealer has "fixed" twice so far. Too bad, such a nice car has such a poor dealer.

dpr5

I have not had my first service on my1.5 Passat, but: In 1976, I bought my first and till now only Passat, a Dasher wagon. I always and I mean always took 2 visits to get it seviced or fixed right. After the first year, I started making 2 appointments 2 or 3 days apart for each service. They thought I was nuts but evertime I had to take advantage of the 2nd appointment. You would think they would get the idea but they never did. However you may want to try it....
Dave

ed2001

I have purchased 4 new vehicles over the past 15 years. The 2001.5 VW Passat is my 5th. No transaction has been smoother than this one. Peter Quiñones is the excellent salesperson at Bayside Saab/Volkswagen in Queens, NY, who made the sale an easy, no nonsense transaction.

Kudos to Peter Quiñones and Bayside VW for their professionalism.

I expect service to be of high quality, as Bayside VW is affiliated with a Mercedes dealership and the service is done at the same location.

vwguild

Red lighting under the RearView is ambient lighting ONLY...

$92 is FPIR, and $25 for Port Prep on every car,
for every Dealer C2C...Only Ad Fees vary...

Cheng...1st service ask for a Tech to do a drive along to check on this...

Systemic Electrical problems for VW/Audi went away at end of the 80's...Looking for Confirmation??? Try buying a GLX 4MO Variant Lately??

stgreen

Purchased a Fresco Green 2001.5 in early March and car had been on lot since early January. Question: I've washed it a bunch of times but when can and should I wax it for the first time?

I've heard to wait six months but from what date: build date? shipping date? or deliverly date?

thanks, stg

rancher350

I currently drive a 1992 Camry with more than 170,000 miles. I am looking at buying a new car and the 2001.5 Passat looks great. Now perhaps I have been spoiled by the Camry, and by Toyota in general, but I want a car that is reliable. It doesn't matter how pretty or sweet riding a car is if it spends most of its time, and most of my money, in the shop. It seems that no one is happy with their Passat, and those that are have experienced at least minor problems. Is this the case? I even see people posting that they have experienced no problems at 6,000 or 10,000 or 30,000 miles, yet. My Camry has never had a problem, even with 170,000 and still ticking. Are Passat's reliable? Are these problems exceptions to the rules? Or are Passats just another pretty but very unreliable car? I would appreciate any thoughts the group has on this matter!

pkradd

I too had Camry's before purchasing the 2001.5 Passat. I also considered the reliability question. My '95 and '98 Camrys were virtually trouble-free. The Passat is a more "complicated" car, especially with the turbo. I don't expect it to be like the Camry so I opted for an extended warranty. I'm covered for 70,000 miles or 5 years. I would just say that these forums are generally for people who have problems rather then those who are having a more positive experience. In the end it depends on your dealer and how he treats you and the car.

Sporin

Please don't misconsture that I am "unhappy with my car." I am most certainly NOT.

I am unhappy that I have had 2 electrical things break, through no fault of my own, at 35k miles. I am unhappy that my local dealership seems to not care one bit about my inconvenience.

But these are the ONLY things that have gone wrong that required a special visit to the dealer in 2 years and 35k miles.

I'm certainly perturbed, and quite a bit more pessamistic about the car, but I am NOT unhappy.

vwguild

Any luck with pushing them on *good faithing* this repair???

Sporin

I haven't had a chance to do anything about it yet... but I plan on calling them this week.

stamkis

Will most likely be buying a Passat 2001.5 this week. Three options I am thinking of adding are mud flaps, a solar shield (deflector) and a roof-mounted bike rack.
1. My nephew says the mud flaps are important especially since I am buying a light colored car - Reflex silver. Anybody add mud flaps to their car? If so, are they worth it? How do they look? I live in New England so we have our share of snowy and rainy days along with our salted winter roads. I think there is a 12 year warranty on paint if I remember correctly. Maybe this is a needless expense(?). What do you think?

2. I haven't talked price with the dealer about the solar shield. About what price should I expect to pay? Anybody have any problems with this shield?

3. I do a lot of bike riding. Asked the dealer about adding a bike rack that can fit two bicycles. He said they have one for $695. Normally, it is $895. Their cost he says is $600. So, there is a $95 markup.
Don't know if it is better to go with an after-market rack for less money. Or, is this (Volkswagon designed - not sure if it is) rack superior to others for some reason. Anyone have any input about what might be the best way to handle this bike rack situation? Thanks!

Sporin

You will save a LOT of money if you get a quality, aftermarket bike rack.

Sporin

I was just reading through teh VW Vortex and found this topic. Appears that opinions are split on the sunshade...

http://forums.vwvortex.com/vwbb/Forum6/HTML/014621.html

ristak

Picking me new Passat this week. Can anyone tell me if the VW Masterguard extended warranty must be purchased day one? I'm still debating between Masterguard and Warranty Direct's wrap around coverge. Can anyone who bought it tell me what they paid for a 5/72 masterguard premium level policy? Thanks.

Also, can anyone suggest a could way to protect the leather seats from the indentations of a car seat?

rivasmmm

The MasterGuard Warranty must be bought up-front. I actually purchased the 84Month/100,000 mile extended warranty for $1200. According to many European automobile owners, it is a small price to pay in the long run. It covers pretty much everything. I also read in another townhall discussion that it is way better to buy it from VW as oppose to aftermarket because of Service and work-orders/reimbursement policies and procedures. The warranty I purchased is more for the electronic components which are only covered by VW for 24months/ 24,000miles. I know if you do have a major electrical problem, it's most likely to occur in within the first 24month. However, if you live by the coast or in the cold regions, VW service knows how to charge. It's approximately $80-100 an hour plus parts (shipped from Germany) and a $90 diagnostic fee. I think a $100 dollar deductible is a very reasonable price to pay. I hope this information was helpful.

kimmers71

You might want to check out the forums on www.vwvortex.com on whether you can purchase the Masterguard warranty at a later date. I believe I read that you could.

carguy5000

I had 2 Camrys before buying the Passat, the '92 was a V6 that I put over 90k on in just over 3 years. The '96 was a 4 cyl, 5-sp. that I put almost 80k on, both cars EXCELLENT, but kinda boring.
The Passat V6, just different, highly recommended.

kaketo

Purchased a 2001.5 Passats, and the bad dealer experience aside, we are very pleased to date with the car. However, the head lamps don't cast enough light when driving at night (only seems to throw light about 8-10 feet in front of the car) and the high beams are devastating to on-coming traffic. Upon popping the hood, the lamps are marked with "See Owner's Manual for Adjustment" and yet the manual contains no instructions for doing so. There doesn't appear to be any adjustment screw in plain sight, so I thought I would ask before taking a screw driver to the assembly, or God forbid go back to the dealer from hell for assistance.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to adjust just the standard beam up so it will throw light a further ahead on the road.

karalr

I have a 2001 Passat V6 GLX manual which I bought in February and love! My only question is whether it is really necessary to put Premium gas in it, as the owner's manual recommends?

This is my first new car and I have always purchased the cheapest gas with older cars, but I don't know if it truly makes a difference since this is more of a "performance" car than my old one was.

Living in Southern California, the gas bills are crazy, so I'm wondering if I can use less expensive gas in my Passat. Any opinions?

justin

I bought my Masterguard for my Jetta well over a week later. When I sold the car at $20k miles, I got a refund on the warranty. The only one BACKED my VW and VW dealers I think...of course, never needed it. Or the factory warranty for that matter...

vwguild

Your headlight issue is currently the single most common complaint
that VWOA receives...cupholders, not withstanding... At some point
in time you are going to have to establish a comfortable & cordial
relationship with a VW Service Dept. I have two suggestions:
1. Contact the Service Manager, either in person or by phone, and
explain, as pleasantly as possible, your less than heartwarming sales
experience...Service Managers vs. Sales Manager...My money says
that the Service Manager, if he is really good, will try to win you over,
and tell you that he understands..."Yea, those salesmen...." For the most
part the Service Dept. feels as if they are the Septic Tank for the Sales Dept.

2. If this tact fails to produce a satisfactory result...the entire store may be
less than thrilling...go to www.vw.com and go to the Dealer Locator, put in
a Mile radius that is comfortable to your Home or Work, and go back to
suggestion #1.

Premium Gas:
The only car that VW makes that absolutely, positively requires 92/93 Octane
gas is the 1.8L Turbo. If you are planning on driving your GLX hard, then you
will need to go that route as well, but if this is a family car, 89 Octane should
prove to be just fine...

highrise_condo

Thanks for your reply to msg# 655 regarding poor radio reception in the 2001.5 Passat GLX I purchased in March. I had the dealership check the antenna ground but had not improvement. I still cannot keep a clear FM station and cannot even find an AM station. I've taken the car in several times (in fact, it's there now), but the dealership has been completely unsuccessful at resolving the problem. It's my only issue with the car. Everything else is flawless. As one who listens to the radio a lot, my blood boils everytime I turn it on. Any other suggestions?

RISTAK, I paid $1033 (in Dallas, TX) for the platinum VW 5/72 Masterguard w/no deductible. I bought it the day I bought the car.

kaketo

On posting from an earlier message, I received a couple of inquiries as to dealer experience. The experience from the time we set foot on the lot was stereo-typical "old school". I was shocked that you couldn't get pricing quoted over the interned (I just purchased a brand new truck 2 weeks earlier and the entire transaction was done via interned. I spent 30 minutes in the dealership on paper work).

As for the Passats, the exact model (2001.5 GLX Blue/Silver, 5-speed) was on the lot, but we weren't married to the car just to get it. When we finally sat down and expressed an interest to talk price, the dealer's first offer was MSRP. Now, at the time, "TV" pricing was not available on Edmunds since the model had just been released. However, after some ridiculous back-and forth, I got my price of $27,000 with delivery (before taxes). I passed on the $400 DC changer. While I know I got a good price, if the dealer doesn't want to sell the car for that price, just say so. I don't need all the "good cop-bad cop" carp during the negotiation. The fact that they couldn't remember my wife's or my name during the process (with my personal information in front of them) was the kicker! As for the DC changer, I purchased the Panasonic model on-line and installed it myself. Oh, and I didn't need it "programmed" by the dealer at an extra cost of $75. I got the changer, converter cable and delivery for $255. It took 10 minutes to install in the trunk.

Overall, we love the car to this point, just needed to take a shower after the dealer experience.

Also, in regards to the premium gas. Can the GLX still perform on 89 octane without any ill effects to the car?

vwguild

At this point...if they have ruled out a bad ground; I would ask to have the HU
checked or replaced...the latter being the preferrable option.

The only wiring problem that occurs to me is the possiblity that
at some point someone may have removed the head liner and a
wire is being pinched somewhere between the Antennae & the HU.

It would seem to me that the Service Manager would opt to replace
the HU...

splforest

I have just picked up my 2001 GLS Passat. I am more than thrilled with it. Thanks to everyone on this and the vortex sites for all the info. I have one more thing to figure out though. The warranty.

I have heard some about the VW Masterguard plan but I still have questions. The F&I woman at my dealership was an outright liar biased against Masterguard so I am starting from ground zero here.

What are the different years/mileage available?
Is it true that 7yr/100k is not available with $0 deductible?
When must Masterguard be purchased by?
I saw something in the brochure about transferring the warranty when selling. Any info?

Thanks

One More thing: Is there anywhere I should report this lying cheating Chicago F&I woman?

frankhall

I too am thinking of jumping from my old reliable ‘95 Carry to the Passats but need to ask the board a few questions. 1) What is with the designation 2001.5? Is that a half-year model? 2)When does the 2002's arrive. 3) Finally since I have never ventured into the World of Volkswagen, how will are the dealers willing to drop the price in general and if they do what kind of % reduction is in the ball park. In closing are the Passat's radios really that bad in terms of reception?

kimmers71

1) VW brought out the new body style mid year, hence the 2001.5. Ford did the same thing with its Escort (new body style) in 1988.

2) From what I've read, 2002's will probably start appearing on lots in late summer. Though, you can order one now. Price change is not known.

3) I bought my for $700 over invoice (GLS 1.8 5 speed with everything BUT leather). Not much haggling because I received this price quote from my friend's fiance and took that to other dealerships. Some wouldn't come close. But as always, it depends on the dealership. I'm lucky to have 5 or 6 within an hour that I could shop at.

And lastly, I have ZERO problems with my radio reception. Granted I've only had my Passat for less than a week. The only time I have problems is when I get to certain areas next to Lake Michigan then it gets fuzzy but this happened on my old car and also happens on my husband's truck.

Have you taken one for a test drive yet?

Sporin

The fault of the 98.5 - 2001 radios is the antenna wire and related connections. These have been changed in the redesign. (2001.5)

sstryk

Check out this link.

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/previews/2001/March/200103_preview_VW_Passat.xml

I've read about the "new" center console in the new Passat but can't identify any differences from previous models. However, this link shows a very different console with navigation and wood-trimmed steering wheel. I wonder what gives. I might think it's the 2002 dash, but the article is about the 2001.5.

Any ideas?

kimmers71

It appears that picture has the GPS in the center also. I do believe that is going to be available in 2002 but probably only the GLX. www.vwvortex.com has an article on known changes to date for the 2002 model.

Kris

bonniea

We are about to purchase one of these cars, and I keep flipping back and forth between each one. The Passat drove great, had everything I could want in a car, but it's not a Volvo. Also, the back seat in the Passat is quite a bit larger. Based on this website, there are some issues with the headlights on the Passat. Can anyone give me some advice? The difference in price is $2,500. Is the Volvo really worth that much more?

raybear

I prefer the Passat, but it's personal. Also, I'm an old cheapskate who won't spend a nickel more than necessary.

phkck

Yes it is true that you can not buy the MasterCare with a 0 deductible and 100K. The max is 84K.

vwguild

The Volvo that you are now looking at is a Ford...Check out the Volvo posts under
*Station Wagons* or here...

The Headlight issue is not a Factory problem, but a Dealership problem...It is a
key, but oft overlooked part of the PDI(Pre-Delivery Inspection)...

If you compare each car side by side and check-out results of the Ins. Institute
For Highway Safety test results you may be very surprised...The Passat comes
with 6 AirBags/8 Sensors, and is Consumer Reports Best Family Sedan/Wagon,
Automobile Magazine has ranked it identically for the past three years...And with a
small portion of the money that you save; you can increase the B2B to 5/60 ...

alek001

I bought GLS 1.8T just last Sat and want to thank
everyone who posted messages here, which helped me a lot to negotiate. I bought it mostly communicating over the internet for $ 500 over the invoice (everything but leather). Very happy.
Just keep coming into the garage to look at the car. I also own a Jetta for 5 years, so I really like VW. Tried to look at Camry - neither I nor my wife just can't stand its interior, not mentioning its driving ``capabilities.'' I can ``sort of'' understand people who thinks Camries are reliable, but what about everyday liking what you drive? I think it is way more important to be happy with your car. Also I never heard that even with older all kinds of VW models anybody had serious problems before they are 7 or more years old. I think the new Passat moves towards upscaling and reliability should be better.
It is obvious to me that the new Passat has an edge over the usual competition (to put it simple - personally I don't see any competition with Honda, Toyota, etc - sorry, but it is just personal feeling, don't take it too seriously). Anyway, I purchased Platinum Mastergueard for $ 1300 for 6/60000 with $ 50 deductible.

hodala

Just want to make sure that if Floor Mats come free with a new car (2001.5 Passat GLX)? If yes, it comes with Carpeted Mats or Rubber Floor Mats? And which kind is better? Carpeted Mats or Rubber Floor? Any input will be appreciate. Thank you.

Sporin

The S60 is one of the last Volvo's to have almost ZERO Ford influence. The Volvo cars you can buy right now were developed long before Ford bought in. Trust me on this one.

The S60 is a GREAT car... if the money wasn't an issue, I would gladly take one over a Passat. But that's becasue I am a cheapo'. :-)