Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • kimmers71kimmers71 Member Posts: 55
    My GLS came with carpeted floor mats so I'm sure the GLX comes with them also. Carpeted floor mats look nice but are more difficult to keep clean. Rubber you can just hose off and put back in the car. Rubber are a must (IMHO) if you live in a region that gets snow. I'll be getting a good set before the snow starts flying later this year.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    I don't think anything is wrong with a little Ford influence. Just as long as it is not Ford manufacturing....;)
  • pmvipmvi Member Posts: 63
    I'm with Sporin and think the S60 is a nicer car. However, if forced to choose a fully loaded GLX vs. a stripped down base model S60, I agree that the Passat is a better deal. Like bonniea said, it has a bigger backseat for one thing (though the front seats are no match). Also, while the Volvo is still safer IMO---it's not by much since VW has made great improvements. Another thing I like better about the Passat is the cloth seats. Volvo's cloth seats are UGLY!

    Styling is strong for both cars, but the Passat has more of a utilitarian look to it, while the S60 has real panache. I have to be honest though--I bought an S60 T5 with every option except nav system and auto trans. I still think the Passat is one of the best cars out there--and I would actually choose it over an Audi A4. One criticism I would have is that the V6 isn't that impressive. The 1.8T with a manual tranmission is actually funner to drive IMO.
  • spridledogspridledog Member Posts: 63
    Hey pmvi - I am teetering on the verge of ordering a S60 T5 w/manual. Could you please whip over to the S60 forum and read my post? I know you posted previously, but I'm wondering how you like the car. "Talk" to you in the S60 forum...thanks.
  • dpr5dpr5 Member Posts: 32
    I drove both before buying the Passat. I actually drove the T5 5speed vs the GLX 5 speed. I thought the Passat was a better drving car although the Volvo seemed faster. I do like the looks of the Volvo (I once never thought that would be possible) except the shifter was ugly. I also like the Swedish pick-up option. However, the Passat IMHO was the much better value.
    Dave
  • frankhallfrankhall Member Posts: 11
    Got a price of $22,575 for the Silver 2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4Cyl Turbo 5A)at a dealer in Phila. suburbs. What does the board think? Thanks Kimmers for your previous answer. Hey I liked the car. More pep and tighter than the 4 cyl. Camery
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    would be soooo much nicer if it followed the BMW idea and least put a little chrome trim around the windows. my opinion of course....

    The more interesting Volvo-VS-VW comparo is the base Passat over S40. Which would you guys pick?
  • kimmers71kimmers71 Member Posts: 55
    Any options?

    Your $1100 over invoice and I (IMO) think you could do better. Go to www.vw.com and locate other dealers. Then start shopping around. Shopping around is a must when spending $20+ grand. (Actually I shop around for $10 items:))

    Did you take it on any curvy roads? It corners like a dream!! I can't wait until I get past the break in period!
  • pmvipmvi Member Posts: 63
    I would definitely take the base Passat 5 speed over the S40--assuming I could get a few options on the Passat (Sunroof, 16" alloys, upgraded stereo).

    Not that I'd be in the market for a wagon, but I do like the V40 better than the Passat wagon.
  • kimmers71kimmers71 Member Posts: 55
    Any options?

    Your $1100 over invoice and I (IMO) think you could do better. Go to www.vw.com and locate other dealers. Then start shopping around. Shopping around is a must when spending $20+ grand. (Actually I shop around for $10 items:))

    Did you take it on any curvy roads? It corners like a dream!! I can't wait until I get past the break in period!
  • stgreenstgreen Member Posts: 74
    I know there are many after-market warranty messages posted but in a nutshell:

    What are my options for an after-market warranty if my 2001.5 Passat (purchased in mid-Feb) has 2500 miles on it and is in immaculate condition?

    I bought the car and will have it for 5-7 years (i hope). Also, does the warranty mean that all my service gets done at a VW dealer?

    thanks, stg

    -ps- i bought rubber mats from VW and the luggage bed ($50 -approx) when i picked up the car and i believe BOTH are a must. Just put carpet back in car a few days ago and will take them out in late Oct/early Nov...
  • frankhallfrankhall Member Posts: 11
    $22,575 was the first introductory discounted price and we have not introduced the trade in factor yet. You are right, I've got to shop. The problem is I am not sure if I have less time than money. Why bother to purchase an extended warranty if all the big stuff is covered for 100k/10yr?
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Aftermarket warranties are to be avoided. You may find you have to pay for service and then await reimbursement. Better to pay a little bit more for a VW-sanctioned package.
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    frank,

    The Powertrain warranty does cover a lot of parts, but many, very EXPENSIVE oens aren't.

    Sensors, modules, all those little "brains" are not covered and can be very expensive. The are also "typically" the things that VW has problems with.

    It's ag great car, I may even get another, but I will spend the extra $800 next time and extend the b2b out to 5/60k for the peace of mind.
  • kimmers71kimmers71 Member Posts: 55
    You'd be surprised how quickly you go through dealers in a day. Tell them straight up what you want to pay for the car and let them come back. You'll waste less time (IMHO) negotiating. If they don't want to deal, walk out and on to the next dealer. And don't worry if they have the vehicle on the lot, they can do dealer trades. DO NOT tell them what color combos you are looking at. Otherwise if you get a good price at one dealer and another has the vehicle, the other dealer may remember you and not do the dealer trade. I don't know if this is common but just cover your butt!

    Regarding the Extended Warranty...DON'T DO IT...WASTE OF MONEY!! Odds are you will never get your money out of it. If you have the $1000 or whatever the price is and invest it into something stable, you'll do much better. If you don't have the lump sum, figure how much extra yoru payment would be with it financed and stick it into your savings. Then if something should go wrong, you'll have the money to pay for the repairs.

    Vehicle Mfgs make BIG money off these extended warranties.
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Great negotiation method. It's the way we do it where I work, locating cars on the internet.

    Re: the warranty, I have to say we bought a used Jetta and the warranty easily paid for itself and then some.
  • killerbzkillerbz Member Posts: 1
    Kimmers...have you considered the value proposition of have an extended warranty at time of re-sale?

    In 5 years, if your neighbor has the identical car as you do for sale, same condition, same miles, all things equal. Same price for both cars... one has the extended warranty (assuming it is transferable)... Which car do you buy?
  • wiser2wiser2 Member Posts: 1
    "In 5 years, if your neighbor has the identical car as you do for sale, same condition, same miles, all things equal. Same price for both cars... one has the extended warranty (assuming it is transferable)... Which car do you buy?"

    Well, I wouldn't buy my own car since I own it. I also wouldn't buy my neighbor's car since it is identical to the one I'm trying to sell. So, I give up -- which car would I buy?
  • tollytolly Member Posts: 1
    Just got a 2001.5/1.8T/5 speed/leather/lax/black on black and luvin' it. (Still not crazy about all the chrome though, especially on the dark colors. That strip on the side might have to get covered up yet! I thought I would get used to it but it's just not happening.)
    After looking over the manuals I have a couple questions hopefully someone can answer: Where the beck is the engine air filter? I can see something down near the turbot that might be it but it sure looks like a bear to get at. Also, I believe there is a cabin air filter. Anybody know where that is? I could find nothing in the owner's manual about it.
    I'm considering a 10 year I to I Diamond wrap-around warranty from Warranty Direct. Seems like an OK deal for $900/0 deductible. Any comments would be appreciated.
    Thanks to all who contributed to this talk and helped me make this decision. It's a great car.
  • kimmers71kimmers71 Member Posts: 55
    Raybear...that's great that you got your money out of it but you are most likely in the minority.

    Killer...I plan to keep this vehicle for 10 years and don't really care about resale.

    Buying the warranty is a personal decision and I just gave my opinion. If someone purchases it, so be it, it's their money not mine. I just get real upset because vehicle mfg's make big money off of these. Hence, finance people trying to push this on you along with all the disability insurance and other extras.
  • kimmers71kimmers71 Member Posts: 55
    Congratulations on your new Passat!
  • frankhallfrankhall Member Posts: 11
    Thank you one and all. I am going to do the 'trade in /bottom line' price dance during lunch. Will keep you posted.
  • ishiishi Member Posts: 3
    I just took delivery of a 2001.5 Passat (silverstone grey w/black leather)and would like to hear any recommendations on maintaining the interior. What is everyone using to clean and protect the leather seats, dash, etc. With so may products to choose from, and having been one known to neglect previous vehicles, I don't know what would be best. Also, what is everyone doing to clean and protect the black trim that runs along the bottom of the car. Just wash and wax? Thanks for any help.
  • rickroverrickrover Member Posts: 601
    All you need to know is Lexol - Leather cleaner, Leather preservative, and vinyl preservative (all separate products) fantastic. For the exterior all you need to know is Zymol.
  • spridledogspridledog Member Posts: 63
    I used to use Lexol to clean my leather, until I found what I think is the most amazing interior cleaning product around - "Interior Cleaner" from Griot's Garage (800-345-5789). This stuff is amazing! AFTER I cleaned my driver's seat with Lexol, I then used the Griot's cleaner, and it removed dirt that the Lexol had left behind - the rag was brown with dirt! The best part is that you can use it to clean EVERYTHING (except glass) inside the car - leather, plastic, carpet - so you only need one bottle! I'm not sure what's in this stuff, but because it has no strong chemical odor, I think it's some kind of protein or enzyme based solution - gentle but effective. Definitely give it a try!
  • gtidrivegtidrive Member Posts: 4
    how soon can you wax this puppy? I took delivery about two weeks ago of a 2001.5 wagon. If its a certain time frame after it's built, where do I find the build date?
  • carguy5000carguy5000 Member Posts: 146
    Sorry I am a day late on this one....but what are you kidding me with the line "but it is not a Volvo" What is that supposed to mean? Your friends will not be impressed with your new found wealth? A Volkswagen won't due? Give me a break...or better yet read the review in this weeks Autoweek and their mention of the S60 in anything other than the T5/5-speed format, I think it translated to BORING. Never mind the past generation Honda Accord styling.
    As far as the S40 over the Passat, come on. It is half the car.
    I truly believe the Passat is for those who want a genuine value for the money, and are not hung up on what is in the driveway.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    but if that was truly the case, people would be flocking to the Hyundai dealer for the super XG300L. More HP, more features, more luxury, for $23k sticker.

    It is the Hyundai part that people can't swallow....just like some can't deal with VW from its past track record.

    I would take the Passat of course...:)
  • frankhallfrankhall Member Posts: 11
    Frankie no get Passat today. Frankie horrified on the $5k trade in on 95 Dx Camry (70k miles) offered by dealer. Not even close. $17,525 net on 4cyl-5A Will re-group and fight another day. Postive dealer experience even though we could not reach accord. Maybe I am not use to the polite Germanic way of saying "If you ask how much, you can't afford it. Thanks Gang!
  • luigi72luigi72 Member Posts: 3
    I recently bought my wife a 2001 VW Passat GLX with the 6 cylinder engine. It has everything except 4motion. Since we live in Texas, I don't think we'll miss it. Besides, my wife wouldn't let me take her car anywhere it might get slightly dirty anyway. Can somebody out there tell me how to activate the radio controls on the multifunction steering wheel? They light up, the cruise control works fine, so the problem is only with the radio controls. I've tried pressing them multiple times while driving/not driving, holding them down for several seconds while driving/not driving, etc. I can't get them to do anything. Help!

    P.S. I got a really good price on the car. Between what I got off the sticker price and what I got for my trade vs. what my trade was actually worth, I got about $4500 off the right below $30,000 sticker price. Admittedly, I had to buy the original 2001 vs the newer 2001 mid-year to get that price.
    P.P.S. We LOVE the car. No matter what the lazy Americans hung up on luxury and reliability say, this is a REAL DRIVING MACHINE.
  • carguy5000carguy5000 Member Posts: 146
    That 1995 stripper Camry is worth? Ten grand...come on, be a little realistic here. The car is 6 years old. Half of these whinning posts on this board are from people who go into the dealer completely unprepared and wonder why they walk out frustrated. Do yourself a favor and do some homework.
    It is this simple: it is called wholesale/wholesale. You buy his car for wholesale and he buys your car for wholesale....see, no magic, no smoke and mirrors and you don't even need to go into the "closing booth" to figure that one out.
    You are a lucky person today because I am going to help you do your homework. A 1995 Camry DX is in the real book for $5600 w/71k on the meter. deduct $50 for every 1k over this number. Now, if your DX has 3 pedals in the drivers side footwell, deduct another $500. If you have the "power pkg" offered on the DX, add $150.
    As you can see, the dealer was not going to expand one of his six vacation houses if you signed the bottom line, he was only trying to make a fair deal for the both of you.
  • frankhallfrankhall Member Posts: 11
    Since I am not in the bib I did not dream up the number$7K but got it from Edmunds appraisal site. No kidding, the number was $6940+/-. Trade in Value not dealer's price. The salesman and I surfed ourselves and I demo how I arrived at the number. He also was quick to point out the flaw in the trade in pricing system.
  • kimmers71kimmers71 Member Posts: 55
    If Edmunds says Trade In Value is $6940. Stick to your guns and try and get that. Dealers will always low ball you on your trade in trying to make you think "gee, maybe my car isn't worth as much as I thought." I got more for my trade-in than edmunds listed but then ended up selling it outright 2 days before I picked up my Passat.
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    Edmunds doesn't buy used cars... dealers do.
  • luigi72luigi72 Member Posts: 3
    Most car dealers post Kelly blue book links on their websites. These values are always lower than both NADA Gold Book and Edmunds. Webcarbook.com seems to have the closest values to what you can negotiate. Many credit unions have direct links to webcarbook on their websites. Webcarbook says a 95 Camry DX in fair condition is worth $4512 wholesale, $5615 retail; a 95 Camry DX in average condition is worth $5528 wholesale, $6810 retail; and a 95 Camry DX in excellent condition is worth $6871 wholesale, $8271 retail. No new car dealer is going to give you any more than wholesale on a used car unless they REALLY want to sell you the new car you want. Usually the best they'll offer is average condition wholesale. They'll start at fair condition or somewhere between fair and average.
    The only car they're going to give you excellent wholesale value for is one they can park on the used car lot without any reconditioning and unload at a profit within 30 days. The Dealer always finds the minor dents/scratches and claims they'll have to sell the car to a wholesaler who will sell the car at auction. Take your car to Carmax and see what they'll offer you for it. You can get more selling it yourself or taking it to several used car dealers (who don't sell new cars)if you want to take the time. These prices are based on Texas/Houston. They may be different in other regions. Go back to the Dealer, tell him you want $6,000 for your Camry. Settle for $5500-5600. If he won't give you that, decide how much effort you want to put into selling the Camry yourself.
  • carguy5000carguy5000 Member Posts: 146
    Frank, I do not know where you are from but the guide that I quoted is THE guide that is used in the Northeast. It is published weekly and it works off of true market values and conditions. Mainly wholesale auction results.
    When it comes to condition, be realistic. In the Northeast, there is no such thing as a '95 Camry in perfect condition, especially in a dark color. Trust me on this one, I owned both an "Emerald Pearl" and a "Ruby Pearl", both cars were above average as far as being taken care of, but the paint did not age well.

    Luigi72: Believe it or not, the dealer did not find the dings and scratches, I did. Of course they will point them out, or the first customer that sees the car will point them out to the dealer.
    Speaking from personal experience, it is VERY difficult to put values on used vehicles and make them as accurate as possible. Edmunds, Kelly and others are meant to be a guide for the consumer, not the standard.
    All things considered, Sporin said it best!!
  • alek001alek001 Member Posts: 5
    I wonder if anybody can comment or explain how difficult it is to install a cd-changer into a 2001.5 model. I think VW sells these for $ 350 (plus installation?). I am not sure that they offer the best out there. Also, I think I can buy on-line on sale various cd-changers for at least half of this price (from SONY, Pioneer, Panasonic). But I have no clue how to install it. Can anyone help me out? I have rather extended experience with stereo and all kind of home theater gear. What features should I look for?
  • goldnbrgoldnbr Member Posts: 8
    Installing the OEM CD Changer is a piece of cake. It takes no more than 10 minutes from the time you open the box even without any instructions. There is one plug in the trunk that you attach to the changer, put a bracket on each side of the changer, and slide the changer into the shelf on the left side of the trunk. No programming is needed to get it to work. There is a specific Panasonic model that you can also get online that requires an adapter to use all the functions of the stereo head unit. Check vwvortex.com for postings on which Panasonic unit that is.
  • alek001alek001 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks goldnbr. I found some very helpful messages at vwvortex.com too. One of the ``bad'' news is that that in some cars the cable may not be plugged-in into the HU. Then one needs to do something about it like pulling the HU out. This can probably void warranty?
  • stamkisstamkis Member Posts: 12
    Thanks for all the advice and support from all. I ended up buying a GLX Reflex Silver with gray leather interior automatic - no 4 motion or CD changer for $28,700. ($200- $400 more than I wanted.)
    Originally, I had a deal with a local dealer for $28,500 but he didn't have this color scheme in stock and couldn't or wouldn't get the car for me. He told me that there were two Reflex Silver with gray leather GLX's without 4 motion left in my state and none in port. So, I went to a dealer about 10 miles from home - not the one I'll be servicing with. This dealer was willing and able to get the car for me.

    Once I felt the car was rare I got caught up in my emotions and made the mistake by NOT agreeing to a price before looking at color and availabilty. Kimmers71 suggested this in a previous post. I should have listened.

    I know it only cost $200-$400 more than I wanted to spend, but the male ego is fragile and paying more when I could have paid less is ego deflating. Especially, since I know this dealer was far more eager to negotiate when I had a deal with another dealer.
    Regardless, this is going to be a fun car to drive and I am looking forward to driving it.

    I would have preferred to wait until the 2002's came out, but my present car needs extensive repairs and I don't want to sink more money into it.
    Brought this up before, no one commented. My sister has an Acura TL with mudflaps. For some reason she loves them. My nephew keeps pestering me to get the same for the Passat. Haven't heard anyone mention them in any Psssat forum. Has anyone seen them on a Passat? And, can comment on how they look?
    I may be driving in some foggy condition in the future. Does the Passat come with fog-type lights or is this a feature I will have to add?
    Again, thank for all your support. I wish you all good luck with your decisions and cars.
  • kimmers71kimmers71 Member Posts: 55
    Since my GLS has fog lights, I'm sure your GLX does also. When your headlights are on, pull the dial out. They light up the road very nice.

    And congratulations on your purchase!
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    It may come as news to all, but when you have a VW CD Changer installed at Delivery
    it carries the same 2/24 Warranty that the car does. But instead of having to take it
    out and repair it...it is simply replaced with a new one...Try that at BEST BUY or COSTCO.

    Stamkis...if you did not know that your knew Passat had FogLamps you paid $1000
    too much...Make sure that when VWOA calls for your impressions of your purchasing
    experience that you let them know that this was not a part of your Delivery Experience.
    Do you know about the Full Curtain Side AirBag Protection System? Do you know that
    you have a Full Size Spare Tire?

    Forgive me...Incompetance just drives me crazy...
  • highrise_condohighrise_condo Member Posts: 16
    I had the solid black VW mudflaps added to my 2001.5 white GLX. They do not detract from the appearance at all. My last car, an '89 Toyota Cressida that I drove for 12 years had them as standard equipment. At first I didn't like them but rapidly came to appreciate their function. They will save hours of cleaning road tar/stuff off the lower portion of the body. I paid $135 for parts and labor at the dealership.
  • kaketokaketo Member Posts: 5
    I went through the sticker shock of the dealer CD changer as well. I finally purchased my CD changer on line. I got the Panasonic CXDP610 from AudioWarehouse.com They did not have the lowest price on the net, that belonged to www.cameraclub.com at $189. Audiowarehouse does have a policy of meeting competitors prices and they also sell the cable interface needed for the changer (which cameraclub does not). I got the CD changer for $190 and the cable for $45 plus shipping. The CD changer installed in about 10 minutes (mainly the time to disconnect negative battery terminal and reconnecting and resetting clock etc....) I did not bracket the changer in place, rather I stuffed bubble wrap in the opens to cushion the player and make the player snug.

    Also, the dealer somg and dance about "programming" was bogus. The player works fine as do all the CD controls on the dash. Hope this helps.

    Now..... I still need to take my car into the dealer to have them re-aim the headlights. Has anyone been able to accomplish this on their own? Despite the labeling on the assymbly that reads "See Owner's Manual for Adjustment", there are no instructions in the manual. And BTW, that is the most convoluded configuration of an Owner's Manual I have ever seen (IMO)
  • alek001alek001 Member Posts: 5
    I looked as WarrantyDirect 10/10K DiamondWrap warranty program for $ 899. Seems a very nice deal: since it has Road Assistance, the cost is just like paying for the AAA. However, it does not cover air-bags (hoe long they are intact -
    does anybody knows?) and the fuel and vacuum pumps, compared to the standard ``less years'' programs. They say that these pumps are covered by
    the 10-year powertrain warranty. I checked the owner's manual, but it explicitly mentions the oil
    and water pumps only. Does anybody know if the fuel and vacuum pumps are indeed covered too? They should be?
  • bosephusbosephus Member Posts: 2
    Question: The Edmund's March review of the 2002 Passat states that the W8 won't be sold in the U.S. Nor will we the navigaiton option. Is that right? The VWVortex website seems to intimate otherwise. Who's wrong?
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Edmunds is. The Passat W8 is coming here, VW would be a fool not to bring it here.

    M
  • pkraddpkradd Member Posts: 358
    My dealer told me the car is coming to the US. And, there will be a true luxury VW in 2003, about $60,000 list price.
  • rickroverrickrover Member Posts: 601
    The W8 Passat is supposed to be here later this year. All wheel drive is standard, it will be available with a 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic for somewhere in the $35k range. The true luxury VW is called the D1, I've heard anywhere from $50k to $60k for that one. VW will also sell a new Bugatti sports car with 1,000 HP for about $750k, I think it has a W12 or W16 engine in it with 4 small turbos.
  • bosephusbosephus Member Posts: 2
    Glad to hear that it will be arriving in the U.S. Now I'll W8 for the W8 before I buy.
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