Old professor, it is nice to hear that you have found a solid VW service center. Please ask them to open one in northern Ohio and I will be happy to patronize them, that is if they can stand the incessant cold rainy weather (and that is just April through October... you get relief in the other months with snow)
Actually, there may be another lesson here: when dealers have VW franchises paired with other, more highline brands, things are often better in the service dept. The guy with the better reputation in our town also sells Acura, Porsche, and BMW in addition to VW. Of course, none of this guarantees competent mechanics/techs, but it does tend to improve attitude, which can be really important when dealing with warranty issues.
Herr Doktor Piech is determined to take the VW brand up against Mercedes and Lexus, with the W8 Passat and D1 lux-sedan. At least in the USA, this is bound to be an uphill fight unless the dealer body gets a swift kick in the backside when it comes to dealing with the customer...the kinds of stories that appear on this board have got to go away.
VWGuild, your dealership in Monterey is a positive example [how far back does the franchise go? and always paired with Porsche, right?] of what a customer-sensitive outfit is supposed to be like. Unfortunately, there are far too many of the other kind out there, and VWoA hasn't figured out the right combination of carrot and stick to get the bad guys to shape up...yet. They'd better get cracking if they want to peddle $40k+ cars.
Had my "free" 5k service today. Had to wait fifteen minutes for a service advisor to check me in and then leave the car there for most of the day. This, so that they could change the oil and top of the fluids.
Taking in my wifes accord for the same thing at our local honda dealer takes less than 45 minutes and it gets a hand wash to boot. It isn't free, but $21.95 is a lot easier for me to deal with than not having a car for most the day.
It's funny because the "premium brand" thing was mentioned as being an idicator of a quality dealer. This dealer is Audi,Volkswagon,Acura, and dodge. Today I certainly felt like I was at a Dodge dealer but not Acura or Audi.
If you are still having radio reception problems, keep taking the car back. It took me 4 times. My question always was "Didn't you listen to the radio before you called to say the car was ready?" Supposedly, when they replaced a cable to the antenna it solved the problem. I agree that the service leaves a lot to be desired. I bought my car at Burnsville VW, in Minneapolis (Burnsville). This is the worst service I have seen in years. I would rather have a problem, than let the dealer try to fix it. Nothing is ever fixed in one try-if I'm lucky, they don't make it worse.
Driving my 2 month Passat has decidedly been a true pleasure to drive. However, I've noticed that my drivers seat seems to "flunk" especially upon acceleration. I can ascertain that it is my seat, every time I seem to sit up or move around in the seat I can replicate a similar "flunk". has anyone experienced such "flunking".
I just completed a long, very thoughtful response to your post about the Wester's, and the tradition in Dealerships...took about an hour...either it was edited out or lost I do not know...very strict rules here about self promotion, but I did not bring it up...sorry it was lost....
Cliffy, you are of course referring to our "other" VW dealer in the area, Lasher on Florin Road. I have found the Acura service dept there to be both competent and reasonably quick, but the VW shop used to be shared with the Dodge dealer [!!!], and they have also had serious labor issues with their mechanics, so it is no surprise that things take a long time to happen. For me, the real issue is competence and whether or not you get treated like a paying customer, especially on warranty work. I would prefer Niello for VW, but the fact is that they are just too far away for anyone living in the south area.
In any case, my overall point is that if VW wants to compete with the likes of MB in this country, they are going to have to build a fire under their dealer body to start acting the part. AND, the parent company in Germany has to give the proper support - some of the past problems with parts availability [a new computer system was blamed] went on far too long, for example. And you have to stop fighting customers about warranty claims when there is a clear defect involved - "they all do that" doesn't cut it.
Guild: I too once spent a long time on one of the Mercedes boards penning a response on MB quality problems [I've owned 13 MBs over the years], only to have the last third of it cut off because [I assume] it was too long. I finally broke it up into two parts, but then I'm retired and have the time to play with this stuff - you may not. In any case, Wester has been a "name" in the VW - Porsche business for as long as I can remember, and that goes back to my first start as a car nut in 1961. [My first real car was a used '61 Beetle that I acquired in 1963 and drove through my college years.] Don't know whether ownership has changed in that time, but I have the impression they still care about what they are doing.
I too have the same problem. The driver's seat moves just a tad back... not even enough to notice or complain about. I have a 1999 GLS with cloth seats. Anyone have any idea of why this is happening or how to fix? My Passat has 70k on it and the Warrantech extended warranty (to 100k) is pathetic so I'm sure they won't cover it... I bet seats are a 'trim' item.
Mine does the same thing. The dealer changed the "seat track rails" once and the clunking and movement stopped but was replaced by a loud squeak/groan. Within a few weeks, the squeak/groan went away, but the movement/clunk came back. I didn't bother having it fixed again. Not worth it.
Hello everyone. I know this topic has probably been beaten to death, but my busy schedule won't allow me to scroll through all the previous messages to find the answer to my question. I am looking to buy a Passat 2001.5 or maybe even a 2002 in the next few months. Can someone shed some light on the turbo and V6? Does the V6 drive better than the turbo (quieter ride, smother ride, etc.)? I know I should test drive both myself to see what I like, but I am not sure when I can get out to the dealer, and I am very curious. If there is anyone who has test driven both, I would love to hear what you think. Also owners of both engines can feel free to testify. Thanks!!!
I mean this in the nicest way, with a smile on my face, but don't you think that WE are all pretty busy too? Go back and read the last 100-150 posts lazy-bones! This topic has been discussed over and over and over and over...
With all these recommends and cautions re specific area VW dealers, can anyone out there recommend a good dealer in the LA area? I'm looking to buy the 2002 Passat model and am already worried (by what I read here and elsewhere) about finding a good dealer for service (I'm planning to buy with Priceline and although am willing to drive a good distance for purchasing, would like service to be within reasonable distance; I live in Burbank). I've driven Hondas for the last 15 years and always had the best service.
I understand that. I just posted this message like 5 minutes ago. So if you have time to keep checking the board, or to even write such a response to an innocent question, you also could have stated your opinion about the matter instead of wasting your time writing such a response. Of course, I mean this in the nicest way. So maybe your next response could be to the question I asked. Thank you.
There are a lot of good dealers in LA, you don't have far to look. I assume you're talking about where to service the car rather than to buy it, since Priceline broadcasts your offer to all the dealers in your search area. If you want to avoid a particular dealer you just modify the search area and call your Priceline rep, they will make sure that dealer is excluded.
...for response. I had heard negative things about a couple of VW dealers nearby (to Burbank) and nothing encouraging about any one in particular. There's so many dealers in this area its daunting. Yes, am concerned with servicing once I have the car. So, if anyone else out there can refer VW service in the LA area, please do! TIA.
In the interest of being a swell guy, I have deleted my, apparently, inflammatory remarks and post my short opinion on the much-discussed "V6 vs. 1.8T" subject below. I hope this helps.
The 1.8t has almost as much HP as the V6 now, with 170hp. It is louder though, and needs to rev a bit more. Most who have the 1.8T find it "lighter" and more "tossible" then the V6 due to much less weight on the nose. The V6 imparts a more luxurious feel with smooth power throughout the rev band. The V6 drinks more gas and costs at least $2k more.
Ultimately, you need to drive each one, assess your budget, and buy what's right for YOU.
Thank you Sporin for your opinion. I apologize to the board for getting off track.
I would appreciate any other comments and opinions about this matter. I will try to test drive each myself.
Also, does anyone know if the quality of the wood grain would be the same in both the GLX and the GLS? I know it comes standard in the GLX, which is why I'm wondering if the quality would be the same in the GLS since it would probably be installed by the dealer.
Yup, thats the dealer. I did not think it was important to name them because a lot of times when you bring names into the picture it makes it look like you are promoting someone's dealer. I am in total agreement that they really need to step up their service at all levels if they want to sell 40k+ cars. I do not live in South Sac(thankfully) so if Niello is better I will bring it to them next time.
I agree with his remarks on V6 vs. 1.8t. My thoughts would be that if you are buying a manual get the 1.8 and if you are going auto get the V6. My other two cents is that by the time you get the V6 auto with lux, leather, and monsoon, there are a myriad of other cars to look at in that price range.
If distance is not important to you, I would at least give Niello a try. Bear in mind that the VW store in each case is separate from the other dealerships, under a different general manager. It is just my general impression that Niello has a better handle on what it takes to satisfy upscale customers; how this translates on the shop floor is a completely different matter. We await your feedback...hopefully not too soon, though...
[I have some experience dealing with the Lasher son who runs things on Florin road - he is a sharp businessman, but customers exist to feed the bottom line...or so he comes across. The Acura store is a money machine, but the facility, as you know doubt have noticed, is physically subpar. More $ to the bottom line.]
The wood grain is standard on the GLS if you purchase the V6 (auto or manual). It's the same as the GLX. The dealer can install wood grain on the dash and vents but it does not include the wood grain on the door handles (inside) or the shift knob like the factory version. I have a GLS 1.8T with auto. I'm used to the slightly noiser engine as I had two different 4 cylinder Camry's before. If you want a quieter sounding car buy the V6. You'll get worse mileage. Since I play the radio almost always while driving I don't really hear the engine that much. The car has plenty of punch when needed and if you like the roar of a turbo kicking in, it's there. Either way you can't go wrong in my opinion. My 2001.5 Passat, just 1 1/2 months old is great and I'm continually impressed with its quality of assembly and parts.
I am a proud new owner of the 2001.5 Passat GLX. I love this car!!! However, I have run into a problem that I want advice on. The middle console lights (that show mpg, min., mi., miles to empty, temp, etc) have gone out on me twice now. They don't go out when I am driving, instead they don't come on when I start the car. At first I thought it may have been a heat issue (I left the sunroof open with the sun hitting it for multiple hours) but then it happened again after sitting in a parking garage all day. Once I turn off the car, then on again they come back on. Has this happened to anyone else and if so, any idea how to fix and/or prevent it? It's not such a big deal but I'm a little peeved that it is happening on my brand new $28k car. Suggestions??
I too have a dull rattle almost like a creak above drivers seat. Just a month old and will take it to the dealer. I've been reading the posts on this board for two months and leased a gls blue anthacite lux pkg, black leather, monsoon and auto. As for as some of the posts here 1.8t vs. v6, auto vs manual radio sound etc.. it's just a matter of preference and what feels and sounds good to you. All cars have problems. I am very pleased with my car and it's very addictive to drive.
I asked a similiar question about the engines about a 100 posts ago and got a good response. Bottom line though is personal choice (I know, thats been said a million times). I didnt buy the Passat in 1999 because I didnt like the 1.8t and the V6 was just out of my price range. I just bought yesterday (Im like a kid in a candy store or at Xmas as I helped the salesman pull the white wrap off the car that protects it during shipping) and I got the 1.8t. Mainly becuase I think with the 20 more HP it put the performance in line with the V6 and the cost difference is huge. I actually didnt get to drive a V6 because I wanted a 5 speed and neither dealer I went to over the course of 2 weeks ever had a V6 with the 5 speed.
Got mine at 3% over invoice with a free 6 disk CD change thanks to a grand opening of the VW dealers new building. If anyone is near Toledo Ohio, you get the changer all month and my buying experience was very good. Let me know if you want the name of the dealer.
Thank you everyone for your responses to the tired topic of 1.8T vs V6. I do appreciate your input. Mulfomi have you heard that the turbo actually has 180 hp as opposed to 170? I've been hearing that quite often. So if this is so, you are more ahead of the game then you thought, being that there may be only a 10 hp difference! I read this on VW Vortex. Can anyone shed some light on the possible 180 hp Turbo?
Got my 2001.5 GLX back from the dealership yesterday. They replaced the defective alternator. I drove it to work this morning without the thud, lurch and light show that was happening. I hope the problem is completely fixed and I won't have any more issues like that. I haven't even reached the 5K maintenance yet. I can say that I had a positive experience at the dealership (Alexandria VW). They were courteous and responsive. I got a loaner car without any hassle and they gave me back my Passat washed and with interior cleaned. Even with my early mechanical problems, I still love the car. It's looks fabulous, drives nicely and the CD/stereo system booms. I hope as time moves on, I continue to love it and have only routine mechanical fixes. I
Both are great engines but rather than hp differences each engine gives the car a different character in my opinion. The 1.8T is a bargain and has surprising power. It feels a bit more sporty and can be tuned to put out a good deal more power. It also gets better milage. However it is noisier and feels a bit more lethargic from a standing start when the car is equipped with the tiptronic.
I feel the V6 is quieter, smoother and works well with the Tip. It transforms the car into a more luxury oriented feel as opposed to the 1.8T's more sporty feel. Myself, for health reasons as well as local traffic conditions, I had to get the tiptronic. I preferred the feel of the V6 with the tip and my little research on resale values showed that the V6 does retain a good portion of it's price premium.
Also perhaps I am a bit of a worrier but their have been a couple of situations I've been in that made me glad I got the V6 because I worry about the heat with the turbo. Once when I only had 750 miles on my car I got stuck in a massive traffic jam on the San Mateo bridge which took two hours to cross. Sitting, idling in the heat with no way out and moving an inch or two every couple of minutes. Brutal on the car:(
Also I just returned from a trip back from southern ca driving through the Mohave desert, through the Tehachapi's in 100 degree heat, going 80-90mph with the ac on.
Anyway, obviously I am happy with my choice but both are great engines and it's really a personal choice. The only problem is now I've seen the new Audi A4 Avant and am drooling:)
I agree with you that the auto V6 was your best bet living in the bay area. Driving a stick in all that traffic makes me wish I had an auto on those two or three days a month I have to be in the bay. Also the 1.8 with auto is rather lethargic. I'm lucky I live in the central valley so I get to let my 1.8t manual sing most of the time.
Question for message: mulfomi Jun 8, 2001 9:46am What's the name of the VW dealer in Toledo? I live in Southern Michigan - your deal sounds like a good one.
It was Ed Schmidt and the dealership is located in Perrysburg Ohio which is a suburb just south of Toledo off of I-75. If you are heading south on 75 and after you pass through Toledo, you would want to take the 475 loop west/north but you will get off at the first exit which is Route 25. Turn right and the dealership is on the left after a couple lights. I think there website is Edschmidt.com. My salesman was good and his name was Chad L. If you buy and VW this month you get the 6 disk changer free. Good Luck and if you buy from them, let me know and if you use my name as a referral, I get "points" from the dealer.
Spellbound, I also agree with you that with the tiptronic, I would definately want the V6. But since Toledo "rush hour" consists of 10 cars, the 1.8t with the 5 speed suits me fine.
Yah the choice really depends on each person's needs and preferences.
Not only is the 1.8T 5spd a bargain but that combination makes the car feel sportier. It's also a few hundred pounds lighter which helps and makes it feel more toss able. And of course there's the gas milage. Definately a nice combination.
The V6 Tip feels quiet, smooth and luxurious. While the V6 is only rated at 190hp it has a nice smooth torque band with decent power all through the rpm range. It's not a "fast" car but I'd say it feels "peppy".
Of course I wish for the new 3.0 220hp engine in the new A4 and the multitronic:)
Couldn't agree with you more on the 3.0L in the 2002 Passat. Anyone know if this is a real possibility? After all, from what I've read, the VR6 with 4 valves/cylinder in the 2002 Jetta will have 200+ hp. With new offerings in 2002 from Nissan and Toyota, the midsize market will be even more competitive. The wife wants to get a 2002 Passat, I've owned '87 and '95 Jettas and loved them. If VW dropped the 3.0L in, the decision would already be made.
Has anyone taken advantage of the 3.9% financing currently offered on the vw.com website? If so what was the length of the loan? I currently drive a 1999 Passat V6, but its getting up in miles (49K) and I love the 2001.5 facelift, so I'm looking to upgrade.
Thanks for the thorough opinion and explanation Spellbound. You shed a lot of light on the topic for me, and now I am leaning towards the V6 with the tip. I did get a chance to drive a GLX. It was great!! I still need to drive the 1.8t though. Then I can make a fair decision. Thanks for your input as well mulfomi and crisscross. What options did you get with your Passat Spellbound?
According to Edmunds list of what's different on the 2002 vs the 2001.5, there's no 3.0L engine option. You'll get an emergency escape handle inside the trunk and a free single CD player in the dash.
I have a silver 2001.5 GLS with lux package and 1.8T with tiptronic. I find the car sufficent in all respects. However, if you like jack rabbit starts at green lights so you can beat other drivers to the next red light then buy the V6 if you must. It is smoother and quieter, I agree, but gas mileage suffers. However when the turbo kicks in you can beat most V6 heavy peddle drivers to the next light if you want. Just my opinion.
Boy, have I learned a lot reading these postings! Glad I found you.
I am looking at buying a 2001.5 1.8T Manual. Hard to find, as there are not many left. I found one with a cloth beige interior, which I like, but I am worried about keeping it clean. Can anyone tell me how their cloth beige interior looks after a year or more of driving? Does it show up every little dirt/scuff mark?
Also, I have heard two opinions re prices on these remaining cars. One is that, since they (the manual 1.8Ts) are scarce, with only 13 left in my state, dealers are not willing to come down much on them. Another is that since the 2002s are almost coming out, dealers might be persuaded to sell for near invoice. I am working with a great dealer, but I am a whimp when it comes to negotiating. I want to get some feel for what is fair (I don't think Edmund's TMV takes these special conditions into account). Advice?
Originally I wanted a GLS V6 with Tip & Leather only. However almost anything with leather comes with the luxury package and either I would have had to wait a few months or get one with Lux. In the end to get the color combo I wanted and get it soon I would up getting all the options, leather, lux, Monsoon & homelink. I'm pleased that I did (except I currently have no use for homelink) however I sometimes wonder if I just should have gotten a GLX. I had no need for power seats and worried the seat motors and the climatronic (sensors & stuff)could prove to be problematic and costly to repair in the long run (when the car is older and out of warranty etc.).
I now wonder if I'll keep it that many years, not that I don't love the car but if I can do well over the next few years I may be interested in trading up to a new Audi A4 Avant or RS6 Avant if by some miracle I make some good $$$. LOL
Bought my 1.8t manual for about $100 over invoice in the beginning of May. These cars do not go up in value as the year goes on so I think getting invoice is not out of the question.
Who told you that there were only thirteen 1.8t manuals left in your whole state? I don't know for sure but that sounds like typical dealer baloney to me.
My advice is to just keep going back to that same dealers, let them know your intentions("My intent is to purchase the vehicle IMMEDIATELY from a dealer willing to sell it at invoice")and stick to your guns. They will probably say something like "what if we could do a thousand over invoice". You tell them "I'll consider that if nobody will do it at invoice". They will wear down eventually because they know that some other dealer out there will give you what you want.
As far as the beige interior goes...I have the beige leather and it has not been exactly easy, but then again black leather where I live would have been out of the question because of heat issues and grey would have looked dumb with Mojave Beige...so no regrets.
I really hate to be a wet blanket, but I think it is time for a reality check...
Our store has an Employee Purchase Program...$300 over Invoice... We do not sell Retail for less than that, and personally, if someone offered me Invoice for this car; my first impression would be that they knew absolutely nothing about the car, and start from scratch...from a test drive all the way through the Standard Safety features, the Warranty package, and finally a Competitive analysis.
Probably a better tact for you to take today would be to find out what your *Fair Isaac* Score is and see if you qualify as an *A* Tier borrower and take advantage of the 3.9% - 5.9% financing currently being offered by Volkswagen Credit. Go to www.equifax.com for your Credit History and Score. Knowing that and making a reasonable offer on a VERY hard to find product will make your buying experience an enjoyable one...
If you would like me to Fax to you a *Locate* report on the Passat that you are looking for I would be happy to oblige...Just email me with the exact description of what you are looking for, and where you are shopping....just click on *vwguild*.
An offer of $100 over or Invoice is for cars that are over running a Dealership not ones that are very hard to find...Common sense!
I have a white 2001.5 GLX with beige interior. I rapidly found that it was difficult to keep the floor mats clean so I ordered a set of the black factory mats that have no markings on them, not the aftermarket ones with "Passat" embroidered. Visually, they tie in with the black on the top of the dash and doors and don't show all the dirt. The rest of interior stays clean.
I paid $500 over invoice and love everthing about the car except the totally crappy radio reception.
I spent about a year searching for a new sedan. I looked at everything from the Ford Taurus to the MB E320. I wanted a car that would satisfy my needs and I would be happy with. I drove just about everything, Volvo S80/T6, Audi A6/2.7T, E320, BMW530, you name it. I gave the high end Japanese cars a good look but honestly could not get very excited about any of them. I know they are very reliable but they just have no soul I guess. Bland perfection or perfectly bland? Anyway, I came close to plopping down 50 big ones on the E320 but went with the Passat GLX and keep 20 grand in my pocket. I've got about 1500 miles on it so far and I love 99.9% of it. I have one unexpected feature. Although the rear sun shade has to be manually deployed, mine can automatically un-deploy itself (snap back into the rear deck) whenever I hit a big, sharp bump. Has anyone else experienced this and is there a known way to disable this "feature" other than avoiding potholes? As for the engine lag that has been reported by some, I found that it only took a few miles of driving to learn the throttle characteristics of the car and adjust to it. I love the way it drives.
Hopefully this isn't too far off-topic: does VW, either on their own, or through another avenue (such as Edmund's) offer some opportunity for those who want to test-drive their cars, but who are wary of dealerships and all the attending nightmares? I guess I mean some kind of car show, but not the "party-on" car-club type, but one geared for potential buyers. I went to a Volvo S60 show a couple of months ago and even though I would've preferred more time behind the wheel, it was a great (free!) way to spend time with the car, with no dealer pressure -- or dealer disdain. I just want to drive a Passat in peace to confirm its the car for me. TIA
I keep it up all the time now that the temp is in the 90s here in South Florida. I haven't had the problem you've had as I do try to avoid those potholes. One interesting thing. A week or so ago a poster complained that it was impossible to put the shade up. He said he needed to be a contortionist to do it. I suspect he tried doing it facing front instead of turning his body to the back! I guess it takes all kinds. One perplexing thing about the car is that the headlights need to be turned off manually. I guess VW hasn't figured out how the other companies get theirs to turn off automatically when exiting the car.
I've put 1300 miles on my new Passat and love it as well. In the overall scheme of things it is a real bargain in my opinion.
I just wanted to thank all of the participants for sharing their information and opinions. With your help I have finally made my decision with a deposit on a new Passat GLS 1.8T with manual transmission. I should take delivery in 2 or 3 weeks. It's on the boat.
My 16 year old son will take over my 1989 Honda Accord which has been a great car but I am really looking forward to the Passat.
My wife has sighed and rolled her eyes more than once over the amount of time I have spent reading these boards, driving cars, and thinking about the pros and cons (especially when I started reading the car wax discussions).
AM is fine. FM doesn't fade in/out; it instantly becomes muffled as though something is being "turned off." This happens most of the time, every few seconds. I've tried to determine some consistency as to where and when this happens but cannot. Roads that rise/dip, hilly neighborhoods, areas where there are commercial or residential structures or retaining walls are the worst, even if I'm only two blocks from the radio station. Power line interference seems pronounced too, but the ground has been checked. My P has been to the dealer a dozen times but no resolution. On the infrequent occaisions when reception is good the stereo system sounds terrific.
There have been a lot of posts concerning reception on the Yahoo Groups VWPASSAT board and many of them point to a poor antenna design. However, I'm not yet ready to buy into that.
Comments
Herr Doktor Piech is determined to take the VW brand up against Mercedes and Lexus, with the W8 Passat and D1 lux-sedan. At least in the USA, this is bound to be an uphill fight unless the dealer body gets a swift kick in the backside when it comes to dealing with the customer...the kinds of stories that appear on this board have got to go away.
VWGuild, your dealership in Monterey is a positive example [how far back does the franchise go? and always paired with Porsche, right?] of what a customer-sensitive outfit is supposed to be like. Unfortunately, there are far too many of the other kind out there, and VWoA hasn't figured out the right combination of carrot and stick to get the bad guys to shape up...yet. They'd better get cracking if they want to peddle $40k+ cars.
Taking in my wifes accord for the same thing at our local honda dealer takes less than 45 minutes and it gets a hand wash to boot. It isn't free, but $21.95 is a lot easier for me to deal with than not having a car for most the day.
It's funny because the "premium brand" thing was mentioned as being an idicator of a quality dealer. This dealer is Audi,Volkswagon,Acura, and dodge. Today I certainly felt like I was at a Dodge dealer but not Acura or Audi.
Supposedly, when they replaced a cable to the antenna it solved the problem.
I agree that the service leaves a lot to be desired. I bought my car at Burnsville VW, in Minneapolis (Burnsville). This is the worst service I have seen in years. I would rather have a problem, than let the dealer try to fix it. Nothing is ever fixed in one try-if I'm lucky, they don't make it worse.
and the tradition in Dealerships...took about an hour...either it was edited out or lost
I do not know...very strict rules here about self promotion, but I did not bring it up...sorry
it was lost....
I definately think that the fewer brands a place sells and services, the better.
In any case, my overall point is that if VW wants to compete with the likes of MB in this country, they are going to have to build a fire under their dealer body to start acting the part. AND, the parent company in Germany has to give the proper support - some of the past problems with parts availability [a new computer system was blamed] went on far too long, for example. And you have to stop fighting customers about warranty claims when there is a clear defect involved - "they all do that" doesn't cut it.
Guild: I too once spent a long time on one of the Mercedes boards penning a response on MB quality problems [I've owned 13 MBs over the years], only to have the last third of it cut off because [I assume] it was too long. I finally broke it up into two parts, but then I'm retired and have the time to play with this stuff - you may not. In any case, Wester has been a "name" in the VW - Porsche business for as long as I can remember, and that goes back to my first start as a car nut in 1961. [My first real car was a used '61 Beetle that I acquired in 1963 and drove through my college years.] Don't know whether ownership has changed in that time, but I have the impression they still care about what they are doing.
:-)
The 1.8t has almost as much HP as the V6 now, with 170hp. It is louder though, and needs to rev a bit more. Most who have the 1.8T find it "lighter" and more "tossible" then the V6 due to much less weight on the nose. The V6 imparts a more luxurious feel with smooth power throughout the rev band. The V6 drinks more gas and costs at least $2k more.
Ultimately, you need to drive each one, assess your budget, and buy what's right for YOU.
I would appreciate any other comments and opinions about this matter. I will try to test drive each myself.
Also, does anyone know if the quality of the wood grain would be the same in both the GLX and the GLS? I know it comes standard in the GLX, which is why I'm wondering if the quality would be the same in the GLS since it would probably be installed by the dealer.
My other two cents is that by the time you get the V6 auto with lux, leather, and monsoon, there are a myriad of other cars to look at in that price range.
[I have some experience dealing with the Lasher son who runs things on Florin road - he is a sharp businessman, but customers exist to feed the bottom line...or so he comes across. The Acura store is a money machine, but the facility, as you know doubt have noticed, is physically subpar. More $ to the bottom line.]
However, I have run into a problem that I want advice on. The middle console lights (that show mpg, min., mi., miles to empty, temp, etc) have gone out on me twice now. They don't go out when I am driving, instead they don't come on when I start the car. At first I thought it may have been a heat issue (I left the sunroof open with the sun hitting it for multiple hours) but then it happened again after sitting in a parking garage all day. Once I turn off the car, then on again they come back on. Has this happened to anyone else and if so, any idea how to fix and/or prevent it? It's not such a big deal but I'm a little peeved that it is happening on my brand new $28k car. Suggestions??
Got mine at 3% over invoice with a free 6 disk CD change thanks to a grand opening of the VW dealers new building. If anyone is near Toledo Ohio, you get the changer all month and my buying experience was very good. Let me know if you want the name of the dealer.
I feel the V6 is quieter, smoother and works well with the Tip. It transforms the car into a more luxury oriented feel as opposed to the 1.8T's more sporty feel. Myself, for health reasons as well as local traffic conditions, I had to get the tiptronic. I preferred the feel of the V6 with the tip and my little research on resale values showed that the V6 does retain a good portion of it's price premium.
Also perhaps I am a bit of a worrier but their have been a couple of situations I've been in that made me glad I got the V6 because I worry about the heat with the turbo. Once when I only had 750 miles on my car I got stuck in a massive traffic jam on the San Mateo bridge which took two hours to cross. Sitting, idling in the heat with no way out and moving an inch or two every couple of minutes. Brutal on the car:(
Also I just returned from a trip back from southern ca driving through the Mohave desert, through the Tehachapi's in 100 degree heat, going 80-90mph with the ac on.
Anyway, obviously I am happy with my choice but both are great engines and it's really a personal choice. The only problem is now I've seen the new Audi A4 Avant and am drooling:)
mulfomi Jun 8, 2001 9:46am
What's the name of the VW dealer in Toledo? I live in Southern Michigan - your deal sounds like a good one.
Spellbound, I also agree with you that with the tiptronic, I would definately want the V6. But since Toledo "rush hour" consists of 10 cars, the 1.8t with the 5 speed suits me fine.
Not only is the 1.8T 5spd a bargain but that combination makes the car feel sportier. It's also a few hundred pounds lighter which helps and makes it feel more toss able. And of course there's the gas milage. Definately a nice combination.
The V6 Tip feels quiet, smooth and luxurious. While the V6 is only rated at 190hp it has a nice smooth torque band with decent power all through the rpm range. It's not a "fast" car but I'd say it feels "peppy".
Of course I wish for the new 3.0 220hp engine in the new A4 and the multitronic:)
I have a silver 2001.5 GLS with lux package and 1.8T with tiptronic. I find the car sufficent in all respects. However, if you like jack rabbit starts at green lights so you can beat other drivers to the next red light then buy the V6 if you must. It is smoother and quieter, I agree, but gas mileage suffers. However when the turbo kicks in you can beat most V6 heavy peddle drivers to the next light if you want. Just my opinion.
Boy, have I learned a lot reading these postings! Glad I found you.
I am looking at buying a 2001.5 1.8T Manual. Hard to find, as there are not many left. I found one with a cloth beige interior, which I like, but I am worried about keeping it clean. Can anyone tell me how their cloth beige interior looks after a year or more of driving? Does it show up every little dirt/scuff mark?
Also, I have heard two opinions re prices on these remaining cars. One is that, since they (the manual 1.8Ts) are scarce, with only 13 left in my state, dealers are not willing to come down much on them. Another is that since the 2002s are almost coming out, dealers might be persuaded to sell for near invoice. I am working with a great dealer, but I am a whimp when it comes to negotiating. I want to get some feel for what is fair (I don't think Edmund's TMV takes these special conditions into account). Advice?
I now wonder if I'll keep it that many years, not that I don't love the car but if I can do well over the next few years I may be interested in trading up to a new Audi A4 Avant or RS6 Avant if by some miracle I make some good $$$. LOL
Who told you that there were only thirteen 1.8t manuals left in your whole state? I don't know for sure but that sounds like typical dealer baloney to me.
My advice is to just keep going back to that same dealers, let them know your intentions("My intent is to purchase the vehicle IMMEDIATELY from a dealer willing to sell it at invoice")and stick to your guns. They will probably say something like "what if we could do a thousand over invoice". You tell them "I'll consider that if nobody will do it at invoice". They will wear down eventually because they know that some other dealer out there will give you what you want.
As far as the beige interior goes...I have the beige leather and it has not been exactly easy, but then again black leather where I live would have been out of the question because of heat issues and grey would have looked dumb with Mojave Beige...so no regrets.
check...
Our store has an Employee Purchase Program...$300 over Invoice...
We do not sell Retail for less than that, and personally, if someone offered
me Invoice for this car; my first impression would be that they knew
absolutely nothing about the car, and start from scratch...from a test drive
all the way through the Standard Safety features, the Warranty package,
and finally a Competitive analysis.
Probably a better tact for you to take today would be to find out what your
*Fair Isaac* Score is and see if you qualify as an *A* Tier borrower and take
advantage of the 3.9% - 5.9% financing currently being offered by Volkswagen
Credit. Go to www.equifax.com for your Credit History and Score. Knowing that
and making a reasonable offer on a VERY hard to find product will make your
buying experience an enjoyable one...
If you would like me to Fax to you a *Locate* report on the Passat that you are
looking for I would be happy to oblige...Just email me with the exact description
of what you are looking for, and where you are shopping....just click on *vwguild*.
An offer of $100 over or Invoice is for cars that are over running a Dealership not ones
that are very hard to find...Common sense!
I paid $500 over invoice and love everthing about the car except the totally crappy radio reception.
I've put 1300 miles on my new Passat and love it as well. In the overall scheme of things it is a real bargain in my opinion.
My 16 year old son will take over my 1989 Honda Accord which has been a great car but I am really looking forward to the Passat.
My wife has sighed and rolled her eyes more than once over the amount of time I have spent reading these boards, driving cars, and thinking about the pros and cons (especially when I started reading the car wax discussions).
Thanks
There have been a lot of posts concerning reception on the Yahoo Groups VWPASSAT board and many of them point to a poor antenna design. However, I'm not yet ready to buy into that.