Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

mppedersen

Someone told me to get a e-trade account and invest my money.

Why do I want a new car?

After spending $130 on towing, and $200 twice this week on my 1990 Beretta to keep it on the road. So basically I am $530 in the hole for this week. That is alot of wasted money to keep a nearly 12 year old car on the road. And who knows what else will break in the next six months.

I have made many short term and long term goals, all of them are realistic. There is room for the car I want to drive, and to invest for the future. Lets leave it at that, ok?

Besides, I know once I start into my career, I will be able to retire in 20 years with 60% of my last year's base pay. But the odds are that I will die within five years of retiring anyways.

overtime2

Hello,
Wife wants 2001 PassatGLS. Seems like great car but I read 1 posted message claiming impossible to change oil without a shop visit. dealer sales person concurred and added plugs are of special sort (expensive)... slight turn off but is it true?

swsms

I just read in the road test of the '01.5 Passat, GLX on www.familycar.com that the 2002s will have a 4yr/50K miles bumper-to-bumper warranty. See the excerpt below.

http://www.familycar.com/Road Tests/VolkswagenPassat/Index.htm

"Dateline 7.2.2001: Volkswagen just announced that they are changing their warranted for the 2002 model year. The new plan will increase the bumper-to-bumper warranted to four-years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) and reduce the power train coverage to five years or 60,000 miles. The old 10 year/100,000 mile plan was not transferable when you sell the car (except for a sale to a family member) but the new 5/60 plan will be fully transferable. The roadside assistance program also increases to four-years/50,000 miles while the corrosion warranty remains at the industry-leading 12 years/unlimited mileage."

Now the Passat has moved to the top of my short list of family sedans! The other cars are the '02 Altima and '02 Camry.

Enjoy.

telaine

Good for you. Glad to hear you've got in perspective and recognize that you're wasting money on an 11 yr old car. I'm sure many of us wish that at 21, we had a clue about investments - making short & long term goals. None of us really know you're financial situation well enough to comment on how you should spend your $. With that said, I have a 2001.5 GLX Passat that I purchased in April. I love my fold-in mirrors. I fold them in when I go into my garage at home. It's a joystick type control. If you turn it in the direction of the windshield, the mirrors fold in. If you turn it another 180 degrees, that's how you heat the side mirrors.
Hope you get a Passat.

cliffyb

I never told you not to get the car. I told you to invest that money you saved up. Look, rather than take $20,000+ and blow it all on a new car, put $5,000 of it down on the car and finance the rest. Rates are low, even for subprime. If you cannot afford the payments after having put $5000 down, than you really cannot afford the car. And please don't rationalize that a person has to go spend almost thirty thousand grand on a car because their 10 year old Berretta needs replacing.

The whole 60% retirement thing is fine and dandy except it really is not enough on its own. Especially when you consider that as time goes on it buys you less and less(inflation). Add to that the fact that you suddenly have all kinds of free time and a person really needs 100% or more to retire comfortably. Lastly, it is true that you could die 5 years after you retire, or even sooner. But as you get further on in life you will realize your obligations do not always end when you die(wife, kids, etc.)
You do what you want of course, I only feel compelled to offer my two cents because I wish someone had clued me in when I was your age.
Don't hate me for being the voice of reason.

hener

I've had a 96 GLX since new. It has been a pretty good car. I've had some nit picky problems and a couple of problems I thought I shoudn't have had such a wire on the gear selector wearing out and not being able to go anywhere. Having said that, I love the car. On the road it is very nice to drive and it is very comfortable. I have 80000 miles on it and the engine, suspension, etc still tight. The older passats were a little wierd with the pep boy cup holder and no glove box but the vr6 is a good engine and overall a good car. By the way I'm thinking of replacing it with another passat in the spring of 2002 but the prices of the new ones are out there.

ctidball

Jason, have the same offer on a car here in Indiana. A bad jumper start blew out the dash. All has been replaced and working well but having trouble with odometer and title issues. If I can buy it cheap enough as a third car for daughter for college I may do it. In reading your message and others I wonder if Passat and electrical problems go together. Craig in Indiana

hk6

is premium fuel really necessary for V6?
Thanks!

venanzik

Dealer told me that the current shipment to 2002 passats will not hve a cd player standard, but they may possible have one in the future along with an increase of $300 to sticker. is he right?

vwguild

NO....New Double Din Head Unit...AM/FM/CASS/CD will be part of a *Running Change*
beginning Production Week 32,33, or 34...not cut in stone...No Additional Charge...

dwgutwir

Interestingly enough, I too have a 96 GLX that had the dash blow when I jump started it a few months ago (the battery tanked).

I'll be looking to sell the car soon too (bought a minivan, taking over the wife's SUV for a couple of years, not happy about it). I'll be curious to see how the odometer change affects the resale value.

I would say if he has proof that the dash unit was changed by the dealer, and the dealer stickered the car with the original mileage (there should be a sticker on the drivers door jamb) you should be okay. It still doesn't hurt to have the car looked at by a reputable mechanic (or even another VW dealer).

I wish VW would figure a way to store the mileage in the on-board computer so a dash change wouldn't affect the odometer reading. I guess that's one short-fall of the electronic gauges/LCD odometer.

jayson2000

Anybody knows when it hits the dealership? Pricing?
Thanks

bruce536

I purchased a 2001 GLX V6 Passatt in Jan 01. I just brought it in for it's 10K check up and oil change. I complained to the service desk rep that the car was using 2 quarts of oil every 5,000 miles. The service rep stated that VW says 1 quart per 1,000 miles is acceptable. I asked if it was in writing, the rep said, "no". So, I contacted VW of America and asked them. They referred me back to the dealer and now I have to do an oil consumption test, which consists of them changing the oil and then checking it after I have driven 1,000 miles.

I have rebuilt many engines of all types, had a 2000 Jetta GLX, VR6, among other cars and trucks and never had this type of oil consumption. If there was oil consumption it was very slight for the first 500 or so miles due to the rings seating.

Question: Has anyone had or are currently having this problem with their V6 Passat? The VW dealer states that it is common with the V6.

dpr5

I have a 1.5 GLX with 3800 miles. The first 1800, it used 3/4 quarts of oil. Second 1800 it has consumed less than 1/8 quart if that much... Quite a difference. Your car should not be utizing oil at a quart/2500 miles after 10,000 miles.

frankie33

Does the new GLX, V6, have enough power in high speed passing, 50-70 MPH?

s852

It has 190hp and many cars with less power are quite capable of passing between 50-70 MPH.

frankie33

When you have confidence in your car's ability to safely pass another car, which is going 50 MPH in a 60 MPH speed zone, then you know you have enough power!

I am not concerned what other cars with more, or less, H.P. can do, just what the new GLX is capable of doing, safely, in this speed range.

vwguild

My GLX loves 80 and can get to 110 in a NY minute...I can only presume that
you have never driven this car...

frankie33

Your presumption is correct, I have not had the opportunity to test drive the Passat to see what it could do on the high end. However, thanks in part to your posting, I will soon be the proud owner of a 2002 GLX. In reading some of your past postings, I am quite sure you have helped many others in making up their minds. I feel we all owe a debt to Edmunds.com, and to people like yourself, for providing this type of service. Thank you!

vwguild

And Welcome to the Volkswagen Family!!!!!Enjoy And, remember that Speedo LoVES
to point towards *12:00 o'clock*....

pkradd

And those of us who got the measely 2001.5 GLS with the 1.8T and tiptronic find the car has plenty of reserve power when needed at any speed as well.

jamzelle

Hi..I am new to the Town Hall and also a new 2001.5 Passat owner (white/tan leather) and just LOVE the car! I have a question that I have not seen answered on this forum. Does anyone know how to change the climatronic control to reflect the INTERIOR temperature of the car??? I saw on www.vwvortex.com a mention that this could be done, but not HOW to do it! I would love to have this feature changed. As it is now, it shows the outside temperature on the dash AND the temperature bar on the console. Thanks for any guidance.

Also....I just love the retractable solar panel in the back windshield. I just leave mine up all the time and helps keep the car much cooler (even after adding the window tint).

pkradd

Had me going there for awhile. I keep my shade up all the time here in Southern Florida. It is also great for cutting down the glare from SUV headlights at night!

bruce536

I purchased a 2001 GLX V6 Passatt in Jan 01. I just brought it in for it's 10K check up and oil change. I complained to the service desk rep that the car was using 2 quarts of oil every 5,000 miles. The service rep stated that VW says 1 quart per 1,000 miles is acceptable. I asked if it was in writing, the rep said, "no". So, I contacted VW of America and asked them. They referred me back to the dealer and now I have to do an oil consumption test, which consists of them changing the oil and then checking it after I have driven 1,000 miles.

I have rebuilt many engines of all types, had a 2000 Jetta GLX, VR6, among other cars and trucks and never had this type of oil consumption. If there was oil consumption it was very slight for the first 500 or so miles due to the rings seating.

Question: Has anyone had or are currently having this problem with their V6 Passat? The VW dealer states that it is common with the V6.

nowakj66

I just read in the Edmunds review of the 2001.5 Passat 1.8T that the 2002 model boosts the warranty to 4 years and 50,000 miles. This is GREAT news as far as I am concerned -- the 2 year warranty always gave me pause about VWs.

Does anyone know if the 2002s are on the dealer lots yet?

frankie33

On the older Passats, the power point was located near the ashtray and was constantly "hot", does this still hold true for the 2002's?

pkradd

I have a 2001.5 Passat with the 24/24,000 warranty. This includes regular maintanence at no charge during the period. It also has a longer drivetrain warranty. If anyone had any reservations one could always purchase an extended warranty. No big deal in my opinion. I now have 3600 miles on my Passat since May. A very sure-footed ride, no rattles, no problems whatsoever. I'm very glad I purchased the car after 6 years driving 2 leased Camrys ('95 and '98). As a car magazine said in a recent issue, if you can't afford a BMW or Audi, this is the next best thing and at a bargain price for a German-made near luxury car.

dle01

Our Passat V6 has not experienced the same oil consumption problem (currently 20k); however the Subaru Legacy that I used to own had a very similar problem at 85k. I went through the whole "oil consumption test" thing with the dealer and we determined that it was burning about 1qt per 1000mi, which was within Subaru tolerances. This sounded like alot of oil to me, but I resigned myself to live with it. Then the transmission blew and I traded the car. . . but that's another story.

Some advice: maintain a good relationship with the dealer, because as you note much of the resolution will depend on their analysis of the problem. If they see you as a customer they would like to keep, they will probably push your case with VW for a proper resolution. Go through with the oil consumption test, because you really don't know how big the problem is until you test it. Dip sticks are notoriusly difficult to read (especially the Passat's, in my opinion). The only way to know for sure is to drain it after 1000mi and measure.

Good luck

jlp2

My wife and I had heard about how great the Passat was. To make a long story short, we stopped at a dealership just to test drive one and ended up buying a 2001.5 GLS V6 with the luxury package and other "extras."

I have one minor concern at this point (we've owned the car one week). When I start it and put it in drive (we bought an automatic, obviously), when I give it gas it seems to hesitate getting into gear and on its way. After this intial hesitation, it will really go, though. Has anyone else had this hesitation problem?

I absolutely love reading these messages from those of you who share your thoughts and experiences about the Passat. Thanks!

vwguild

Welcome to the Volkswagen Family!!!

What you are experiencing is the brief period of time between your 900RPM
idle & the 1800RPMs (+ - ) when the Turbo begins it's work...It is not unusual...
it is normal.

In time, it will become transparent, or if you are of a more aggressive nature,
just floor it...That procedure will make the problem virtually disappear instantly...

Seriously...relax and enjoy your new Passat and all of it's wonderful features..If you
have any other questions about your new Volkswagen, please do not hesitate to
contact me...

s852

He said he had a V6. It is not turbo lag. Sounds more like there is something wrong with the transmission.

willster

Hi,
I'm a new member of this group. I have a 2001.5 Passat with 3600 miles on it that just developed a serious wind whistle in the rear part of the sun roof. Just wondering if anyone's experienced this problem as well. Other than that, I've been thrilled with my new Passat. Thanks for your input.

vwguild

apologies for misreading the post...same comments about the V6 as well however.
Mine does the same, but it is not a Transmission problem...just an idiosyncrasy...

After driving both cars for the past 4 years I really don't even notice it anymore...

godeacs

2002 Passats have been on dealer lots for at least 2 weeks now. My local dealers has tons of them!

lincoln355

What's the general consensus of the quality of the Monsoon system when outfitted with a CD changer?
My Passat should be arriving within the next two weeks and I'm seriously toying with the idea of replacing the system with an after market CD receiver that can play mp3 CD's. All comments negative and positive are welcome.

gtbdevs

I have a 2001.5 GLS, now have about 3200 miles, just in the last week or two when the sunroof is opened it rattles. I am going to wait until the 5000 miles checkup to have it look at, I hope it can be adjusted or tightened . Other than that, no problems at all to report.

I love waxing this car, can anybody recommend a good wax, or are they basically all the same?

Thanks in advance.

jji7363

Can anyone speak to the differences between the Passat 4WD system vs. the Audi Quattro? I'm considering the 2002 Audi A6 but the improved VW warranty gives me pause. If it's 4 years and the 4WD system is good, the $$ difference between the Passat and the A6 will fund a few vacations ;-)

Sporin

The all-wheel drive system used in the Passat, and the Audi a4 & A6 is the exact same system.

jji7363

Does anyone out there know the VW dealers in the Pittsburgh area? BillCo is closest to our house (North Hills). Could you recommend a lowkey saleperson? They guy I talked to at Billco seemed too slick.

Also, why would someone choose an Audi over the Passat GLX w/ 4motion? I've been looking at the Audi A6, but the Passat seems like pretty much the same thing.

gmongold

I am a new (two weeks) 2001.5 GLS 1.8T manual. I want to thank all who participate in this forum and VW vortex for providing all of the information that helped me make the decision to buy my first VW. My son will take over the 89 Honda Accord which has been a great car but I am extremely happy with the Passat.

I have never had a car that has been so much fun to drive. I have been able to drive quite a bit around town but I've also made two 250 mile trips this last week and I've enjoyed it-when I need power I have power. When cruising along the mileage has been great-as advertised. If and when I ever do any modifications it is reassuring to know there is such good info and help available in these groups.

Little details that I love which were pointed out on these forums and not pointed out by my salesman:

1. small swing down visor above rear view mirror to block the sun when it's in that spot.
2. arm rest that slides forward and raises up
3. air conditioned dashbox (preserve those candy bars!)
4. storage slot under steering wheel for owner's manual

hk6

I am planning to buy a new 2002 Passat V6. The ad brochure says that premium fuel is recommended for V6. Is it just recommended or required? Is everyone using premium?

pkradd

I've had my 2001.5 Passat for 3 months and just discovered that slot under the steering wheel. I suppose it is also a good spot for driving gloves (won't need them here in South Florida though).

godeacs

I don't consider the Passat and Audi A6 to be the same class of car. Maybe the Passat and A4 - I've been looking at both for a few weeks. A6 is a def step up....also, don't know for sure but do not think the 4 motion (VW) and Quattro (Audi) AWD systems are the same!

jrct9454

The current systems are the same.

mmcbride1

4Motion and Quattro on the A4/A6/A8 are the same. The Quattro on the TT is different, though.

But I'm not smart enough to say how it's different, I just know it is.

VW owns Audi.

pkradd

The Passat is based on the A4 platform. It has been stretched, however, and has more interior room that the A4. Many auto mags prefer the Passat to the Audi. In a recent Business Week article, mention was made that the Passat for whatever reasons, is better built than the A4. The A6 will soon spawn the Super Passat (temp name) sometime late next year.

georgek44

My understanding is that the current (1998-2002)Passat, current A6 and previous A4 all are built on the same platform (B5)and thus are versions of "the same car" much in the sense that many Chevy, Pontiac, Buick, Cadilac and Oldsmobile sedans are "the same car" under the skin.

The A8 is a separate platform. The new A4 is built on a new platform as will be the new A6 in a year or so. I do not know what platform future Passats will be built on.

By using different sheet metal, engines, interior designs, suspension tunings and by shortening or stretching overall length and wheelbase, designers can create cars with very different subjective feel and appearance. The same-under-the-skin TT, Golf, Jetta and New Beetle are good examples of this.

Just as GM makes a lot more money selling essentially the same vehicle badged as a Caddy than as a Chevy, so does VW/Audi make a lot more per A6 than per Passat. This is what marketing types call the "magic of brand differentiation".

kdinatale

I have the same questions at lincoln355. I have 01.5 and am looking to add a CD. One stereo shop said to replace the monsoon system with an in-dash CD player with more wattage. A different shop said to get a 6 disc Panasonic Changer. Both options around $400. They stated there have been problems with compatibility with the 6 disc changer, requiring the dealer to "reprogram" the radio, but would refund my money if the changer didn't work. I'd like to wait for an MP3 compatible CD changer.

pat

Check out the just published Road Test of the new 2001.5 Passat GLS 1.8T by Edmunds.com editor Liz Kim. Follow the link in the Additional Resources box on the left sidebar of this page to read it, and share your impressions here.

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

dle01

lincoln335 -- I would have to rate the quality of the monsoon system with the CD as quite good. We have a 2000 Passat GLS with the standard system, and while I find the sound to be good it is definitely underpowered. I have two friends who have Passats with the monsoon system and have listened to both at some length and found it to be much better (clearer sound at low volume levels, less distortion at high volume levels). My one friend is a serious audiophile and is satisfied with the system. The steering wheel based audio controls are great, too. If you want that option, you may loose some or all of the functionality with an aftermarket system.