Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • jayson2000jayson2000 Member Posts: 3
    Hi dear Passat folks,
    I just bought a new 01.5 GLS w/ Auto (wife needs it),leather, luxury, monsoon. We're thrilled w/ it. In a rush I also purchased extended warranty for extra 2 yrs w/ CNA for $700 w/ $100 deductable. Back home we thought it over about this CNA warranty deal, not sure if it's a wise decision, basically it'll cost me $800 to cover the first covered service. Understand I can still cancel this within 60 days.
    Any thoughts you like to share w/ us? I haven't read all the messages here, so I'm not sure if this question had beed posted before.

    Thanks a bunch.

    Jayson
  • andrewnycandrewnyc Member Posts: 2
    I'm planning to get a 2002 Passat GLS 1.8T, Leather package, Luxury package, monsoon audio, 6 disks CD changer (trunk mounted). Has anyone recently purchased one in NYC and NJ City area? If so, what kind of price is it?

    Anyone has comment on getting 1.8T versus V6 (more than 2K different).

    Thanks, Andrew
  • brucec35brucec35 Member Posts: 246
    I have to agree with the guy giving the young man advice against shooting his wad on a $30,000 car. If you have to stretch just to make payments, you have no business buying that much car. I'm 38, btw, not exactly a geezer who hates having fun. But rather than go from one extreme (driving a bomb that breaks down all the time) to a brand new $30K car, I would suggest splitting the difference and finding a good used car for about $15,000 from a private seller. Try a '98 Maxima SE, for starters. Heck, even a '97 Lexus ES300 won't run more than that. Or maybe a '98 Audi A4 if you like German cars.

    If you don't own your own home, especially, don't be buying too much car. My house appreciates enough each year to cover my mortgage note, so basically I live free. A 3br apartment here costs the same as my mortgage payment, and they have nothing to show for it.

    Btw, I have a $120,000 household income and am "only" shopping for a $27,000 Passat myself. Only when I can pay cash for a more expensive car and still max out the retirement accounts would I buy something more expensive. Previous car was a '97 BMW 540i. Yes, it's about 20% more fun to drive. But it costs double to own and operate. And it's LESS comfortable. I regret ever buying it. Trust me, one day you'll be "old" and wish you had a $300,000 beach condo and a mountain home to retire to, instead of a $70,000 run down house in the suburbs. It also might be nice to retire at 50 instead of 65.
  • mikeg61mikeg61 Member Posts: 28
    If you know somebody who can put it in, you can get the Panasonic CD changer from Smile Photo in NYC (phone order or internet sales) for $199, and a PIE interlink cable from Crutchfield to plug it into the Passat adapter for $45. It's a lot cheaper than $400. The only catch is you also need to buy screws with shallower heads because the ones that come with the CD changer are too big to make the CD tie-down plates fit.

    Mike
  • mikeg61mikeg61 Member Posts: 28
    Look for it around Thanksgiving, with the W8 engine putting out about 275hp, in both sedan and wagon form. Pics are on vwvortex web site.
  • merckxmerckx Member Posts: 565
    As someone just mentioned their previous BMW,I wanted to add a comment.Before I bought a 2001 Passat 1.8T 5-speed,i seriously considered a BMW 525i stick.The back seat is much smaller.True,it is less comfortable,but most of us here probably like that Germanic stiffness.But the Passathas both the excellent ergonomics only the Germans seem able to do,and a very pleasing softness.It strikes me as a perfect mix of Cadillac and Miata(really!)So far,I am thoroughly enjoying it-it has been a dream.I would recommend this car to anyone.
  • pkraddpkradd Member Posts: 358
    I've had mine for 3 1/2 months and continue to enjoy it . It's a reflex silver 2001.5 1.8T tiptronic with lux package and Monsoon. I'm debating whether to get the 6 CD changer and adapter. I haven't brought my car in yet for the first scheduled maintenance so I'll see what kind of deal the dealer will offer. I have Continental tires and they do make alot of noise. Would it help if I lowered the recommended tire pressure somewhat?
  • mwyukimwyuki Member Posts: 1
    HI, I would like to get some advise and info from you who have purchased the new passat recentlly. I m currently searching for a new passat 2002 w/ 1.8 turbo engine (no need luxury package, can't afford). what is the reasonable price for this car? btw, my budget is only 24k ( i meant out of the door), sorry i m tighted w/ my budgets....please response back to my personal email mwyuki@yahoo.com if you would please. do you have any performance problems w/ this car because Jetta seems to have a lots.....thanks a bunch
  • bsum70bsum70 Member Posts: 37
    Anybody see the new CD player on the 2002 Passat as standard equipment yet?
  • godeacsgodeacs Member Posts: 481
    ..was at VW dealer yesterday. The 2002s on the lot do not have CD players as std equipment yet. Was told they'd be on the next "iteration" of 2002s...maybe in Nov or so.....
  • lincoln355lincoln355 Member Posts: 8
    Thank you for your comments regarding the Monsoon system dleO1. I'm still waiting for my 2002 to arrive. I'm a devoted audiophile since my drive time is 1hr.to and from my office. A good audio system makes the ride so much more enjoyable. Why is it you can purchase a computer audio system including speakers that rivals some of the best stand alone systems while a car company can't provide a fully intergrated system for $25,000? VW should hide their head in shame.Some of us would rather have our 12-20,000Hz
    rather than little pieces of wood as entertainment.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    has always been marketed as such...new 2002 Passats beginning production
    either today or next week or maybe even last week will come so equipped
    at no additional charge...delivery on these cars will be early to late October...

    And the reason for no additional charge is secondary to the fact that VW acknowledges
    the fact that this is a long overdue upgrade...

    And truth be known...this is merely the addition of a CD Player...The optional
    200 Watt, 8 Channel, actively Crossed Amplifier, upgraded speakers, and DSP
    in the HU has been available for quite some time as well as the ability to add a
    CD changer or upgrade the HU as many have done for years with any number of
    prestige brands...
  • jconcepjconcep Member Posts: 4
    Lincoln - if you are willing to get a cd changer for your passat check out the panasonic cxdp610 and the PIEvw/pc-pan6 cd changer interface. it's literally plug and play and less than $250. my dealer wanted $475. it can be installed in 15 minutes. no issues with reprogramming either. i found this out by going to the forums on vwvortex.com
  • jconcepjconcep Member Posts: 4
    Andrew - go to caranddriver.com
    follow the links to the passat road test. they said the 1.8t is a good engine and not sure if they would pay extra for the vr6
  • torid110torid110 Member Posts: 13
    I am very close to purchasing a 2002 Passat GLS 1.8T auto w/leather, lux, monsoon packages. Any recommendations on dealers ? Which to avoid. Thanks for the help. I got a quote at 1 dealer that is 500+ invoice for this car. Can i do better, or should i just get it :)
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Where in Jersey are you?
  • torid110torid110 Member Posts: 13
    Jersey City, NJ
  • inkyinky Member Posts: 370
    That was the wisest advice I have ever heard on Edmunds. Surely you must be censored for your moderation! Enjoy.
    INKY
  • bitburgbitburg Member Posts: 15
    The V6 Passat has 190 hp but I understand that the souped-up Bettle will have (or already has) 201 hp. Does anybody know if the V6 Passat will be getting a hp-increase? Or is VW saving all the extra hp for the upcomming V8 Passat?
  • imcorbinimcorbin Member Posts: 1
    jconcep, Have you heard or read anything about an in-dash single CD player that will work as well? The dealer wants $395 for a single cd player...
    Thanks!
  • dwgutwirdwgutwir Member Posts: 137
    I too might be in the market for a new VW soon. I'd be interested to see if you'd recommend any dealers in central NJ.

    I've seen your posts on vwvortex. If I lived out west I know where I'd be buying my car.
  • lincoln355lincoln355 Member Posts: 8
    If this system can be installed successfully for the quoted price, I'll burn a CD in any genre you want and have it delivered to you personally by a friendly postal worker if you provide the address. Thanks so much for the information.
  • lincoln355lincoln355 Member Posts: 8
    Based upon jconcep's recommendation of the Panasonic CD changer, I logged on to Panasonic's web site(www.panasonic.com). Low and behold there's a plethora of CD systems that can be installed on the 2002 Monsoon system. Included was the changer suggested by jconcep. The price is indeed less than what the dealership charges
    to add a CD system. The web site list those systems which are compatabile with all models of VW autos and the location of where the systems may be purchased. Happy listening.
  • torid110torid110 Member Posts: 13
    Is it possible to attach a Subwoofer to a Monsoon system ? Very close to getting the passat. In the next week or so . Just planning on "future" upgrades.

    2002 Indigo Blue GLS 1.8T tip. Leather/Lux/Monsoon .
  • torid110torid110 Member Posts: 13
    Is it possible to attach a Subwoofer to a Monsoon system ? Very close to getting the passat. In the next week or so . Just planning on "future" upgrades.

    2002 Indigo Blue GLS 1.8T tip. Leather/Lux/Monsoon .
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    *Infinity* has a stand alone, self-powered Sub for the trunk...Crutchfield & others
    are sources...
  • xtypebuyerxtypebuyer Member Posts: 7
    I know I saw this somewhere. Anyone know the details?
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Another European perk...Maybe on the W8???
  • djp2cdjp2c Member Posts: 39
    I am considering a new car within the next three months and am torn between the GLX Passat and the GLE Maxima. Both 2002 models.

    Can you tell me what the VW warranty will be in Canada for the 2002.

    The VW seems to have a much smaller interior and not as good a maintenance record as the Maxima.

    What do you think I should choose.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    How high do you prioritize extra safety as a requirement for your purchase, vs. other aspects like performance? The Maxima earned an "acceptable" in the IIHS tests, while the Passat did extremely well in the IIHS tests (more realistic than the NHTSA's tests), earning a "Good" and a "Best Pick" designation. For side impact crashes, it has over the Maxima side curtain airbags and pretensioners for the outboard rear seats.

    Consumer Reports reliability puts the turbocharged 4-cylinder versions at above average, the 6-cylinder at average. The Maxima does do better at well-above-average but the 4-cylinders have proven quite good.
  • brucec35brucec35 Member Posts: 246
    Their ad campaigns notwithstanding, the New Passat is simply not a luxury car. It is well built, looks nice, drives nice, if somewhat less than sportily, but it fails in areas such as dealer service (abysmal, from what I'm hearing here and elsewhere on the net), sales practicies, resale value, and the dealerships layout and location themselves. I was shocked at how run-down and cluttered a dealer I went to today was. At 3pm on a weekday, they had ZERO parking available for buyers. I circled the lot a few times then left, frustrated. Their spaces were all full of used cars for sale, cars in for repairs(a number so large it was scary) or new inventory(of which they had few examples). The fact that I couldn't even find a place to park on the lot made it clear that at least this VW dealer doesn't understand customer service. It's not like the spots for customers were full. There simply weren't any! Even the lanes in front of the service bays were stacked up 3 deep. I got the impression they just don't give a hoot. Service techs stumbling out of their shop meandered into my way as I tried to squeeze into one tiny spot, totally unconcerned that I wouldn't be able to park with them there, and the whole thing turned me off to VW right on the spot. Instead of waving me in and helping, they just stared a while, then continued chatting as they blocked my way.

    I think the Passat is a decent value and tops in its class as a $23,000 manual tranny, cloth seats, 4 cylinder "stripper" competing with bland accords and camrys. It is not, however, a good value as a $32-34K loaded faux luxury car. Factoring in resale, reliability, and included maintenance, I think I'd rather have a 3 series BMW or an Audi. Even an Acura TL type S. Especially when I think about having to actually take my car there for service. It also doesn't help that the closest vw dealer to me is in an area of town known more for serving dog meat at restaurants than attracting luxury car buyers.
  • pkraddpkradd Member Posts: 358
    I don't think anybody who has purchased this car, myself included, believes it to be a luxury car. But those of us who have the car are generally well pleased with it. I agree that when you start loading it up, particulalry the 6 cylinder and GLX version, you are not getting that great as value. But if you buy conservatively and find a decent dealer - and there are ones, you can get a well made, handsome car that beats the pants off Camry's and Accords. That is the competition, not Acura or BMW. It should be noted that forums such as this usually have people complain much more than praise. That's the nature of the beast. It's obvious that you're upset at your singular experience. Find another dealer, but I suspect that you're really not interested in the Passat and are just venting frustration.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Actually, the US VW dealer group, taken as a group, is NOT ready for prime time. The pleasant exceptions are great for the people who live near enough to take advantage of them [we can't all live in Monterey, Guild, though lord knows I wish I could], but I just finished a visit with my best friend from Austin TX who hasn't found a dealer he can depend on...and he has more than one to choose from [6 weeks to schedule warranty work??].

    While it may be an academic debate at the moment about what kind of marketing niche the Passat fills, it is about to become a whole lot more important. By this time next year, VW wants to sell Passats stickered between $35 and $40k, and the year after that, wants to sell the D1 at prices upward of $50k. Ladies and gents, this is a major Dr. Piech fantasy unless VW finds a miraculous way to reform the subpar members of the US dealer body, and pretty darn quickly, too.

    US franchise laws make it nearly impossible to impose real reforms on dealers in a quick fashion. Short of outright fraud, pulling a franchise is next to impossible; the tools that manufacturers have at their disposal tend to be economic - tieing allocations to CSI numbers, for example - and these carrot/stick ideas take a long time to weed out the incompetent.

    Bottom line: the current dealer group in this country is populated by a lot of guys who had to hang in there through the lean years, and includes a number of principals and locations which are clearly inappropriate to VW's new mission and model mix [for Exhibit A, see the post a few up from here]. The next couple of years are going to be a test for all concerned, most especially customers in those markets where competition is limited, or where the general level of competence is just universally low. Someone in Wolfsburg needs to take charge of this problem, with the same intensity and determination they bring to the table when dealing with new product. Otherwise, your new 4/50 warranty will be valueless, and the Japanese will continue to prosper in this segment [especially Acura and Lexus] based on superior service alone, never mind the relative value of the product.
  • car_nut1car_nut1 Member Posts: 66
    you are wrong regarding resale. The Passat retains it's value very well and resides in the highest percentile for all mid-size cars. Also, it was just judged to be #1 for residual value of all leased cars in it's class. This can be verified at the Leasing Guide web site.

    Otherwise, I totally agree with everything you've stated.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    I agree and disagree with the recent posts.

    I don't think the Passat is a luxury vehicle. Nonetheless, the quality of the interior (materials, leather) is actually quite competitive with some of the so-called "entry level luxury" vehicles like Acura TL's, ES300's, etc. (and actually, better than the TL's in many ways).

    When Nissan announced its new Altima, designed to do battle with the Camry and Accord in the mid-sized market, they made it a point to say they would have a Passat-quality interior. Now Altima fans are howling that early reviews talk about the cheapness of the interior.

    I do feel that Passats are somewhat pricey, even though you get safety equipment beyond Camry, Accord, and Maxima. It's taken this long for some catch-up, as the 2002 Camry will finally be available with side curtains. On the other hand, said Camry will also be available with stability control. Its price will be higher than previous Camrys.

    As far as the dealerships go, I'm sure your mileage may vary, and your local dealership may be fine. However, I agree that if VW wants to sell $35k-$40k vehicles they'll have to upgrade them overall.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Thank you for the kind words...And, for an extremely accurate assessment of our
    current situation...Your mention of those *lean years* certainly plays a key role
    today...So much has happened, so fast that a good number of Dealers are being
    forced to play catch up.

    It is very important to remember that as recently as 1993/1994 VWOA was
    seriously thinking about closing it's doors and leaving the No. American market.
    50,000 units a year was pretty bleak...

    The introduction of the New 1998 Passat in Q4 of 1997 and the Launch of the New
    Beetle in March of 1998 set into motion a turnaround of staggering proportions...In a
    42 month period our Sales have increased 700%...365,000 units last year and were
    it not for an economy that is slightly less than robust, we probably would be close
    to 400,000 for 2001.

    And Wolfsburg was well aware of the escalation in 1999 when the *MarketPlace
    Initiative* was announced...The Volkswagen MarketPlace specifically addresses
    the issues that you raise about Service, Parking, & General Facility Appearance.

    In my office hangs a Limited Edition Print of the MarketPlace concept store...
    Over the Doorway entrance is the number 2003...It has been my opinion from the
    moment I saw this piece of art that VWOA has every intention of exerting all
    available pressure on it's Dealer Group to conform to this model, if not completely;
    at least generally, by 2003. We'll see.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Well, it's good to know they saw the train coming, and at least formulated a plan to move off the tracks...as you say, we'll see...

    One more thought: new model introductions sometimes offer the opportunity for the manufacturer to "incent" the dealer body in the desired direction. A real-life example of which I am aware: Mercedes USA required all franchisees to go through a review process, and set stringent new standards for showroom size, service bay counts, CSI scores, etc. in order to qualify a dealer to sell the ML when it was introduced. Our dealer in Sacramento complied, at the cost of many hundreds of thousands of dollars in new investment; the dealer in Reno chose to pass, and runs the same business from the same rundown storefront that has been there for decades. Result: all of the allocations for MLs [and by extension, for other models that were tied to total dealer volume] that would have gone to Reno, went to Sacto instead. They now deliver nearly a dozen vehicles a week "over the mountain" to northern Nevada customers. Sooner or later, this will have the desired effect of either shaping up the Reno franchise or getting it sold. But this sort of thing takes time, and in the meantime the customer has to make do...

    VWoA might think to apply the same kind of pressure as the new upscale models are introduced. By whatever means, something has to be done.
  • sableowner2sableowner2 Member Posts: 11
    Hi,
    We are considering a new car purchase in the near future. The vehciles we currently drive are a 1998 Mercury Sable LS (fully loaded) and a 1991 Toyota Camry DX (only pwr windows and locks). We will (fianlly!) be replacing the Camry. I have heard/read great things about the Passat. I like its styling, great crash test ratings, and have heard its V6 engine is wonderful. Our only quams about the Passat are its reliability. Is it a reliable car? Is it expensive to get it fixed? Our Sable has been pretty reliable and cheap to fix. The Camry has been extremely reliable (about 160,000 miles and counting) but somewhat expensive to get fixed. Would parts/labor for a Passat be comprable to those of a Camry? Also is the Passat really worth the extra $ over its competitors? I understand it offers many luxury options, but its price tag is still pretty steap. Lastly, how much are dealers willing to negotiate on pricing? Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
  • sava1sava1 Member Posts: 3
    I recently leased a new 2001.5 Passat 4motion loadedGLX sedan with a in dash cd. I was so impressed with the dealer and the car not to mention that no one in the Toronto Area could even come close with the price & service.
    The dealer is owasco.com (Bob Verway )they are in Whitby ontario and it was worth the drive. This is my second VW. My first is Jetta 2001 GLS loaded TDI, leased from the same dealer.
    There is no comparison between Japan v German. I looked at Lexus, junky for the price and I had a Volvo 99 GLT touring (love the car but ). Volvo could not compete with the price/options and they do not have AWD any more.

    Oh ya 2002 is 4yr/80k warranty.
  • sava1sava1 Member Posts: 3
    My wife's parents wanted a new Passat, but they are 2600 kms from Toronto, in PEI. The dealer (owasco) said he would arrange pick in Halifax, at no extra charge.

    Cool.
  • slummyjslummyj Member Posts: 57
    I totally agree with the comments on the dealers. The basic car is good, fun to drive, beautiful interior, nice styling. But the quality of the dealer service leaves much to be desired. Things don't get fixed, the wait for an appointment can be weeks, the waiting room is filthy, and yes there are no parking spots. I know that not every dealer is like this, but the two here in Minneapolis are terrible. I would love to consider another VW when I replace my '99 GLX, but the dealer service may send me back to the Japanese.
  • torid110torid110 Member Posts: 13
    I finally did it. I put down the deposit for my new 2002 Passat .

    GLS 1.8T
    Tiptronic
    Leather Package
    Luxury Package
    Monsoon
    In Dash CD Player

    Can't wait till monday to pick the car up !!!
  • bigbadboss101bigbadboss101 Member Posts: 54
    I was driving the other night and saw what seems to be Passat. I looks new, and has a 1.8TT emblem on the right hand side. There was not Passat label. What is this? It looked lower, but factory. Is there some kind of special edition Passat?
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Saw an article in paper yesterday about changes in VW's warranties for '02. Said they will have 4 year and 50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, though the powertrain warranty goes to 60,000 miles. I like the new 2001.5 Passat but want a longer warranty. But wouldn't consider a car with only a 2/24 warranty. Are the 2002 Passats out yet? With the longer warranty?
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Yes...
  • sschmitz1sschmitz1 Member Posts: 2
    From the "for what it's worth dept," Warrantydirect.com does not provide coverage in Wisconsin. :(
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    vwguild... VW dealer ads I see just talk about 2001 VWs (e.g., Jetta) and new 2001.5 Passat. I haven't seen anything showing a dealer with a 2002 VW or Passat. But the articles I've seen say the better warranty is with the 2002s only. Has anyone here bought a 2002 Passat? One with the 4/50 warranty? I love the Passat but have been too afraid of it due to the 2/24 warranty. Now that they make it better, I'm ready to re-test drive one.

    Will the '02 Passat have an in-dash CD? Either single disc or multi-disc? The 2001.5 brochure I looked at a while back showed no in-dash CD option. Wife wants a loaded car but has to have an in-dash CD. I don't want one in trunk.
  • godeacsgodeacs Member Posts: 481
    ..have been out at the local VW dealer for several weeks. Good stock of Passats and Jettas. However, the 1st bunch of 2002 Passats do not come with a in dash CD (single) player! Dealer says the 2nd iteration of 2002 Passats in Nov will have them. Not sure why they did that but turned me off the Passat - I can't wait and have to have a CD player. Dealer said..well, you can always add one....that's not the pt! Why pay for something you don't need and then pay again for what you want? A car of that price should have CD player standard. Talk about confusing....
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Couldn't agree more. Took BMW years before they added an in-dash CD player to 3 Series. Remember it being an option when they came out a couple years ago. Think they might be standard now. Must be something German. Don't they know Americans want decent music? And that cassettes are about as obsolete as 8-tracks and LPs? I haven't bought a new cassette since '95.

    Did the dealer say if they would be standard or optional with the 2002 Passats? And if optional, how much? I won't have a trunk-mounted player. Don't care if the in-dash is single or multiple disc. Kind of prefer simplier single disc.

    Guess I'll be stopping at local VW dealer soon to see if he has any 2002s with 4/50 warranty.
  • pkraddpkradd Member Posts: 358
    My understanding is that it will be a single CD player. You can get one from the dealer installed aftermarket. Why not try to make a deal in that the 2002 Passat's in November will have it free. If that is the only thing that keeps one from buying the car then tell the dealer. He might agree to install one. If not go to another dealer or don't buy the car (I'd say you're using it as an excuse not to get it anyway). I bought the 2001.5 and it didn't have a CD player. I'd like one but it isn't the end of the world. I just make copies of my CD's on to cassettes. (I'm always amused that people say they haven't used a cassette player in years and assume that everybody else doesn't as well ). I can eventually get a Panasonic CD changer and install it myself at a price much lower than the dealer offers one.
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