Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

vwguild

MY production of Passats ended August 1...Pre-Production, retooling began early September, production of 2001.5 began October...

vwguild

What was the source on the speculation that the
W8 would not come here?

vwguild

What was the source on the speculation that the
W8 would not come here?

vwguild

What was the source on the speculation that the
W8 would not come here?

Sporin

According to the VW Vortex, Edmunds is wrong on the W8. Those guys have far deeper info and contacts then Edmunds (no offense!)

The W8 *is* coming to the US approximately 8-10 months after the introduction of the 2001.5 models. Not the '02's as Edmunds said, the redesign is a mid-year offering, much as the B5 Pasat premeired in mid-98.

Also according to the Vortex. Their WILL BE NO "BIGGER " VVERSION OF THE PASSAT. The "Passat Plus will mearly be a name to describe the full-boat, W8/4motion Passat. The redesign has incorporated about a 1" nole length icrease to accomodate the W8 which is a VERY compact engine. The idea of a bigger Passat was scrapped months ago.

That would seem to be the most reliable info around... they've NEVER been wrong, even when everyone thought they were. These guys have deep, official contacts and I would trust their info over any other press of any dealer. No offense to you *at all* vwguild. :-)

vwguild

Thank you *D*, not only did you save me from a long post; you also raise a real important point...It is my understanding(pc)that Vortex gets
fed info directly from Wolfsburg & Auburn Hills
on a need to know basis.

I still want to hear from Apex the source on this story, mainly because I KNOW that VW is going to
be introducing significantly more expensive products over the next couple of years. The Passat
Plus is just the first step along the way. The D1
and the Porsche built *Colorado* will debut at the
2002 Detroit show...An RSI Beetle is still a possibility...so is the *Dune*. A convertible Jetta is being looked at as well as a coupe.

As to launch date of the Plus...I have heard early
to mid summer, which confirms Vortex, and the Jetta/Bora wagon around June.

More Later...PS

blaze2000

Just a question, I just purchase a used 98 passat 1.8, I would like to change the radio, with an aftermarket product, ie sony, kenwood. Do I have to take my car in so volkswagen dealer to get this installed, or could any installer do this. I asked this only because I heard that the alarm for the car is wired into the radio. Is this true?? please help, as I am looking to puchase both a car stereo receiver with an disc changer. Please advise.....

vwguild

Contact your local VW Service Advisor and see if
he/she can suggest a qualified Auto Stereo shop
that can handle this for you...so that you only
have to deal with it once!!!!Personally, I would
recommend a private, higher end store with a good
reputation, rather than a Circuit City install...
A store that doesn't have a lot of turnover with
installers, as opposed to a revolving door.

And don't overlook Alpine and ADS...

junior75

I heard the wagon will be here in late march early april in the 2.0l and VR6 form. Price increase should only be 300 or 400 over sedan.

junior75

I believe ,due to the connected wiring b/w the radio and alarm, that replacing the passat radio is a mistake, especially if you are cutting any of the original radio wires.

Try to find a cd changer that matches the outlet in the trunk.

tonysd

Try looking on www.vwvortex.com forums and run a search on aftermarket radios, I think you will find most, if not all the necessary info on an aftermarket radio install. To give you some idea on how the install is done go to

http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/VW/Jetta.html

This is the aftermarket radio install instructions for the Jetta radio which is similar to the radio in the Passat. Finally, there is a wire that needs to be taken care of before completing the install. You can find the info on tech.vw.com and search under "technical service bulletin" run a find command(on your browser) on "aftermarket radio" and the proper tsb should show up. If this wire isn't taken care of then it could fry the VAG (VW diagnostic tool) so some dealer will refuse to diagnose cars with aftermarket radios unless they know the wire is properly taken care of. Check with your dealer first before you start your install.

L8_Apex

The hosts have very limited interaction with the editors and limited input into the editorial content. I can't speak with any authority on the source.

Thanks,

L8_Apex
Sedans Host

vwguild

Thanks for your effort...

marawls

Ok I need honesty here people and this would probably help out a number of folks in the same position. I am getting a loaded GLS, 4 cylinder (in dash CD player included) for $25,000. I think that is a decent deal but I need to know whether it will be worth the wait for the 2001.5 version. I am at the top of my price range and if the new version is significantly more expensive, I will kick myself for not taking the deal. Any thoughts. i would love to have the newest version, but not for a substantial increase in price.

jrct9454

I doubt seriously there will be a price increase that would make waiting financially painful. If it were I, I'd want the new car - the improvements under the skin are substantial and important, never mind the mild restyle.

marsha7

Forgive me if I am suffering from a case of mistaken identity, jrct, but didn't you recently post that you were retiring from these topics, never to be seen again? I only ask because if you are the one who said that, I am glad you are back, as your thoughts and insights are always worth my time to read and ponder. In essence, welcome back (if you ever left to begin with, if you catch my drift).

junior75

I think the increase in price on the 2001.5 Passat is less than $400. But you must consider the fact that you will probably be paying msrp(or close to)when the new ones first arrive.Combined w/ special financing(manual trans.)and a reasonable discount you are actually saving more $$ than you think. I wouldn't wait much longer, by late January you probably won't be able to save much on a 2001 either!

Sporin

I agree with junior75 (#171) on the price issue.

You can DEAL on a car now and that simply won't be an option right away with the new ones.

Not to mention that I personally prefer the current design to the restyle.

cbesiva

Hey Guys,
I got a Passat GLS model for $23,500/- (OnRoad).
Is it really a good deal?? I'm confused!!.
Specification of the car is: Passat GLS model,
Automatic Transmission (with 5 speed triptronic),
Silver Grey Colour, No Luxury Packages (no
sunroof/moonroof), No Leather. It's just the base
model. Is it worth??

Sporin

Just as a point of referance...

I got my 99 GLS, base model, no options for $19,500 which was about $300-400 over invoice at the time. had 3 to choose from with this configuration on the dealers lot and they were happy to move the unit. THis price DOES NOT include destination or tt&l.

If you can find a truly base model, you might be able to make a great deal because a majority of buyers want the auto tranny, moonroof, etc. Bigger dealers may have a few base units loafing around the lot because they simply can't move them.

On the other had, finding a base model AT ALL can be difficult.

Sporin

The above purchase was made at Miller Auto in Lebanon, NH in June of 99.

hirnir

I recently leased a 2001 Passat GLX w/ manual transmission. I find that each time I use the windshield washers, the interior of the car acquires a scent which I can only assume to be washer fluid. The scent is very short-lived but noticeable and only occurs when the washers are engaged. Anyone else experiencing this situation? Thanks.

4qrl8

At the end of Dec. will be buying a new Passat GLS 4Motion. Are there any '00's left or should I concentrate on '01's? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

4qrl8

If anyone could tell me about any deals out there, please let me know.

mskramer

hirnir
every vw, audi, and BMW i have owned has had that. seems german oem windshield fluid is toxic. if it really bothers you, flush the system and add good ol american blue stuff.

junior75

I don't know if this helps but, there still really isn't any dealer or customer incentives on 2000 or '01 Passat 4motions. So I don't think you could save a huge amount by going for a 2000. In n/e we ran out of 4mo sedans about a month ago, so we purchased some from a dealer in Florida. If you look in the warm weather states you would probably be able to get the best deal. The dealers in florida were happy to get rid of their 4mo's.
In the northeast, if you can still find one, you can expect to pay at least $1200-1500 over invoice.

whacko

When I test drove the Passat, I just absolutely fell in love with it. It looks great and it rides like a dream. But the only single reason why I did not buy the Passat is because I just can't stand the word "Passat". It's such an ugly name for a car. However, Chrysler's new 300M...Now that's a cool name!

mskramer

Not a great name. VW names all cars (save the Beetle) after winds. Jetta (Jetstream) (in germany, Vento, wind?), Golf (Gulfstream), Passat (some high level wind somewhere in europe, I think), Scirocco (a whipping wind of some kind) Corrado (a spanish wind), Polo (the Horse winds?). So that's what's in a name.

Any corrections, clarifications would be appreciated.

mskramer

Just told by dealer in Woodland Hills california that the new passat isn't coming until August, he was informed this week. Is this bullSSSSSSS, or is this the current news? PLease advise....

Want to buy the current Passat, but wanted to use the "new ones are coming, so give me a lower price" angle.

Thanks

johnnystarx

So if VW's are named after winds, I can only guess what "Farvignugen" means. 8{

tonysd

It means "tradewind" in German. Whacko, you could always take off the PASSAT letters in the back. Only problem with that is people will think you have a Jetta.

Wind in German, is . . . you guessed it, "wind". It's pronounced "vind".

papadakl

Does anyone have an idea as to when the 2001.5 passats will be in the states?

bottgers

I'm having some problems posting.

bottgers

bottgers

kelf

Several dealers told me that VW "shortly " will have a very economical ED alike to BMW, MB and VOLVO. I sure would like to take advantage of it.
Does anyone have anything concrete about this?
If not true, do Canadiens have a ED program?
kelfg@aol.com

junior75

The new Passats(sedans) will be at dealerships in Febuary. They are already in the country (at the port).I believe VW is stockpiling them until enough has arrived for all the dealerships. Also, they will not be released until the Detroit Auto show.

bottgers

How is the Passat's build quality compared to the Audi A4 or A6? 190 hp doesn't seem like much to me, how's the performance? Have any of you heard anything about VW offering a more powerful engine in the Passat anytime in the near future? Thanks.

echoz

My father went to change the oil in his Passat V6 (99) and found that the only plug that you see underneath the car actually drains the automatic transmission. In order to change the engine oil, you have to remove the plastic underbody to access the sump plug for the engine. Fortunately no damage was done to the transmission as the car was carried to the nearest dealer.
It is a shame that in such a good car there is such an oversight in design.
Just a warning for you Passat owners.
We still think it is the best car!

ivan_99

A W8 with 260+hp (sometime after intro) and maybe the 3L from the A4 220ish hp.

190hp is pretty good(going up to 193).

bottgers

When is the Passat supposed to get this 260 hp engine?

vwguild

The New Passat Plus is due in our showrooms around Thanksgiving...
The W8 engine is 280HP, and 4Motion will be standard...

marsha7

do you mean November 2001?

bottgers

Is the W8 a V-8? Thanksgiving of next year seems like a long ways off. Any idea why it won't be available 'til then?

vwguild

Yes, I do mean November,2001 but, I am only referring to this specific
car...Facelifted 2001.5 units 1st land in San Diego on Wednesday. First deliveries week 3 or 4 of January.

SOP(Schedule of Production) pushed back a bit...we were originally
thinking late summer for the W8...Which is a configuration of two
V4 engines conjoined at the crankshaft...

whacko

I hear the Passat is going to be souped-up with a new engine for the 2002 model. I guess the VW engineers and the Kia engineers have designed a new engine for the Passat. They say that the Passat is going to be equipped with relatively the same type of engine that the Sephia and Spectra uses. Anybody out there hear about this rumour?

bottgers

How in the world did you come up with the idea that VW and Kia are affiliated?

whacko

I came up with the VW-Kia alliance because they're both similar in overall workmanship.

r34

There is no way for Kia to have similar in overall workmanship as VW. Kia is a cheap (you can say economic/affortable) brand while VW is getting more luxury now. Although VW has unreliable products before 1998, they have great product liked Passat. I don't think we can compare a Korean brand with a Germany brand.

IMO, a non-leather Passat is similar to an Accord but a leather Passat can give you much more luxury and comfortable feel than an Accord. Do you think Kia's overall workmanship on par with them ?

I think the overall workmanship of Kia & Daewood cars are worse than American cars.

Kia & Hyundai did worked together to create a sedan.

ivan_99

I think whacko is pulling your leg...he's probably giggling like a school girl now...