Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

vocus

The radio code ahould be in the owner's manual for the radio. My Jetta came with a separate one for the radio. You might look in there. If not, ask your dealer. If your car loses power, you need that code to get the radio to turn back on. Without it, you are definitely SOL.

vwguild

If your radio code is not in the booklet, then
open the trunk & lift up the cover for the spare...look along the left side of the spare tire
well and you hopefully will find a small piece
of paper attached with Black tape...You will
also probably find two labels that are attached
to wax paper...peel off and leave one in place
the other goes into the inside cover of the Mainteance booklet...

Your Radio code is the 4 digit number; the number
above it is the serial number of the Head Unit.

GLS 4MOTION Sedans & Wagons are custom orders...I
have one being delivered in Portland, Maine this week.

hoyamom

Placed an order for our 2002 Passat GLS, auto, leather (no luxury package, thus the need for custom order). Put down $500 deposit 2 weeks ago and now salesman won't return my calls. Finally called sales manager to get the ordering commission number and he acted like he didn't know what I meant. Bad sign? Once we get the number, how can we use it to track our order? We want two weeks notice before it arrives so we can sell our current car. Also, we ordered Fresco Green, but salesman insisted on back up color. If he is really ordering the car for us, shouldn't we get the color we want? Thanks for any advice!

vwguild

No order, and you are right, no need for a
secondary color choice either...

The Commission Number follows with the car just like
the VIN: Tracking is a piece of cake...

mbros2k

I found the radio code in the trunk/spare where you said. It looks like the dealer peeled off a copy. I'll ask them where they put it the next time I'm in for service. Thanks!

laurievrba

Hi,
New to this thread, was wondering if any of you have heard of present or future Passats with the diesel option?

theorchid

I need some advice. I just looked up some private party pricing on Edmund's TMV for my passat and it gave me a value of just under $21,000. I then looked up the same private party pricing on KelleyBlueBook.com and it gave me a value of about $25,500. I was shocked to see such a large difference between the two. I made sure that I put in the exact same info on both sites (24,000 miles, leather, cd, etc.) so I thought I would get similar estimates. I obviously like the KBB.com estimate better b/c I'm trying to sell this car but I don't know what most people consider better estimates/sites???? Any advice?

jrct9454

For this purpose, the lower figure is the more reliable. My experience is that KBB is too optimistic on newer [less than 5 years old] cars, and that Edmunds gets to be too high with many older cars. Generally, to avoid disappointments, take the lower figure, or start by splitting the difference. A better starting point is the WHOLESALE [trade-in] value for the car...what a dealer would pay you to put the car on his used car lot. Once you know that figure, you can add a reasonable amount that doesn't price your car beyond what the average retail buyer is willing to pay for a private party transaction...somewhere between 5% and 10% over wholesale. Beyond that, you are competing with dealers with better warranties and internal financing resources.

General rule: Most people believe their kids are well-behaved, and their cars and houses are worth more than they actually are. Be conservative.

georgek44

mbros2k - the sticker that was removed should be on a tear-away wallet-size card in the radio section of the owner’s manual. I would not leave it or the one in the trunk in the car - if a thief knows where to look for the code, that would defeat its purpose.

wheel locks - I had another little incident that makes me appreciate the validity of all the "not ready for prime time" comments about the VW dealer network. After 46,000 nearly trouble-free miles, and with winter coming on, I decided to replace my tires even though they still had more than the legally required 2/32" of tread. The installers weren't able to do the job, because the "key" for the locking wheel nut was not in the tool kit.

When I took delivery of the car (a 2000 GLS wagon with the deluxe package) I asked where the key was, and was told that wheel locks were optional and my car did not have them. I should have looked but didn't, so the result is that I have been driving for 15 months and 46K miles without the ability to change a tire.

The dealership replaced the four locking nuts with ordinary ones, and has ordered me a new set with a "key" tool - all gratis.

The service manager told me that he had had a lot of similar complaints, many from far angrier customers who had discovered this problem only while trying to change a flat tire. He said that VWA did not always enclose the part with the car, and that those doing the pre-delivery inspection often failed to look for it.

I was too stunned to ask the obvious question:
- why doesn't the service department check for this known problem when the cars came in for service?

This is especially discouraging, because the VW and Subaru service and parts managers and staff are the only employees at that dealership who seem to be honest, informed and competent.

kam66

Reading this post brought back memories of having to change a tire on a government Suburban only to discover the lug wrench in the vehicle didn't fit the lug nuts on the wheels. Major problem, although even when we were able to find one that did fit, it broke (ratchet type) because two of the lug nuts had frozen to the threads.

I do have a question regarding the VW wheel locks. Is the "key tool" universal among all VW wheel locks, or is it keyed more along the lines of a kryponite bike lock? Reason I ask is your tires should have been rotated several times since you originally purchased your vehicle during scheduled maintenance. If the "key tool" is universal, it makes sense that VW service wouldn't need to use the one out of the tool kit. However, if there are several different patterns, it is possible a VW service technician may have forgotten to replace it in the tool kit after your last tire rotation.

In either case I'm sorry to hear about what you've had to go through and am glad the dealership is stepping up to the plate.

georgek44

The service mgr told me that there are several patterns, and that each service bay has a set. They do not use the ones that, in theory at least, come with the cars.

thatsmytoy

I was in Las Vegas last weekend, and the VW dealer on Decatur Blvd has a 2002 GLS V6 with 4 motion...if anyone is interested.

laurievrba

ahem

Figured I'd post this again, maybe someone will respond this time!-

Hi,
New to this thread, was wondering if any of you have heard of present or future Passats with the diesel option?

vocus

Not presently, no Passat diesel in the US. There used to be a TDI Passat. Maybe there wasn't much demand for it, or maybe VW though the current 90 hp engine wouldn't be adequate enough to move the heavier Passat. I don't know about that last one though, because the Passat 1.8T actually has 10hp less than the Jetta 1.8T does.

vwguild

may come with the new Volkswagen Phaeton next
year...:)

annous

Hello
I am looking into buying a new (un-used) family car and I am considering a 2001.5 Passat. I can get some discount by buying a 2001.5 instead of a 2002. So, I would appreciate any feedback on the following:
1) for a family car, is the 1.8L engine sufficient or is it worth paying more for the 2.8L engine?
Is the 1.8L comfortable enough?
2) I am sacred by the fact that the warranty on the Passat is only 2 years. Is it something to worry about? Should I buy an extended warranty?

Thank you.

ivan_99

#2414 I've heard that the Passat in North America "may" be getting their new 1.9TDI (150hp....torque 230ish).

#2416
The 2002 has 4 years warranty.

I would get the 1.8. I had a courtesy car when I took my A6 in and I got a 2001.5 Passat 1.8T (auto). I was very surprised by the responsiveness and smoothness.

Turbos usually have a couple little rules to follow such as: don't floor it when you just start it up...and don’t shut it down right after racing. These are rules you should follow with any car, but people are not very smart...

bburey

I have heard that VW is suppose to come out w/ a 200 + hp Passat 2.8L engine. Does anybody know if this is true, and if so when should it be out?

Thanks

thxlogan

My wife and are purchasing a 2002 GLX 4Mo and expect to take delivery soon. I've never bought a new car before, can anyone suggest a list of things to check on a car (particularly this model Passat) prior to taking delivery? I'm guessing that I'll be too pumped up with the new car smell to just "wing it" at the dealership so I'd like to plan the check out ahead of time.

Thank you in advance.

vwguild

Not True...

When you pick up your car ask your Sales Rep for the PDI Check list...On the Reverse side you will
find the Sales Reps Delivery Check List...This list is pretty extensive, and you may, or may not,
want to go through all of it, but you should check under the hood and make sure you have windshield washer fluid(BlueCapped resevoir on the right)...I have had one sneak thru with none
and one that I discovered had not been topped off.

If you have kids, and want the ISOFIX/LATCH system installed make sure that you let them know, and make sure that they are aware of the fact that on the 4MO there is a distinct left &
right...this is a FREE Warranty upgrade, but they may have to order the parts...This install can be done during the Pre_Delivery Inspection...

Make sure that you pick up the car during daylight hours; so that you can check the skin for scratches that may have been overlooked...leave your kids at home...you want to be focused and they will distract you...check
the leather for scratches...not common, but just
in case...

And finally...ENJOY!!!! Congratulations & Welcome to the Family...

georgek44

VWGuild's advice is good. Here are a few other things I've learned to check over the years (I learned the first item the hard way just last week, in fact):

- ensure that you have a "key" for the locking wheel nuts and that it the correct one, and that all metal and electronic keys lock and unlock what they are meant to

- check that all tires are new, and are the same brand and size, check tire pressure, oil and other fluid levels before you accept the car

- make sure the sound system, heat and A/C and all lights and electrical gizmos are working properly

- drive a mile or so (preferably with the seller) and make sure the gearbox or automatic transmission, brakes etc. are functioning correctly

I know that the car already has gone through many checks before you are at the point of driving it away, but I also know that I've taken delivery of new personal and office cars (VW, BMW, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, Chevy) that had these flaws and others at the time of delivery.

jl8w3

I am looking in the newspaper (Jacksonville, Fl) and see advertised a New 2002 Passat GLS for $389/mo or buy for $21,988 (MSRP $23830). All that is in the paper. Then it says: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Homelink, Monsoon Sound System, Keyless Entry, Power Windows, Power Locks, Tinted Glass, ABS Brakes, 4 Motion Suspension, Fog Lamps, Anti Theft System, Tiptronic and more.

My question is concerning the 4 Motion Suspension? Does this mean it has 4 Motion or the suspension is the same as that of one with 4 Motion? If so why even say 4 Motion? So is this false advertising or just deceptive advertising? What throws me off is the MSRP they say of $23,830. This is the MSRP of a 1.8T with Monsoon & Homelink. Not a 6 cly with 4 motion.

However it is still a good deal even for the 1.8T! I just wish I had $22,000 right now. However if I was able to buy a V-6 with 4 motion for $22,000 I am sure I would be able to come up with the money somehow!

Ted.

arjay1

I doubt it was intentionally deceptive, rather ill-informed. You are correct about that MSRP being for a 1.8t with trip, homelink and monsoon. I would guess that the person at the dealer who wrote the copy for the add just put down the wrong term for 4 wheel independent suspension.
That is a good price they are advertising, but not beyond belief. As you can see, they are about $45 under Edmunds TMV or a little over $500 over invoice.

bartr

I am looking at 2002 Passats and pondering as to the 1.8 auto or the V6 auto. I know the 1.8 manual is a fun car to drive, but unfortunately the majority of my driving is in traffic (...I love living in So. Cal.) and I feel that I would end up grumpy with the clutch issue, so what's the feedback on the auto? Has the additional 20hp for 2002 helped from the 2000 model I drove before? Is it worth the extra money for the V6?

hamuller1

I'm closing in on buying a Passat GLS with the 1.8 liter engine. Does it require high test gas or can you use regular? Can you compromise with a middle grade? Thanks

vocus

I can attest to the 1.8/automatic in my 2002 Jetta (with 180hp engine), but not to the Passat. (I also have the Tiptronic in the 2002 as well, like the Passat. It's more of an entertainment value though, I think). There is some of a dead spot until the car hits 2000 rpm, but the power is very ferocious after that.

Another thing: Why is it that the Passat only has 170hp and slightly less torque when it's a bigger car than the Jetta? Edmund's asked the same question in their preview of the 2002 Jetta.

rpiercemd

Supposedly true; just got off the email phone with volktalk, after I inquired about special edition
passats. Sometime around spring they said a 275 HP V8 would be released in limited editions.

rschap

Will the 2003 Passat be a major redesign (B6 model)? Any news on changes for 2003?

pkradd

I wouldn't think so since the 2002 has been redesigned. Remember only the doors and roof are carryovers from the 2001. Also VW reported over 2000 changes in the new Passat. The 2003 model will have an available W8 (V8) which is going to be very expensive according to the car mags.

annous

Hello
The dealer in my area have offered me a discount on a new 2001.5 Passat of about 9% off the MSRP of a new 2002 Passat. I am particularly looking at a GLS V6 with no additional packages except the winter package(heated front seats). I checked a couple of other dealers and they offered the same discount (surprise ). So, I would appreciate if someone could tell me what reasonable dicount I should try to negociate for? All the dealers have asked me to come up with an acceptable figure for me. I really have no clue how much profit these guys make and how much to bargain for. I would apprecaite any comments.

Thanks.

buckeye13

I posed the same question to VW through their new web site. Here is the response I got:

“Volkswagens fuel requirement for both engines is premium unleaded for
maximum performance of the engine.”

I have also heard from several dealers that the 1.8T will run fine on plus (not premium). Scroll back several messages (maybe 40) to see more discussion on this.

vocus

I have a 1.8T Jetta, and the car will run on a lower grade gas, according to the owner's manual. It supposedly will lower the amount of performance from the engine. I have a friend that has the same car as I do, but he runs regular (87 octane) all the time (I always use 93), and he says the car runs fine on regular. I am afraid to try it though.

ufgators

I am considering leasing a 1.8T and I was interested to know if anyone had any leasing advice for me.

Thanks!

mlayton694

Hello there, I would definitely try to do better than 9% on a leftover 2001.5. The new 2002s you can get close to 9% off. Since the 2001.5 will be worth less than the 2002 the second you drive it off the lot, I would try the following:
2002 GLS v6 - $25,125 MSRP
9% off this price is $22,865 plus tax etc. You could probably get a deal for this at $23,300ish. I would say you should offer $22,250 for the 2001.5. Added to the extra depreciation, the 2001.5 doesnt have the new improved warranty that the 2002 has. I wouldnt budge on this offer of 11-12% off. Call dealers and make this offer,if they say no wait a day or 2, atleast one will call you back saying he'll take it. I just got a 4cyl 2002 GLS, beautiful car, Im sure you will love your new passat !!
Good luck

backthepack

I am close to buying a Passat. Initially I had decided I wanted the V6. After talking to Passat owners with the 1.8L, they are extremely happy with the 1.8.

Anyone have any advice or recommendations?

vwguild

The W8 will launch in 3 weeks at the NAIAS in Detroit...many details available at www.vwvortex.com

The differences between the 1.8T & the V6, aside
from mechanical, are also personal. To me, the
1.8T is a more agile, fun car. It is lighter and
you can feel that, particularly with the 5 speed
manual. The V6 is a heavier, more sedate drive with
either transmission...And finally, the 4MOTION...
my favorite, just like silk.

But, in addition to all of the above there is money...The V6 is a couple thousand more than the
1.8; that is the most personal component.

pkradd

The January 2002 Consumer Reports rates the Passat, Camry, Honda and Altima (new) in that order. They reviewed the GLS 1.8T with tip/auto and lux package against similar configs for the other cars.

tiger8

Car & Driver magazine, in their latest publicaton on the 2002 cars, says that the V-6 engine on the new Passat is 3.0 with 220 HP. This is a mistake, no? They're thinking of the new Audi A4, correct? That engine is not available on the Passat, correct? The Passat V-6 continues to be 2.8, 190 HP, right? Car & Driver screwed up,correct?

supraner

I'm most interested in the Passat but test drove a Cabrio to rule out the desire to own a convertible. The rear view mirror came off the windshield when I adjusted it and the turn signals wouldn't turn off when the wheel returned to neutral. I'm concerned. The Passat didn't have any problems that I encountered at least.

brucec35

Yes, the passat may have a higher resale value when calculated via the standard method (percentage of MSRP). The problem is, that while Passats until recently were selling near MSRP, Camrys and Accords were selling for thousands off sticker. The net result was, according to what I was calculating during my recent car search, a little more drop off than the Accord/Camry. One reason why may be that a loaded Accord is maybe $25,000, vs a $31,000 Passat. Even if your residual percentage is better, you still drop more in dollars. Passats also don't really have a long term reputation to fall back on once your car hits 100K miles or so. There's on-paper resale, and then there's real world. Trust me, I recently had to sell a BMW 540i with 90K miles. Ran perfect, looked good, had all records, and sold for about $4,500 below Edmunds calculated private sale price for it. People just didn't want an older German car unless it was a really low price.

It'll be easier to get a good price on an old Accord than a Passat, most likely. That said, I still much prefer the Passat, and whatever resale differences there are are minor compared to the other attributes of the car.

jimsxn

For canadian prices of new 2002 cars...try cars4u.com. These guys are great with upfront pricing and very much on the mark.

ufgators

I just leased a new Passat GLS 1.8T. The salesperson told me that for the first time (over the past two months) the passat has outsold the jetta. Because of the high resale value, the passats have an excellent lease deal. By the way, I love the car!

kjana

Does anyone know of a good aftermarket mount for a motorola startac for a 2001 Passat? The Profit mount which I am presently using blocks the cupholder on the right. It also looks bad. TIA.

mbros2k

Just installed a leather "Wheelskin" on my GLS. What a difference! Feels soft and fat like a German sports car steering wheel should. Big improvement over the vinyl surface, especially when cold.

cliffyb

Want to know a great way to throw away tons of cash? Buy ANY new car on the market. If you are really worried about depreciation than buy a used car that is several years old and in good shape.
If you want to buy an excellent sedan that is fun to drive and easy on the eyes...buy a new Passat!

vocus

I saw a commercial for the 4Motion Passat last night. This guy is behind the wheel talking about how the AWD system in the Passat 4Motion works, something about one wheel pulling the whole car or something. Then he says, "ahh, that would be nice to have", or something like that. Then they show the car he's in, doing 360s on an icy street while this ballet music plays in the backround. Hilarious!

bacano10

Purchased a Passat 1.8 Turbo a couple of days ago. One of the options listed on the car was the Home link with Sun Visor extension.
I understand what the Home link does and I see the keys to program it. But what exactly do they mean by "with sun visor extension"? I thought it was a feature to make the sun visor longer but I don't see it. What am I missing? I called the sales guy but he is on vacation until the 27th. Any info is appreciated.

Thanks

vocus

The sunvisor extension is probably a part that slides out of the sunvisor to make it larger, like you said. Try releasing it from the retaining clip at the front, turning it at about a 45-degree angle, and pulling slightly to see if it moves. It might, because the visors in a rental Dodge Ram I recently drove slid like that. I don't know though. My Jetta said it should have a visor extender too, but it doesn't.

pkradd

Had the same difficulty understanding. When you put the visor along the driver side window you can to extend it a few inches by pulling it from the rod. No big deal. Also there's a little plastic doo-hickey that folds down just above the rearview mirror if you have the lux package. Also the cover of the center console can be pushed forward and ratcheted (sp?) up to make it higher if you want to rest your right elbow on it.

annous

Hello
Does anyone recommend buying an extended warranty
for a 2001.5 Passat? The bumper-to-bumper VW warranty is for only 2years/40,000kms. Buying an extended warranty for 7years/160,000kms is about CAN$ 2875 (US$ 1850).