Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

bitatasg

Does anyone burn 87 in your V6 Passat? I tried 87 and noticed a lag from 2000-3500 rpm in second, while accelerating. I switched to 89 and haven't noticed it since. Other than that my car runs great. In my opinion a much better car than the Japanese or U.S.(too bad) have, in the same price range.

vwguild

That sounds about right...We make both VW Masterguard & Daimler/Chrysler available...The unique aspect to the "MaxCare" that I like is
that for about $1750 USD, You get an 84Month/100,000Mile Bumper to Bumper that includes
a $1000 Trip Interruption component that even
benefits those that have the new 48/50 Warranty
in that it umbrellas the $500 Trip Interruption
component of the B2B...

89 is what I use...I think 87 is for your basic 4 banger...

vocus

Both Passat engines require premium. I have the 1.8T in my Jetta, and it takes premium. Never tried anything less, because the car has less than 5K on it and I am scared of messing it up.

vwguild

You are right...But from my experience your 1.8
is the one that really NEEDS 91-93...

The post that I was responding to was about the 30Valve V6...

And by 4 Banger I am referring to an 88 Honda Civic....

vocus

I have a question, since you seem to have all the answers. You seemed to stress the car NEEDED premium. Can I use regular? I have the 180hp in the 2002, BTW. Thanks.

vwguild

Although there is a disclaimer in the *Owner's
Manual* that states that if Premium is not
available 87 is OK...It is my understanding that
continued use of 87 will not specifically "hurt"
the engine, but that you will not recieve the
performance that you paid for, and that what you
save at the pump will be lost in terms of fuel
economy...

vocus

I heard that too. I know someone on the board who regularly feeds his Jetta 1.8T 87 octane. If you are going to pay extra for the performance, why not be able to use it at maximum, right? Besides, it's more fun that way!

claywaterfill

I never understood why people like to skimp at the pump. If your car is designed to use 91 octane for peak performance, pay the extra $.20/gal and use the premium. What are you talking about, $3 a week? If you didn't want to use premium, you should have bought the base engine! Thanks for the vent.

vocus

I can understand that. I use my 1.8T to commute 100 miles a day. With gas prices in Md. dropping to $.99 a gallon for regular, I was really thinking hard about skimping and using it the last time. I go through about 2.5 tanks of gas a week in my car (30 gallons), so that's $6 more a week. I can't even bring myself to use 89 octane, let alone 87!

obdr

I am looking to buy a '02 GLS 1.8T w/ Leather package and monsoon. Invoice on this per Edmunds is $23,025(includes Dest. charge). How much over invoice is acceptable...and how much is too much?? Where should I start negotiating?

Thanks

vwguild

do not forget, as Edmund's does, to include Port
Prep = $25.00, and FloorPlan INterest Reserve = $92.00...$117.00.

Look at MSRP, then subtract The *Correct* Invoice
amount and divide by 2...offer that; you should feel pretty comfortable and so will the
Dealer...you are not looking for anything very special...Enjoy your new car...

cliffyb

Start negotiating right at invoice. If you start by offering them $1200-1500 over invoice(as vwguild suggests), they might say "OK", but chances are they will try to stick you for full MSRP or near it. There is no reason you should pay more than $500 over invoice for that car. I bought pretty much the same car you are looking at for a couple hundred over invoice last April...before the economy really took a dive. Stick to your guns! Shop around! You'll be OK.

genghis721

Car and Driver lists the new 3.0L as an option along with the 4 and new W8. Does anyone know when that engine will be available?

pkradd

I believe the W8 (V8) will only be available on the new Phaeton (a slightly larger Passat). See vw.vortex for press release on the new factory and car.

thor8

I am seriously considering a 2002 GLX V6, according to Edmunds the TMV price is 28,322 can I get better or are they running for more, any information I will apreciate.

We have a 98 Passat with only 10,233 miles on it, garage kept and spotless, is a 1,8T, 5spd, still has the new smell, we have several other cars and I realized the wife don't drive it no more because is a manual, I just don't want to take a beating on the car, according to Edmunds the trade in is 13,344 private party is 14,702 and dealer retail is 16,307 and certified is 17,007 Damm is just so unused, what do you all think?

I love the Passat, I just test drove the new GLX V6 and it feels like a luxury German sedan, for the price I think they are a bargain, meaning the German luxo feel for the price when compared to an A6 or E320 or BMW 550, granted is not one of them but not that far behind either.

phaeton

The Passat will not be available with the new 3.0L V6.

The Passat will be available with the new 4.0L W8.

The Phaeton is not a slightly larger Passat; it is larger than an S-Class Mercedes. You can get more info at http://www.vwphaeton.de/

bizappraiser

I recently test drove the 2002 4 Cyl. Passat base model against the Altima. It was wonderful. No question that it handled considerably better than the Altima and that there was less road noise. But I was warned about the Passat long term reliability and high maintenance costs. I read the used car reviews for the Passat, going back to 1996, on MSN Carpoint. There were a lot of horror stories. From 1996-1999 the average quality rating for the Passat was 7.2 out of a maximum 10. Whereas the rating for the Altima was 8.375, the Camry was 8.425, and the Accord 8.8. These are big differences. I would appreciate opinions about the long term reliability and the maintenance costs of the Passat, say after 50,000 miles. My interest is in buying a car that will last 100,000+, with relatively low problems and maintenance costs. No dealer responses please.

pkradd

Remember that the 2002 (2001.5) Passat has been engineered with over 2000 changes from the previous model. VW has made major steps to improve reliability. Whether it will stand up to Camry/Accord will be known reasonably soon.... the end of 2002 I'd say. I've had my 2001.5 Passat 1.8T tip for over 7000 miles and it remains rock solid all around so far. The new Altima came in 4th in the recent Consumer Reports test of the 4 cars. Passat edged out the new Camry to place No. 1. 100,000 miles depends on how one drives I suppose. If you drive hard I don't think anything but a tank will get that kind of mileage without problems IMHO! Maintenance costs will be more then Camry but shouldn't be that much more after warranty. A good idea is to find an independent repair shop that specializes in VW's. Several here in my area are substancially cheaper than dealerships. But I have an extended warranty for 70,000 miles or 5 years on my 2001.5.

storyteller

bizappraiser: pkradd's post is excellent. I'd favor the Altima, but the Passat is one of the great car designs of our time. Remember there is a big factor of chance in anyone's experience with a car on matters of reliability. You can do all the research in the world, but some folks have bad experiences with a Camry and some folks get a trouble-free Kia. Many unhappy Passat owners seem more burned at the dealer than the car, so if you can find a good mechanic for a Passat you are more likely to be happy. Good luck.

georgescud

Hi there...

I am looking to purchase an extended warranty for my 2001.5 Passat GLX (which I bought in May of 2001. My salesman says he has used the Power Wrap Coverage from National Auto Care for his Passat. Is this a good extended warranty? Does anyone have any other recommendations?

Also, I've tried to find the VW Masterguard but my dealer does not offer it, nor can I find it anywhere else.

Thanks in advance...

George

thor8

We have a 98 Passat but with very low mileage so my testimony does not count, but I have a couple of acquiantances with Passats with well over 100k and they swear by then, I look at it like this, on my car the warranty is 100,000 miles for engine and power train, it tells something.

On the other hand the daugther just got rid of her 99 Camry and she had lots of problems with it, this last few days she has been car shopping but Camry is not in her list and I am staying out of it.

I am looking at a 2002 GLX V6 to trade for the 98 Passat the problem is that it is a 5spd and my wife lately finds it incovenient in traffic.

seanire

Looks like the new altima is trying to copy the Passat design...which car is better??

vocus

Do you even have to offend Passat owners by asking that question?

sapphire50

This is the first time I have posted a message. But I read the Passat message board with great interest. I went to a local dealer to buy an '02 Passat GLX with AWD. I hate the hassle of dealing with car salesmen, so I used a buying service. I was quoted $30,358 (MSRP $32,125) plus tags/taxes/prep. Is this a good price? Edmunds's TMV price was very close at $30,106. I also wanted to trade in a '00 Saturn LS2. Kelley's prices at $13,110. The dealer only wanted to offer $10,500. I walked out. What do you think? Did I walk away from a good/inferior deal?

vocus

First, American cars don't hold their value well, so the trade-in might be right on. It depends on mileage and condition of the car you trading in. KBB is rated high anyway. Go to http://www.nadaguides.com and evaluate the car there. Also, use Edmund's TMV for used cars. Go to a couple different sources before walking out again.

The price on the car should not be more than the TMV. Stick to that price, especially since it's the end of the year right now. You can make your best deal today on a car, more than likely.

uyopilot

and everyone was still hammered... I have had nothing but problems from the first day. Poor fuel economy, three seperate instances of complete breakdown, i.e. get up in the morning and car will not start.

The dealer service has been horrendous, terribly understaffed and the staff they do have does not give a d__n about my problem. The car went out of warranty a week ago, just after a major service and this morning, will not start.

So beware the lemon. VW does disappoint. This is my 5th one and the only I have had problems with. But when you do have problems, do not expect to be treated well.

sapphire50

Thanks VOCUS! I took your advice and checked another site for more data. I went to another Passat dealer this afternoon. Arrived one and half hours before they closed for New Years Eve. I got a FANTASTIC deal. Less than $300 under dealer invoice, and a superb price on my trade-in. Needless to say, I walked out of the showroom one happy camper!

Just goes to show the process works. The dealer and sales manager told me my "research" was right on target. Thanks to Edmunds, the Internet and this Town Hall community.

Can't wait for the morning to arrive to take my car for its first official spin around the block!

Happy New Year!

4apexs

Need advice...
Considering the GLS 1.8T wagon - live in upper midwest, travel 40k/yr, 80% interstate, 70-80mph, want to get 150-200K out of car. Getting old so comfort #1, dependability #2, gas mileage #3, some snow, so fwd #4.
How comfortable is driving - 200-500mi/day?
Is 1.8T (170hp) ok or V6 worth extra$?
Any other comments, suggestions greatly appreciated - thanks!

georgejohn

My daughter and I drove a relative's 2001 Passat 1.8T recently. A lot of zip, nice road handling and solid feeling. The side air bags seem a great safety feature, but I know nothing of safety test results of side air bags. The Camry, Madza 626 and Honda Accord apparently do not have side air bags. I am looking for a car with about $30,000 miles on it, and owner's papers or warranty. I assume a 1999 model most likely will yield a car in that mileage range.

Any ideas, comments, suggestions?

George in SF Bay Area.

vwguild

If you go to www.vw.com you will be able to search
for a VW Certified Pre-Owned Passat for your daughter...24Months/24,000Mile Bumper to Bumper
and 24Months of Roadside Assistance...

For safety info do a search for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety & The National
Highway Traffic & Safety Administration(NHTSA)

merckx

Must it be a wagon? If so,your choices are far more restricted. If comfort is your first priority,the Passat wagon is an excellent choice. the seats are superlative,and the wheel both tilts and telescopes-the driving positioning simply can't be beat.
Your high manual mileage is a little troublesome,though. I'd say a Passat is best for a car-lover;not all on this post are. The Japanese cars seem to specialize in the type of buyer who looks at a car like a refrigerator. Usually we don't mind spending a lot for a new fridge,but once we get it home,we want it to work flawlessly for twenty years without a dime spent on repairs. And I do think Accord/Camry deliver that. But they both lack a certain "soulfulness" that the Passat delivers. I totally love mine.
As far as which engine,my 5-spd 1.8T sedan is quite peppy. But if your wagon will be an automatic,be sure to take it for a long test. When you give the turbo automatic the boot,you do get a lot of noise/thrash,but not that much acceleration. Still,I think it is adequate. Also,the six adds a lot of interior wood I don't like,and adds $3,000. I went with the four.

leftie1

I am planning to purchase a 2002 Passat GLS 1.8T
with the luxury package, leather package, monsoon sound package and homelink. Edmunds list the invoice as $24,509 and the TMV as $24,998. My offer of $25,000 has been accepted but the dealership says it will have to charge to get a car from another dealership. What would be a reasonable amount to pay or should I stick with the $25,000?

ttuva

leftie1, isn't a freight charge already in the
price you've negotiated? Why would you pay
any more to have the car located and moved?
If you haven't signed anything, tell them you'll
go to the other dealer to get the car. If you
have signed a contract for a fixed price, I don't
see how they could charge you more.

As an aside, what was the MSRP of the car you
want? (That is, what is the percentage off
that you have negotiated)? It looks like
the TMV is about 6.5% off of the MSRP for
the Passat I've bought --- I'm wondering if
this is the same for other varations of the car.

Question for buyers who've completed the
transaction - should we be happy to be able
to negotiate the TMV price? Have people been
able to get significantly lower than that (say,
1% more off, as compare to the TMV)?

new02passatcar

After getting a great deal using Edmund's TMV to purchase a 2002 V6 GLX Passat, we are now experiencing POOR gas mileage. We are getting 12 to 15MPG using a combination of street and freeway driving. The dealer seems baffled by this and does not know what to do.

Has anyone else encountered this problem?

Thanks in advance.

vwguild

usually are moot if the car is within a reasonable
distance(100Miles) from the Dealer...You have given us no idea how far your Dealer is going to have to travel to get this Passat for you.

*Destination* charges pertain to cars that are at the Dealership...They have nothing to do with
fulfilling a request from a customer to secure a
vehicle of the Customer's Choice from another
Dealership...If these charges are offensive pick
something that is at the Dealership.

vocus

If they are trying to charge you for the transfer, tell them no go and you want it for free or else something to compensate (free 5K service maybe?) in its place. If not, go to another dealer.

dmcbud

Wondering if anyone has experienced problems with 2000 VW Passat (1.8 L Turbo - 5 speed).
Most recent problem is persistent oil leak / spotting. Prior to this, had slow coolant leak - after having water pump and cap replaced, finally isolated to elbow joint fitting.
Have also required replacement of washer fluid pump and radio in this car.
All this in 2 years !
Thought I did my homework via Consumer Reports, but I'm definitely considering punting and going back to reliable (if not a bit boring) Honda Accord.

hoyamom1

My dealer finally gave me a commission number - a Month after receiving my $500 deposit. (Custom ordering leather but no luxury on a 2002 Passat GLS automatic - $23138 delivered). He was a total jerk when he was giving me the number too - I guess he doesn't care since he already has my deposit. In any event, he tells me that it could take 12 weeks from the day he gave me the commission number to receive the car. But I had ordered it a month earlier! So I want to find out when this dealer really placed the order, and find out what my recourse is if it turns out he delayed submitting the order for a month. Any advice? Thanks in advance -

dmcbud

Wondering if anyone has experienced problems with 2000 VW Passat (1.8 L Turbo - 5 speed).
Most recent problem is persistent oil leak / spotting. Prior to this, had slow coolant leak - after having water pump and cap replaced, finally isolated to elbow joint fitting.
Have also required replacement of washer fluid pump and radio in this car.
All this in 2 years !
Thought I did my homework via Consumer Reports, but I'm definitely considering punting and going back to reliable (if not a bit boring) Honda Accord.

pkradd

Well, sorry to say that the previous model Passats did have a spotty record. Lots of horror stories (although boards such as this tend to emphasize problems rather then no problems). CR has rated the new Passat better than the previous model. If you go back to Honda, you should wait until the 2003 model year when a new one comes out. So far my 2001.5 1.8T Tip has had no problems for the first 9 months. My previous 1998 Camry was not as trouble free as I would have liked either. Good luck in the future.

sprajapati

I leased one on 12/31/2001...fun to drive and excellent road handling. Go for it over Camry, Accord if you can afford the extra $ and over BMW 325/330 or Mercedes C230/240 unless you must spend extra $ for a luxary brand image.

cliffyb

Is not having to spend $1500 dollars really worth waiting twelve weeks? Also,you could plan on making a great deal of that back when you resell the car...so its really not even $1500...more like $500-1,000. If the cheap financing they are offering is not available in a few months you are going to kick yourself for waiting. Not to sound like a salesman or anything...

vwguild

I can tell you all about your order...

ufgators

Does anyone think that there '02 monsoon sound system has muffled radio perception. I was thinking about bringing it to the dealer, but I did not know if it was just my sound perception. Even the local radio stations that sounded fine in other cars have a bit of static. Anyone have this problem, or better yet, a solution?

vocus

I have a 2002 Jetta with the Monsoon. I have noticed that the reception is not what it used to be on my other cars with the same stations. I think it's a characteristic of VWs. Ask your dealer about it though, because I know I will when mine goes into service next time.

hoyamom1

I appreciate the advice regarding the commission number. Vwguild, CYE - I know you don't have to do this for me, so I really appreciate your help! Cliffyb - you are right that luxury makes sense financially, esp. on resale. But for me no sunroof is a safety concern. I am worried about ejection through a sunroof. Slim chance, I know, but I work for a company where I see the worst case scenarios, which have included three sunroof ejection deaths in recent months. (None are VW related, by the way). Thanks again all -

eaweg

I tried to search past discussions but the town hall didn't find anything. So...

any news on the W8?

vwguild

will launch next week in Detroit at the NAIAS

01passatv6

I have a 2001 v6 and live in LA, generally stop and go is 18-21 mpg and freeway gets close to 30 overall, but not higher. Actually pretty close to epa est., but I don't flog it either. However, I cannot imagine getting less than 15 even if I floored it and stop and go. Remember, it is a family car that is pretty large, so overall I am happy.

rogerab

Is the Silver Blue a new colour or was it available on the 2000 Passat?.