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Comments
Seems to me like automakers leave one or two things out or don't get right that alot of people want...for instance Honda not offering a manual with the V6 Accord Coupe,the new Altima with its cheap looking plastic dashboard, the Maxima's odd looking rear end..etc. Oh well...
pkradd,
What city do you drive in where the distance between lights is measured in miles?
The Passat with 1.8T and tiptronic is what's slowest when it's in pure automatic mode.
I posted the chip question several weeks back and on other VW sites, some people said it's worth it, others said that it takes more than just the chip, you have to get the whole electronic module it plugs into also, all told it's over $1500. That's because supposedly the dealer can detect the boost difference and thus void your warranty if you only have the chip without the new control module. Plus chipping it adds heat and wear to the engine.
Oops...Can anyone tell me what the Tiptronic Passat 2.8L V6's RPM's are at 80 mph? That is my normal highway speed here in Florida (posted speed limits here are 70 mph). The 1.8T seems to be at around 4,000 RPM's at 80 mph which I think may annoy me after a while on the frequent long trips I take. I need a good highway driver.
Thax, Dave ;^)
Cary
On the other hand,it does rather transform the car. Smoother,doesn't throb at idle,etc.
The only time power(torque)is an issue is at take off,before the turbo spools up.
The lighter engine lends a sprightly feel to cornering-it's very nimble.
Overall,I'd say go with the 4 cylinder.
Insurance: I got a 2002 Jetta 1.8T to replace my 2001 Mazda Protege ES. My insurance went up by $20 a month or something like that. The Passat will probably be more expensive to insure, because replacement parts for it are more expensive.
The only problem I'm having is programming my homelink system to recognize my "rolling code" garage door opener.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
JJR
I had a Maxima rental when my Jetta was in the shop (a 2002 SE), and didn't like it that much. The driver's seat was uncomfortable to me for some reason, and the amount of engine power was not "controlled" right. The wheels spun too easily, I wanted traction control and thought it should be standard.
I am taking my Jetta in again and this time they said I might get a Passat loaner. If I do, I will give my opinion of it tomorrow. I hope so, because I have loved these cars since the 1998 redesign. But prefer the 1998-00 styling to the current. It's growing on me though.
At those speeds, on roads which are not any better than a newly-paved Interstate here in the USA, you do not drink coffee, put on makeup, read the newspaper or shave while driving. That probably explains why German car designers "just don't get it" when it comes to providing decent cupholders.
I can recall being relegated to the middle lane on autobahns, keeping my 3 Series BMW flat out at 120 mph or so, and watching 7 Series', big Mercs and 911's zip past me as though I were stnding still. The slow lane would be clogged with 900cc cars straining to maintain 95 mph.
If VW and Audi were the only brands, or the dominant brands, then it could work. They are both competing against BMW, and VW competes against the Toyotas and Nissans also. VW reluctance to put 5speed manuals in the high end Passats, or a better engine than the current 2.8L V-6 is rather short sighted. A Nissan Altima has 255hp, heck I think Camary's have more power than the Passat now. VW should be looking at taking people out of Japanese cars, and not worry about the canabalization from Audi.
If Audi is going to be performance and VW is going to be "prestige" I think that plan throws away the large public perception of Golfs and Jettas.
The people who are really going to buy an Audi, versus the people who say they are going to buy and Audi are not going to be influenced by VW to a large degree.
Let the brands fight it out, and try to disguise the difference between them when you can. Bring on the Passat 3.0 4-motion 5 speeds, the 4motion blown VR6 jettas, and the rumored 400hp GTIs.
Don't look at the car market as a zero sum game between Audi and VW, but the opportunity to do a differentiated sales versus the Japanese and missing American sports sedans.
Of course this is my $0.02 versus Piech's billions invested.
The Passat W8 "ought" to blow away the competition it is so "cheap" -- but that does mean that some Audi shoppers will drive off the lot, NOT in their new A4 3.0's (for $38,000) but in their new Passat W8's for about the same money.
I have driven Passats and Audi's (2001 models). The Passat was a GLX 4Motion -- what a nice car -- and it was, from a POWER standpoint, underwhelming. Next, I drove a 1.8T A4 manual with sport package (about the same price had fewer amenities and creature comforts) the 1.8T was the winner -- although I wonder if the 2.8 Passat had had a sport suspension and a manual transmission (and at cost would have probably not required any change to the MSRP on the Passat) if it would not have been the prefered ride? Not given the choice, my friend (who I was helping to evaluate cars with) bought the Audi. In this case, VW was hurt by Audi.
The W8 will, I think, hurt Audi this time around -- but like you said it is only my $.02 worth.
The dealerships would have to be completely overhauled. The difference between the Infiniti dealership and the VW dealerships I frequent are night and day. I don't expect much from the VW service because the Passat, although it's very nice, is not a luxury car. For over $35K I want more. Like the free repairs to small dings and hand car washes available anytime I choose, the free loaners when car is serviced, the ice cream and coffee bar when I'm waiting (especially the ice cream). Basically all the convenience and pampering associated with luxury autos is not present in the VW experience. If VW wants to compete with Mercedes they have to do more than design a competent vehicle. That's why I wouldn't buy a $35K plus VW ... at least not now.
Thanks in advance
And I don't know the big deal about free loaner cars. My VW dealership (2 of them, actually) always gave/give me a free loaner, except for scheduled maintenance.
I wanted a Passat BAD two years ago and but I bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Why? A VW dealer that made the word "sleazy" blush (and I'm in sales), and the lack of a manual tranny on an underpowered (190hp) 4motion GLX. They had me baby, and I never even looked at Audi's. They just weren't able to close the deal. Heck I read this forum because I still like the cars.
VW, swing for the fences or go for the tall May pole or whatever you guys do.
Thank you for taking the time to share the information.
I recently test drove a jetta, and brought my infant's child seat. The fit was too tight in the back center. It looked like I would have to move the front seat everytime I took the baby in/out. Comparing notes on the jetta board showed that owners backed this up (too tight). So, I started looking at the passat. Looks more roomy, but after doing the comparison is only 1.7" more legroom. Anybody use this car with a child seat?
Thanks!
The car is very nicely appointed inside, looks more expensive than it is. Seats very comfortable, but I prefer leather to cloth (just me). Found the perfect position within seconds behind the wheel. Only thing is the old cupholder, they SUCK! That's taken care of in the 2001.5-2 models though. And also, I couldn't find anywhere to stash my cell phone (ended up putting it in the storage box under the radio because there is no CD player). (That's another thing, no CD player, but I know they come with one now.) Controls much the same as my Jetta, except everything's a little higher up in the center stack. Love the gained interior room though. Went out with a friend and her kids, and it was much easier loading them into the Passat than my car.
Power: The engine has good power, even with the AC on, but the thorttle isn't as "touchy" as mine is. One little tap on mine, and it's OFF! Not so with the Passat, which I can understand, seeing as it's a family car. Acceleration is good from the V6 though, but I don't see a huge difference from it vs. the turbo, except for fuel eocnomy. The trip computer says I am averaging like 20mpg or something (I usually get 24 or so with my 1.8T Jetta). Handling is pretty good, except for the body roll (still not that bad though). The tires (this one has 15" tires and wheel covers) SUCK! They squeal in every little turn. I advise Passat buyers to upgrade to a larger tire than standard, definitely. The ride is VERY nice, alot softer than my Sport Pkg. Jetta is. I like it alot.
If this is how the "old" model drove, how is the new model? Has anyone driven both, and can compare the two for me? Just wondering. The Passat will more than likely be my next car, when the Jetta is retired (not for awhile though, like 06 or something).