Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

gatorsnap

This truly is a question. I bought a (2002)GLX6 fwd and stick after test driving a 1.8 tiptronic fwd, and a V6 tiptronic 4-motion (dealer didn't have a plain V6). The 4-motion felt heavy, and the 1.8T was exactly what I expected it to be - fantastic when it is above 3000 rpms but low torque below 3000.
Upon more research I found a little thing I don't understand. The 1.8T Jetta is rated at 180 hp - the same as the V6 Passat, but the 1.8T in the Passat is rated at 170 hp. Thinking something was goofy I looked up the engine specs and sure enough, the compression ratio on the Passat 1.8T is 9.3:1 while the Jetta is 9.5:1. So, the Passat 1.8T is de-tuned a little. Does anyone know why ? ?
I really like my V6. When I load the car down with groceries and kids it doesn't seem to lose much power at all.

Gatorsnap

pkradd

I believe the 1.8 on the Passat has a lower power rating for marketing reasons because the Audi A4 has 180. However, some say that the Passat really is rated at 180 HP. The difference is really minimal I believe. Like I said, a 6 is fine if you need it. A lot of people don't. Most reviews of the Passat praise the 1.8Turbo and suggest it over the 6 as a better buy. (People will usually defend their purchase!).

vocus

Many also say that the Jetta is really rated closer to 200. I know someone on VWVortex.com got their car dynoed, and it had 174.5hp at the wheels. No way it has that much whp and 180bhp.

outrun

You can save a few grand by getting the 4, and then spend $500 on a chip to make it generate more power (hp and torque) than the 6, with the same or better gas mileage of the stock 4.

Even in stock form, the 1.8T is an amazing engine, and over all more reliable than the 6.

Many reviewers are stating that if they were to buy a Passat, they'd opt for the 1.8T.

-Craig

vocus

I drove a 2001 (old) V6 Passat automatic loaner car for a week. It seemed like the engine was very dosile to me, of course I am used to ferocious takeoffs in my 1.8T Jetta. But anyway, this car used a LOT more gas than my Jetta does, with a feeling of less power. I spent like $50 in gas for ~800 miles (normal for me in a week sometimes). By contrast, I spend about $35 in the 1.8T for the same amount of miles.

vocus

You are right, the 1.8T is VERY flexible. You can get up to 240hp from that engine with the right mods, for around $1000. Not a bad deal at all, if you want to go that route.

richmond4

Everyone's feedback is great, thanks! Most of my driving is highway (hour commute) but I have lots of hills, too (San Francisco). Anyone notice a big difference between the 1.8T and 6 on highways (pk...you said you're only on highways occasionally)?

vocus

I drive ~70 miles a day back and forth to work, highways all the way. The performance feels "faster" to me in the 1.8T, but I think that's because it "shoots" when you hit the gas, as opposed to gaining speed slower (like the V6). I haven't driven the V6 Jetta though, so I can't vouch for its power delivery characteristics.

However, in traffic, the tiptronic/1.8T combo in my Jetta 1.8T can be a pain sometimes. The turbo will spool up when accelerating lightly, and it makes for a jerky ride sometimes until you get used to the "feel" of the car.

In the Passat loaner I drove, it seemed like the car was dead or something until it revved up a little. Maybe I am used to the raucous power in the turbo now, I don't know. But the V6 seemed like it was asleep until it revved up a little to me. And it was the Tiptronic automatic too.

Like I said, the fuel economy of the 1.8T seems to be alot better than it was in the Passat. Running the AC all the time in both, I noticed a good 2-3mpg difference over the same roads.

vocus

I took my 1.8T Jetta (for the 4th) to NC, over a mountain called Old Fort Mountain (I don't know the elevation, sorry). I had a trunk full of luggage, and 2 people (total of about 550 lbs. in the car) with the AC on the whole time up the mountain. I had the Tiptronic feature on, in 5th gear ALL THE WAY UP the mountain! I was really shocked. I did manually downshift once, because of losing some speed due to slower traffic. Other than that, I maintained 70mph right up that mountain with NO fuss at all. I was truly shocked! All the while, I averaged ~29mpg on the whole ~1100-mile trip (back and forth), AC on the whole time, speeds of 75-105mph, cruise on mostly.

Turbos love high altitudes, and don't lose "breath" like normally aspirated engines usually do, from what I have heard.

Just so you know, I get oil changes at Goodyear sometimes and the filter for my 1.8T is $10 more expensive than a standard filter. A small premium to pay for such good, raw power. I also average 22-24mpg normally, and I drive the car hard. No problems in 17K miles on my 2002 Jetta 1.8T Tiptronic. Love it!

outrun

I drive on highways about 95% of my commute (43 miles each way). If familiar with MA, I live about 2 miles from Rt 9, from there take Rt. 495 N, and then Rt 3 S.

I can say that the 1.8T in the Passat (with 5 speed) is an absolute gem on the highway. I never use cruise control (too much traffic even at 6:00am), but I maintain 80-100 mph going to work, and 70-80 coming home. It effortlessly gets to over 100 without realizing how fast you're going. Probably the most deceiving car in this respect that I've owned.

All the while averaging between 28-32 mpg in a mid-size 4 door sedan.

The only aspect that I don't love is the RPMs that it turns. At 80-85, it's turning about 3500. At 100, about 4,000. But it's smooth as silk. A 6 speed would work wonders (and probably increase highway gas mileage to 35 mpg).

-Craig

jpierce26

I am hoping to purchase my GLX V6 Sedan with 4Motion this week and after reading all of the recent posts about the engine, I am starting to think I made a mistake.

I currently have a Nissan Maxima, with the V6 and I love the ability to pull away from a light at "lightening" speed. My hopes is that the GLX will do the same. When I test drove it, it seemed pretty peppy. I was not able to get on the highway during my test drive. I imaged it was going to drive fine.

Any thoughts?

Jeff

vocus

I have driven a 2002 Maxima with the 255hp engine, and the Passat is NOTHING like that! So you might be in for a bit of a letdown. The power in the 1.8T feels kinda like the Maxima, but not as linear.

8u6hfd

Jeff could have a pre-2002 Maxima you know.

vocus

I thought about that, that is why I put 2002 specifically. But also, the 2000-01 models had 222 horsepower. I wouldn't think it would feel significantly less powerful than the 255hp 2002 model.

caw103

Even if Jeff has an older maxima, the late nineties models had pretty comparable power output to the 2002 Passat but weighed much less. My impression is that the maximas take off much better than the Passat V6, but that doesn't mean the Passats are slow.

8u6hfd

Camrys are slow.

It's mainly because their transmission takes so long to shift....but it leaves a nice smooth shift.

trlyka

I was told by numerous mechanics as well as hearing on the radio from a 'Car doctor' type show, that synthetic oil was not to be used in a car unless the engine was beyond the break in period. I also heard that if you use synthetic oil before your engine breaks in, that it will stop the break in process.

I was wondering if anyone has heard the same?

trlyka

How do you do 100 mph (even 90 for that matter) without getting caught?? I would love to be able to fly, but I'm afraid of getting caught. I have a radar detector, but they aren't always reliable. Does everyone go that fast on the roads you travel?

I live in NJ and there aren't too may opportunities to go fast except late at night. Even then, you'll be hard pressed to find other drivers going as fast as you want to go, so you would stick out in the crowd and probably get noticed.

frapzoid

I am curious when people say that the 1.8 engine is so much more powerful and quicker than the V6. I tried out all the tranny/engine combinations and without a doubt the V6/stick combination was the most powerful and quickest. For those who say that the V6 is slow did you have a chance to drive it with a stick? BTW the 1.8 with Tip isn't too impressive. Don't get me wrong, I liked the zippiness of the 1.8/stick but I grinned ear to ear when I put my foot into it when I was driving the V6/stick combination. I bought my car 8 months ago and I had the chance to drive a 1.8 5 speed and it just didn't have the same power as my V6. It seems that the majority of the people who don't like the V6 drove it with the Tiptronic. I didn't care for that match either. Too heavy. Next time try it with the 5 speed. But hey, I like the 1.8 engine too! Just as long as it's with the 5 speed...

outrun

The key I think is the time I drive and which road I drive. At 6:00am on route 495 in MA, there are very, very few state cruisers. Most people drive between 75 and 80. So when I'm going 80-100, it's not like I'm blowing past them. Imagine driving by a non-moving car at 20mph. Not very fast, right? Well, that's like me passing someone doing 80 while I'm doing 100.

Basically, I don't stick out like a sore thumb. Plus having a gray family sedan and a V1 doesn't hurt things either.

I calculated gas mileage the "old fashioned way" yesterday. Went 381 miles on 13.8 gallons netting 27.6 mpg. This is on break-in oil, with a mix of 75% highway, 25% city. I guess I can only expect more in the future, especially with synthetic.

-Craig

jpierce26

For the record I have a 1998 Nissan Maxima. Before I buy my car this week, I am going to test drive *one* more time.

This time I will have the engine performance in mind. I am starting to second guess my potential purchase....

These boards are great, but I am easily influenced by people.

Jeff

8u6hfd

That's how I personally feel...and I agree.

But Corvettes, BMW's, Mercedes, etc are coming with synthetic fill from the factory anyway.

crisscross

Synthetic oil does everything organic oil does, only better, so I don't understand how it could affect the break-in process. I put it my Passat at about 4,000 miles.

8u6hfd

My TDI came with "synthetic" from the factory...even though Castrol Syntec is really a hydro-cracked petroleum oil. (see the oil threads in the maintenance & repair section)

Been using Mobil Delvac1 5w40 since 5,000 miles

mazadi

What is the tank size in the 2001.5 GLS? I've recently purchased a used one with 12K miles on it. My last two tanks of gas have netted me around 300 miles of driving. This seems way too low.

Any thoughts?

scheckla

I'm about to shell out nearly $30K for a new family sedan, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to between a Passat GLX and a loaded Camry XLE. Having driven both, I prefer the Passat, but I have some nagging issues. A little background on the car's future uses may help you give me good counsel:

1) car will be my commute car 3 days/week; 100 miles round trip on freeways
2) car will be used to shuttle 3 kids to activities 2-3 times per week in the evenings (30 mile round trip on country roads - don't ask!)
3) we'd like to use it for some weekend day trips and occasional longer trips to keep miles down on our Expedition (which we love, has acres of room, is GREAT for long trips and has been an excellent vehicle for us)

So we are looking for a car that is reasonably fun to drive, as well as kid friendly (ages 11, 8, and 6), with decent enough room for my 3 girls to not want to kill each other after 5 minutes. Reliability and comfort are important as well. Looking to keep the cost under $30K.

So my dilemma is that none of the cars I have looked at in my price range is the panacea for us. The Passat is by far the funnest drive, but the Camry has more room AND rear-seat ventilation (important when a kid starts getting carsick!). Interiors on both have their plusses and minuses IMO. Camry seems to be a bit more reliable, but Passat should be OK as well. If the Passat would just have put vents in the back of the center console, I think I'd have no issues regarding rear comfort, as the rear seat has enough room for the 3 girls for now - I'm worried about them roasting on a 100 degree day, or freezing when it's 40 out.

My question: For those of you who have rear seat occupants on a regular basis, how is the comfort level - seating space as well as how well the vents under the front seats work to heat/cool the back?

My comment: I test drove both the 1.8T and the V6, and they are both good engines. I'd be happy with the 1.8T, and getting better MPG, since the engine was plenty peppy, but it's not available in the GLX. Since you can ONLY get the power seats in the GLX, and I am not a contortionist, the GLX is the only option. I absolutely hate the manual adjusting seats on the GLS - hard to reach and hard to adjust if you can squeeze your hand back to reach the knob.

I wish VW would have offered the 1.8T in the GLX trim. If they did that, and had better rear ventilation, I would be in automotive heaven. I'm frustrated that for $30K I cannot get a car that meets all my needs like I did when we bought the Expedition.

Thanks for reading this long post...I'm looking to buy within a month, so am shopping for 2002 deals, else I can get a 2003 for at worst $500 over invoice....

big_guy

Do you have a 5-speed or the Tip tranny in your GLS. I have a 2001.5 GLS w/ Tip and average around 23.5 mpg in mostly city driving. That equates to around 300 miles between fill-ups from top of tank to light-on fuel indicator (which is usually around 12.5 gallons of fuel at fill-up time). When I get a mix of more highway miles I creep up to around 26 mpg.

Just my $.02. BTW, Edmunds lists the fuel tank size as 16.4 gallons.

caw103

The Passat is tight in the rear for 3 occupants, but assuming they're average sized your children should be fine. The rear ducts heat the car well enough. The AC is not as powerful as say the ones made by GM.

You don't mention why you particularly like the Passat or what's wrong with the Camry, but considering the Camry is roomier and you say it has rear vents it sounds better suited for you.

Lots of choices in $30K range for room and comfort like the Avalon, 300M, Maxima...

outrun

You don't state if you have the 1.8T or 2.8 V6, 5 speed or auto. With the 2.8, you're probably not far off. I have a 1.8T/5 speed and getting around 27.5mpg in mixed city/highway (30 highway, 25 city). Last tank I got ~380 miles out of ~13.8 gallons.

-Craig

jpierce26

My Passat GLX 4Door w/4Motion is ready for pickup.

But...

I was out yesterday and was walking through a parking lot and saw the new 2003 Nissan Maxima. I only saw it for a second, and now I am thinking about looking into one. Anyone have any thoughts on why the GLX is better than the Maxima?

Jeff

vwguild

All Wheel Drive, Crash Tests, Standard Equipment,
and it is original...not a copy like the Maxima...
Also our Warranty is better...

georgek44

The engine is a gem, much smoother and more powerful than VW's V-6. Everything else about the Maxima leaves me cold - the vague steering, the cheap-feeling interior and the mushy ride.

vwguild

For an Insurance guy...you really should have mentioned the safety issue too...:)

How are you...come over for a visit and say Hi!
www.vwguild.com

pathmax00

First I am a 2000 GLE Maxima owner who loves the Passat as well. I am only responding to the "Mushy" comment. The Maxima does not have a mushy ride and I can tell you that there is zero body roll around hair pin turns in this car.

The Passat is a beautiful car that just needs a little more interior room(Tight back seat for 3 kids) and a faster v6. If I had my choice I would own both of these cars. Hmmm sounds like a plan.

jpierce26

I thought some more about it and I am just not going down the Maxima avenue. I am happy with my new car purchase price, and the ease of getting to this point in the process. (Scott VW in Rhode Island is great! ) Especially Mark, the sales guy. He has been so easy to work with.

I think I will just let the idea of a Maxima go. Just waiting for my new home equity checks to arrive so I can buy the car outright. I suspect sometime next week I will be tooling around in a new Passat!

I will write my reactions to the new car.

Jeff

bmmorrison

My wife drives a 99 Passat and over the last few weeks her engine light has come on intermittently. We called up the dealership to make an appointment, but then the light has gone off and not come back on. Will the dealership be able to determine the cause of the light if in fact it is not on when we bring it into the shop?

8u6hfd

Sometimes there will be other fault codes stored in the OBDII computer.

th83

You're just about the only Maxima driver on these boards that doesn't insult the heck out of other cars and believe that the Maxima is the best car ever made. Most Maxima owners on Edmunds are always bragging about how fast their cars are, how much better their cars are than Camrys and Accords and how the Maxima belongs in the same category as the Acura TL and ES300. The Maxima is a great car but it isn't superior to the Accord and Camry.

Now the Passat, on the other hand, does belong in a category above the Accord, Camry and Maxima. It has luxury car-like appointments at a price that splits typical midsize and entry-level luxury sedans. I have a '02 Accord EX V6 and my mom owns a '00 Passat GLX, and the difference in the interior materials is like night and day. I hope Honda gets it together with the '03 Accord so the gap between the Accord and the Passat narrows some. More power in the Passat would be nice(VW needs to stick the A4s 3.0 in there)but based on my experience with both the Tip and manual versions, it feels fast enough for me. My uncle has a '00 GLS 1.8T manual and I find it more fun to drive than the V6 but it lacks the V6's relatively strong torque at low revs. IMO, the turbo is great and all it takes is a $500 chip to make it faster than you'll ever need. I like the Passat but I couldn't afford one when it was time for me to get a new car. Oh well, maybe in a few years...

jpierce26

Thanks for your positive response.

I believe people have different opinions based on their own experiences. You could ask 100 people the same question about their experience with a car and get a general consensus, but there are always some who have a completely different opinion.

I just have to keep reminding myself of that. I often get swayed by other people’s opinions of one car over another or one style vs. another.

Jeff

screwloose

I would think if I found a key in
the ignition after hours and it
wouldn't turn it was the key to
some other car. Perhaps you were
on videotape or this is a contest
to find the car the key will fit.
If I went from an Expedition to a
Passat w/3 kids I might
experience better fuel economy
but also more discipline issues.
I first noticed the "center" sun
visor on the '81 M-B S-Class.
My '02 1.8Tip w/23K mi in 10 mos
still going, and going, and going
strong. No problems whatsoever!
Nursing it yielded 38.5mpg once.
The average is about 28. No CHECK
ENGINE light yet. Make sure to
tighten the fuel cap after every
meal. OBDII (on board diagnostics
2) may erase the fault after
about 40 "trips" if they do not
re occur. The spline drive socket
for removing the theft-resistant
lug bolt was in the tool kit in
the corner under a Velcro flap
and not easily seen (black).
Changing the engine oil is a
messy proposition at home w/o a
lift. The oil filter w/oil cooler
is mounted at such an angle that
plenty of oil runs out and down
and all over everything. I would
wonder about the sobriety of
anyone who bought a car from Jack
Daniels Motors in NJ. My Passat
is not a Maxima, nor is it a
Lexus, nor is it a Camry. It is
just a highly rated FAMILY sedan,
not a SPORT sedan. It is not the
quickest off the line, but once
it gets rolling it is just fine
for me. No matter how early I
rise, there are always plenty of
cars on the highway ahead of me
in the morning. I have never been
first yet. I have had a pleasant
10mos with my Passat. It is not
perfect or fastest, nor am I. A
V6 may be more to some peoples
liking but they COST A LOT MORE
and USE MORE GAS. I can save the
$3K for other things.

pkradd

Glad you like your Passat (I like mine as well). But why post in such a manner? Using vertical posts and CAPS are annoying to say the least. I know you were not intending to do so.... just a comment from fellow Passat lover.

juliagulia79

I am currently negotiating with my memphis vw dealer on a price for a 2002 gls sedan automatic without options.My dealer keeps slapping on these extra prices and basically trying to make more than he should on the car but with my only other possibilities being in atlanta, I am forced to fight through the car buying game with this dealer.Can anyone give me the prices and fees to expect for the passat or how much you payed for a passat like the one I am looking at buying. I could really use the input. thanks.

vwguild

If you are not using VW financing...you should pay
Invoice...no ups, no extras...

cpm2

I seem to remember seeing a post on this subject here some time ago but I can't seem to find it now. Anyway, does anybody know how to set up the "turn-on volume" on their Premium Monsoon stereo? When I follow the directions in the owner's manual (which is misprinted, by the way) all I can change is the speed-volume setting.

outrun

cpm2,

If you have the "double DIN" Monsoon stereo (started during the '02 model year), then that feature is no longer available. It was "supposed" to be, which is why the manual has it in there. But that feature was never incorporated into the double DIN Monsoon firmware.

The only setting that can be set is the speed sensitive volume.

-Craig

vocus

I have the double-DIN Monsoon in my 2002 Jetta. I wish they had incorporated that feature, it would have been pretty cool to have. Oh well.

inboccalupo

Hi all!

I've already posted this message to a smaller Passat board but this one seems to have more members - I hope you won't mind my crossposting (it won't happen again, I promise

I'm not sure I'll be able to perfectly describe this noise but I'll do my best:

The beast: a metallic noise that comes on sometimes (I think it's happening more often now) usually after I hit 40-45 mph.

Once this noise starts it wouldn't necessarily go away if I reduce the speed.

If I touch the brake (and keep my foot lightly on it) it does go away but once I release the brake the noise comes back. Also, if I turn, the noise disappears but comes back when I straighten the car again.

This noise is somewhat similar to the warning noise for the brakes, when you need to change them. It might have a higher pitch, or a
different pattern.

Sometimes I think that the wind may have something to do with this darned noise. It sounds as if the wind were hitting something that's loose and the noise comes from the driver's side, I think.

I've had this car for a year (certified pre-owned) and the first time I noticed the noise I took the car in (about two months after I bought it). At the dealership they said they hadn't been able to replicate the noise but they inspected and serviced the brakes just in case. I am not sure if the problem went away because it was winter and you can't hear the noise with the windows up and the stereo on.

I'm not driving this car much. I bought it with low mileage (Passat 1999 - 26K) and so far I've put only 7,000 miles on it. The car was last serviced by VW (Tulley, Nashua, NH) three months ago, when it hit the 30,000 mile mark.

Anybody with the same/similar problem? Any ideas? What should I do???

Many thanks.

outrun

I have no idea what that could be (I'm not too mechanically inclined).

Now that it's summer and it's happening again, bring it in for service (if it's still under warranty) and take a tech for a ride to show him the sound. Then tell them you don't want the car back until it's fixed.

If it takes more than a day to fix, they should provide you with a loaner.

If it's out of warranty, find a good, reputable garage that specialized in German (VW) vehicles. It will be much cheaper than going to a dealership and paying their crazy rates.

Good luck!

-Craig

inboccalupo

Hi Craig,

Thanks for taking the time to write; I was hoping to get replies from mechanically inclined Passat owners, though...

At Tulley (Nashua, NH) you just get to drop the car at 8:00 in the morning. No loaners, no nice people willing to listen, no taken them for a ride either. They will give you a ride to where you need to go (up to 7 miles, I think) and pick you up if they think the job will take more than two hours otherwise you just have to wait. It sucks, I know...

Well, let's wait and see if some other Passat owner has any idea about this PITA noise I'm dealing with.

Thanks.

outrun

If they aren't willing to go for a ride to hear a noise that could be truly a safety issue, I'd try a different dealership.

There are a bunch in MA.

-Craig