Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

vwguild

Is more akin to your AirBag system than Traction Control or Ltd. Slip...Think safety not high performance...$280.00

jjfish

$280 isn't much money for added safety. Is it a useful feature for this vehicle? Would you recommend it?

edgar10

Has anyone in the U.S. seen a new Passat with ESP yet? The local dealership told me that ESP is not available quite yet (in MI, at least) and that they are just starting to arrive in the U.S. Is this an accurate statement? For $280 it does seem like a nice feature!

vwguild

is a passive safety feature as opposed to an active one like ABS which the Driver actually engages. In this way it is very much like the AirBag system...you probably don't want to see how it works, but will be happy that you have, if you ever need it...ESP will keep your car going in the direction you are pointing it in the event of an emergency evasive maneuver.

ESP is, and has been available for the past couple of months...Option Code is *1AT*...

mliong

Is meant to prevent you from losing control over your vehicle by applying the brakes on some parts of the wheels that are losing grip on the road.

This usually happens when a driver takes a corner too quickly, or makes a series of rapid turns that can lead to fishtailing or loss of control.

It's handy in both wet or dry climates - and at such a cheap price, is certainly worth it! ESP has been available along all models since the start of this year.

clscflm

Couldn't get even a nibble on the vortex about this, so will try here: Does anyone who drives a Passat in a state that requires front license plates know how to avoid displaying the front plate? I've noticed several high end cars (Audi TT, Beemer M, Porsches) here in LA don't display them, thus preserving the clean look of their car. Passats have such an elegant front line, it would be great to not have to ruin it with plates. Thanks ClscFlm

vocus

Very nice to have in light rain, when freeway exit ramps (at least in MD/DC) get slippery. You can easily lose tire grip when going around the corner. Have done it and seen it done before. I regained control though (this was in another car, not my Jetta) before hitting the guardrail. Alot of people are not as lucky. So the ESP is definitely a worthwhile option to have, especially for only $280.

outrun

If it was available when I got my '02, I would have gotten it.

Our '01 RX300 has it, and it really does work well. Only problem with the RX is that it can't be turned off.

Even if it was $500, I'd still recommend it.

-Craig

outrun

At least here in MA, there are two colors of plates: green and red.

The green plates (older style) only require it to be placed at the rear of the car (only one plate was issued at that point in time). All new plates (and those issued in the past 10 or so years) are red, and two are issued. One for the front, one for the back.

While one CAN drive around with one red plate on the rear, it's not "legal", and a proper inspection station will not pass the car during an inspection. I also believe that the police can pull you over and give a ticket for some "failure to display tags" (which in MA, is considered a moving violation and 2 points against insurance).

But...

I drove my wife's '96 Accord for years. The front plate bracket broke after a few months after she picked up the car (new). Honda refused to replace it for free, even though not having one made the car illegal to drive. So we drove with only once plate for the next 6 years. Never got pulled over. Had it inspected 6 times. Only once did an inspection station not pass it because of the plate. Luckily, it was in the trunk, so I quickly attached the broken bracket and got the sticker. As soon as I left the station, I took it off.

-Craig

vocus

We have 2 plates in MD as well, and it's not legal to drive the car without both of them. If the front plate holder is broken, you are suppose to put the plate in the windshield so it can be seen in front of the car.

And cops will pull you over in this state for it, in a second flat. Happend to a friend of mine.

Also, the only yearly inspection we have here is the emissions test. No yearly inspections here, which kinda shocks me. It seems alot of states have those, even VA has them.

dougm1

Can somebody tell me where the heck the air filter is on the 2003, 1.8T?

8u6hfd

which one?

The air filter is behind the battery. A phillips screw driver is needed

The cabin air filter is located at the windshield. Again phillips screwdriver to remove 4 screws.

dougm1

Can somebody tell me where the heck the air filter is on the 2003, 1.8T?

outrun

Wow. I got yelled at by a cop for having a radar detector on my windshield - and they're legal here in MA! He said that it was "blocking my view of the road" and to take it down. Of course this was after I raced him from red light to red light in my '90 CRX Si. I never did get a ticket for that, as I didn't pass the speed limit (it was only about 300 yards). But he DID give me a warning for using "unnecessary and abusive use of throttle". Sometimes I think these bozos make up the violations as they go along.

I wonder how they'd justify having a big-[non-permissible content removed] license plate blocking my view.

-Craig

vocus

"Abusive use of the throttle"? That's a new one to me as well. I know you will get a ticket for laying rubber, but didn't know you could get a warning for something like that. I guess if you hit the gas too hard in the Passat, you get a ticket for excessive noise from the turbo too?

pkradd

We don't have them here in FL, but I did find a nice color coordinated (Reflex Silver) plate holder in the trunk to be used for the front.

bronsonb

I am looking at leasing a 2003 GLS Wagon in Atlanta. Practically everyone I looked at had the ESP, which is a great deal at $280. Of course, they also throw in Monsoon and Homelink, which are OK, but not absolutely necessary. Anything to bump the price up a little, eh?

outrun

Laying rubber here in MA will also warrant a ticket. I didn't do it in this case. Just a controlled, quick start. But in the CRX Si, I had to rev the engine to about 3k and quickly let out the clutch to get a good launch (without spinning the tires). Launching the Passat is a bit more difficult (with the 1.8T). It's too easy to spin the tires (with stock rubber).

Boy that CRX was fun...

-Craig

outrun

I think ESP, Monsoon, and Homelink are "good" options to have. I wanted Homelink, but didn't feel like waiting a few months to order one with it (most cars on the lots in April, '02 seemed to not have Homelink here in the Northeast).

Ended up getting Lux, Leather, Monsoon (no ESP available, either).

-Craig

dougm1

Is it really locate dbehind battery? Battery is at rear of engine compartment below windshield.

vocus

The only reason I would have this feature is to get the extendable sunvisor on the driver's side. The visor is too short for me (I sit with the seat almost all the way back). Wish the extendable visor was available alone.

outrun

I don't even use the visor. A good pair of sunglasses is better than blocking part of my view of the road.

Plus my V1 is mounted right next to my rear view mirror, so lowering the visor bumps into it.

But I do have an ugly garage door opener attached to the passenger visor. Ick.

-Craig

clscflm

Thanks Craig and vocus for plate comments. Not sure why so many nice (German!) cars are riding around here in LA without those front ones. Presume they don't care about paying fines... Wish there was a simpler way to just dispense with 'em. In the window is worse than the front bumper! ClscFlm

vocus

I personally think of it as a safety hazard to have a plate in the front windshield. If you hit something and that plate flies back, I am sure it's sharp enough to really injure someone in the front seats.

5speeder

What do you mean by extendable sunvisor? Are you talking about that little plastic flap that you can flip down over the top of the windshield above the rearview mirror? Or is there something else on the driver's side visor? (I have Homelink but don't know what you are referring to)

vocus

No, that's the center sunvisor you are referring to.

Get in your car, put the sunvisor against the window on the driver's side, like you are shielding the sun with it. Take your hand and pull the visor back toward the back of the car. It should extend. The Passat I sat in at the dealer did this, and it had Homelink. This was a 2002 model, so keep that in mind.

And if the visor doesn't extend right away, don't yank on it. This one moved right out, so if you have it, it will be evident.

kirby2010

Has anyone leased a GLS lately? What kind of deal did you get? I hear interest rates may drop slightly next week - though they've been coming down for some time. I'm looking at 36-39 months an likely 10,000 miles per year. I'd be curious to know the latest on residual and money factor - especially if anyone has compared them for different lease periods and mileage allowance.

One more question - 1.8T versus 2.8 V6. This will be an automatic. Any thoughts? Thanks.

hoodornament

I would think you will get a FAT deal on a GLS lease given:
1) 10k miles a year drops payment
2) Passat residual value I believe is VERY good
3) Great interest rates
4) The competition, what other car are you going to get in this payment range for the same price, feature for feature, comfort, style, etc

vocus

The residual on the Passat is the best of any mid-size car on the market actually.

rajkrishna

I am in a dilemma whether to go for stick shift or automatic passat.( 1.8 T)

I have been driving stick shift through out my life in India. I have recently moved to US and find that everybody here drives automatic.

Is there any specific reason as to why more people drive automatic here. Will purchasing stick shift cause any driving problems in U.S. cities ?? I will be driving in either LA or in the Bay area.

vocus

Get what you prefer. Also, the 1.8T stick Passat is more fun, from what I have heard.

Then again, if you are driving in the heavy traffic of LA, you might prefer an automatic. I hear it can get pretty bad out there during rush hour (or sit still hour, what it's more like from what I hear).

bowink

QUESTION

IF I DECIDE TO CHANGE THE OIL IN MY 2003 GLX HOW WILL THAT EFFECT THE WARRENTY??

rajkrishna

How does Passat (1.8 T)Automatic feel while accelerating and cruising. Is it smooth, is pickup good or does it feel like the engines are working hard?
Secondly, is it tough to drive manual in LA?

clscflm

I've been driving stick in California -- both Bay area and LA for over a dozen years. There are a few instances in LA parking lot traffic where the blood leaves your clutch leg, but, that's rare. Its a matter of preferring to be an active over a passive driver. I'll be cruising in a Passat manual GLS 1.8T soon, but be warned that they're a little hard to find in LA if you want certain options. Good luck. ClscFlm

bjbird2

rajkrishna,
The 1.8T with automatic has excellent pickup, very close to the 6cyl Passat, with the added benefit of 30 mpg on the highway. It never feels like the engine is working hard, and I love the sound of the turbo accelerating.
Drive one, you won't be disappointed!

bdvance1

We have been thinking about a passat for some time now. Just the other day I spotted an ad for a 2003 GLX AWD passat. Only $27,000. It goes on to tell that it has two-tone (silver/black) monsoon audio, 5,000 miles...My questions: Is this really such a great price (have not really priced a "new" one).and also, is all-wheel drive something that is really needed? We live in Iowa and have for 50 years now and seem to have gotten by w/o all-wheel drive. However, it certainly sounds like a nice option, and if we would be able to get our $$$ back when we sell, maybe it would be worth a try.
Opinion?

glouie

I've been noticing lately that my 1999 Passat V6 seems to hesitate when I hit the gas hard coming out of 1st into 2nd gear and get the RPMs up. Also, notice this in other gears. The hesitation passes after a second or two and then is OK. Has anyone else experienced this? Someone told me it had something to do with the throttle body? Would appreciate some help before I'm off to battle the dealer's service department.

dudleyr

You don't need AWD. The Passat has FWD and traction control, and if you spend $500 on a set of snow tires with rims, you will be way better off in the snow than any AWD vehicle without snows. You will also have better acceleration, better gas mileage, a lower purchase price, more trunk room, better handling (because the car is lighter), and fewer things to break.

A no brainer really. The whole AWD thing is way overrated. Your tires are what keep you on the road, and AWD does nothing to help you stop. To my best recollection not being able to go in the snow is not what gets you killed, it is not being able to stop or stay on the road. Even notice that during a blizzard the SUV's in the ditch far outnumber the cars - this is because many who drive them don't realize that improved acceleration does not equate to improved deceleration. Every car has 4 wheel stop.

I have an Integra with 4 snows in SD, and have never had a problem in the snow. The roads are closed well before I start to have any problems driving. I have never had to modify any travel plans because of weather, and I have a lighter car without traction control.

cmann

After lots of reading here and other research, I have decided on a 03 GLX 4Mo Wagon. Agreed on a price with my local dealer (only one here in a small town in Nova Scotia). Now ... the problem is what colour in and out. While I realize it's largely personal preference .. my questions are: how does the beige leather stand up (I have 3 kids 10 and under!). Does it show marks/stains easily? Any thoughts on Silverstone grey with black inside?

wagonmeister

Cmann, I have two kids myself and thought about the beige leather interior as a possible combo with Fresco Green when I buy later this year. I sat in one on Saturday and instantly changed my mind. The beige is more like butterscotch yellow and I could picture it getting dirty very fast with my climby kids, especially the front seat backs. My picks are Silverstone Grey, Reflex Silver, Indigo Blue or Fresco Green all with black leather.

frapzoid

You're right about that beige leather. I got ill just looking at it.

Cmann... I got a wagon with Reflex Silver and black leather. I love black leather. My BMW has beige interior which is a better color than the VW beige but it gets way too dirty too quickly.

outrun

Silverstone Gray with black leather here (sedan).

Very classy combo in my opinion.

And the beige is yellow. Unattractive. The tan leather in our Lexus is very nice in comparison.

-Craig

outrun

Most drivers in the US drive autos because they never learned how to drive a manual. The US is full of lazy, overweight people that want machines or devices to do things for them. Remote this, auto that, drive-thru everything. It's everywhere. And don't bother with the flames. I'm a US citizen, born and raised in a MA suburb.

That being said, the 1.8T is best matched to the 5 speed manual. The slush box (auto) is decent (being a 5 speed and tiptronic), but any auto (in any car) is going to suck power from the engine. The 1.8T is only 170hp (or 180hp depending on who you ask). The Passat isn't a light car. It needs as many of those horses as possible.

If you want a true drivers experience, get the manual.

BTW, I have an '02 GLS Sedan, 1.8T, manual. Routinely get 30+ mpg on the highway crusing at 80mph.

-Craig

hoodornament

I have a manual 1.8t and its great, more fun to drive than the automatic, HOWEVER< if I was in traffic everyday I would have probably gone Tiptronic. The responsiveness of the 5 speed with 1.8 is very nice, and 30mpg is typical on the hwy.I think Craig is a bit arrogant here with his portrayal of americans and tranny choice , some people just dont care about the "fun" factor, instead they care about easy and comfortable driving experience.

Silverstone and black leather, excellent combo. Welcome to VW family, unless you get one of those rare lemons, you will be happy.

outrun

That's me. Arrogant.

Next stop, drive through Citizens Bank. Then drive thru Dunkin' Donuts. Then drive-thru McDonalds. Then drive-thru Walgreens to pick up my heart attack medication.

Then I'll go home, sit on the couch with my remote control TV, remote control ceiling fan, and remote control gas fireplace, watching infomercials on how to lose weight 100 different ways. All while eating a frozen TV dinner.

Why is it the US is the most paved roads, with the most highways, with less traffic than other countries, yet we drive the most autos?

This is becoming off topic, so I'll stop at that.

Get the manual.

-Craig

cmann

Thanks for your comments re colour ... very useful and much in line with my thoughts. It'll be either Silverstone, Fresco or Indigo with Black inside.
Now $0.02 (that's $0.0125US) to add to the AWD discussion. I live in a rural area of NS with 1km of private road up a hill into our house. We have currently a Subie Outback and a Town & Country van .. both AWD. We regularly go in and out all winter with our vehicles over the snow/ice and don't notice any problem with traction. Our FWD friends, however, frequently tell us they can't get up the hill to come in to see us. Of course, we put 4 snows on each vehicle. Anyway, I swear by AWD and would never go back to 2WD even for wet highway driving, etc.

vocus

Craig: That post was too funny! Americans seem to always take the easy way out. I even bought an automatic in my Jetta, because I didn't feel like dealing with the clutch in heavy traffic.

Leather: I have black leather in my Jetta, and really like the look, feel, and smell of it. I never even thought about tan, because it gets too dirty easily.

hoodornament

Perhaps Craig you stumbled upon a new statistic that the US Census or dept of health could use, we could measure obesity, laziness, etc by counting the number of automatic transmissions per capita.

I suppose TV remote controls are bad too ....

dudleyr

cmann
Do your friends with FWD who can't get to your house have snow tires? What does AWD do for you in the rain that Traction Control does not - both keep you from spinning your tires and sliding laterally?

outrun
I am constantly amazed by the laziness of people. I actually see people here who get in their car and drive to the building next door instead of walking - the real funny part is the building next door is the YMCA and they are going there to work out.

pkradd

This constant negativism about people that don't like manual tranmissions is becoming boring. Luckily, most people will make up there own minds. Perhaps he's just full of himself.