Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

19192949697162

Comments

  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    All the cuisines are available for the taking. Mexican, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, German, and dare I say it, English.

    In other countries, there's far less choice.

    -Craig
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    The 1.8T in the Passat is only rated for 170hp, just like in the A4. But it gets 180hp in the Golf and Jetta. The reason might have something to do with the mounting, transverse in the Jetta vs. longitudinal in the Passat. That's the only difference between the two engines, from what I have read, so that has to be it.

    Also, the torque of the Passat 1.8T is lower than the Golf/Jetta's as well.
  • gtbdevsgtbdevs Member Posts: 19
    I own a 2001.5 Passat.

    The car has about 22,000 miles on it.

    As I was driving it today, the check engine light came on and the car started to run very rough, almost kinda shaking. This lasted about 3 minutes, then the check engine light went off and the car went back to running OK. I have not driven it since then.

    Any ideas or suggestions on what it could be, I have a appointment for this Friday.

    Thanks.
  • billygoat74billygoat74 Member Posts: 2
    i don't mean to change the subject but, I need to buy a car in the 25000 range soon. i have been looking at the gli jetta, or a used passat. i've been getting alot of mixed reviews of whether these cars are good quality or not after a few years of driving. are they worth buying? does anyone have any suggestions on other cars in that price range, used or new?
  • pkraddpkradd Member Posts: 358
    The alert I mentioned had nothing to do with how one speaks English on either side of the big pond. It had to do with a poor translation. It said "Top Up Wash Fluid". It should've said "Top OFF Wash Fluid". Bonnet and Boot are charming and OK in my book. :-)
  • krzysskrzyss Member Posts: 849
    nice WRX.

    Krzys

    PS What car does billygoat74 need ?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I would go for a Passat if a good sized rear seat is a must. They are also more luxurious than the Jetta GLI is.
  • tyrannosaurustyrannosaurus Member Posts: 20
    Hey, I'm new to the board. Good stuff here. I just bought an '03 1.8T 5spd w/ lthr, monsoon, esp. I'm interested in upgrading the wheels and tires to increase cornering/roadholding as I tend to push my vehicles pretty hard. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as to makes/models/sizes and where to get a good deal. I'm thinking something along the line of a BBS quality 19 inch wheel w/ Michelin Pilots or Pirellis (need an all season performance tire). Also interested in turbo software upgrade (how would a dealer know if you did this?)

    Thanks much!
  • rajkrishnarajkrishna Member Posts: 11
    Billy,
    I would go for passat 1.8 with stick shift. other option u can look at is Nissan Altima. I test drove it. It was pretty good. But if u want a good interior, stick to Passat. WRX has also got great reviews.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Check out the following sites for chip upgrade information.


    http://www.vwvortex.com

    http://www.goapr.com (a company that sells chips)

    http://www.tirerack.com (for your tires)


    VWVortex has a classifieds section, and you might be able to find a nice set of wheels there. There is software available to "hide" the chip from the dealer, but you might think about getting a spare ECU (about $4-500) and installing the chip in there. That way, you can sell the spare ECU w/chip if you decide to sell the car.

  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
    If you were to look for the definition of the word "Unreliable" - you would see the picture of a Jetta on it.

    Get the Passat GLS V6, an Accord, Camry or Maxima.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I disagree with that statement about the Jetta. VWs in general aren't as reliable as their Japanese counterparts, but they are also not as boring to drive either. And their interiors are 2-3x better as well.
  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
    I read it at CR, I think, about the A4 and the Passat sharing the same engine, but the Passat's being detuned.
  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
    Oh, I agree with you. Not many brands even come close to Honda/Toyota (Mitsubish, Isuzu et al don't even come close).

    I don't think very many people can come close to, or beat VW on their interiors as well, but they have a lot of work to do on their reliability IMHO.

    I've been tracking the Jetta posts on and off for years, and have noticed that many of the current Jetta's still suffer the same ills that plagued the previous generation - and in some cases, have gotten worse.

    That's why I wasn't too surprised that Consumer Reports ranked it lower than average - based on my wife's experience. The recent copy of CR reported that the Jetta reliability rating once again went from average to poor.

    That's really sad, because I love the drive and feel of the Jetta - just not the frustration of owning one.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    25k will buy a new Passat, why settle for a used one. I have seen new 2002 Passats going for under 20k (actual price - no scam)for a manual 4-cyl.
  • tyrannosaurustyrannosaurus Member Posts: 20
    Thanks for the links and the suggestions. I'm not sure I followed your advice about the extra ECU though. The extra seems like a decent idea in that I could swap the chipped one out before bringing the car in for service, but didn't follow the resale deal. Anyway, I appreciate it.
  • caw103caw103 Member Posts: 63
    to get your 2.8 v6 to equal the Audi 2.7T you would need twin turbos and who knows how much alteration to other components to accomodate them.

    I wouldn't bother chipping the V6 since it doesn't add much. A tip chip might provide more noticeable improvements than an ecu chip.
  • caw103caw103 Member Posts: 63
    selling a car stock is easier than selling a car that's been modified. sell the car with the stock ecu and then sell the chipped ecu separately.
  • gatorsnapgatorsnap Member Posts: 56
    Whenever a dealer plugs in the diagnostics on a car under warranty that has been chipped you can kiss your warranty goodbye. (Something like they flag it nationwide) The ECU is a plug and play - unplug one and plug in the other. It is my understanding, on the Passat swapping the chip is a little more work.

    Gatorsnap
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    I bought my Passat for well under $25k. Has the following:
    1.8 Turbo
    5 Speed Manual
    Leather Package
    Luxury Package
    Monsoon Sound System.

    If you want the automatic 5 speed, you can still be below $25k.

    I wouldn't get a Mexican Jetta at $25k. Why bother when you can have a German Passat?

    -Craig
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    Either the magazine was wrong, or you misread it.

    Actually, the 170hp version of the 1.8T came out on the Passat BEFORE the Audi A4. Go figure.

    -Craig
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    There's no way one can throw twin turbos on the 2.8 V6. Heck, it leaks oil before ANY modifications.

    It would probably be cheaper to just buy a 2.7T and drop it in the Passat than to try and build one from the 2.8.

    -Craig
  • nerdnerd Member Posts: 203
    If any of you have dealt with a VW dealer in the Dallas area, I would appreciate hearing any recommendations (or otherwise) you have. My experience to date is that the internet salesperson at Boardwalk does not respond to inquiries.
  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
    Sorry, I was referring to the V6 engines, not the 1.8T. :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    The V6 engine is alot more expensive to tune, with less results.

    See, when you chip the 1.8T, it also changes the turbo's boost and pressure. That's why the power increases are so large.
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    The 2.8 made 190hp in both the A4 and Passat right up until the A4 got the new 3.0 V6.

    -Craig
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    The most popular tuning option for the V6 (that gives decent gains) is a supercharger. That costs about $3,995 + installation (www.pes-tuning.com).

    A chip costs at most $500 and can be installed by any highly trained monkey.

    Also figure in the $2,500 one saved by getting the 1.8T over the V6. That's a LOT of upgrades one can get for about $6,000 savings (after chip). Suspension, exhaust, brakes, wheels/tires, etc.

    -Craig
  • caw103caw103 Member Posts: 63
    wasn't suggesting anyone try to add 2 turbos to the 2.8 V6. Was trying to show the enormous difference between the Passat's V6 and the 2.7T that was brought up in previous posts.

    Heck dropping the 2.7T into a Passat would be a complicated and expensive endeavor.
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    Someone is doing it over at clubb5.com.

    The user handle is "Salty". Using an '02 Wagon if I remember correctly.

    -Craig
  • suavechavosuavechavo Member Posts: 39
    When we had VWs, we used Metro VW in Irving. They seem to be the best in the metroplex. They have a huge inventory and have good service.

    Hope this helps :)
  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
    Outrun - I guess I must have mis-read it somewhere... With regards to the detuned engine.

    Vocus - I didn't know that modding a turbo is that much easier, but does it get rid of the slight turbo lag?
  • nerdnerd Member Posts: 203
    Thanks for the tip.
  • julmannjulmann Member Posts: 4
    just bought a 2003 passet glx.I was looking at the gls 1.8 turbo 5speed but instead decided on the tiptronic in the glx. plus it had the power seats and memory,(important when your wife is a foot shorter than you are). anyway the price was $28,400.after checking edmunds TMV, and carsdirect this price was actually good.we're looking forward to our trips to the DC area to watch our daughter play college bball.the ride will be much more fun and comfortable!
  • pkraddpkradd Member Posts: 358
    Congrats on your new Passat. You're gonna love it.
  • stoli25stoli25 Member Posts: 14
    I’ve tested today 03 Maxima SE. As I was expecting from your comments, it has lots of power, however … on the road is not as tight as Passat. In Passat you have this ‘road feel’. Max was kind of feeling lousy. Nice interior though. It’s thought to choose between those two, I guess Max for power and Passat for driving experience. Any comments?
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    Just throwing a chip in there (about $500), and you'll go from:

    170 hp/166 ft/lb torque

    to

    208 hp/245 ft/lb torque

    And all that torque is available from 1950rpm.

    Compared to the 190 hp/ 206 ft/lb (at 3200rpm) of the 2.8, I think we can see which car is going to be faster (and more fuel efficient).

    The chip for the 2.8 might let it gain 5-10 hp/torque. Not much more.

    -Craig
  • rob_laukaitisrob_laukaitis Member Posts: 2
    Good morning:

    I own a'01 Passat GLX, V6, with 48K miles and have recently had the 'Check Engine' light come on. The dash screen keeps beeping "Emissions Workshop". I've read through the Town Hall, and have seen several posts, but can't seem to find a common answer beyond the gas cap answer. Any Suggestions?

    Also, I've recently had a headlight go out on low-beam setting. I've changed the bulb and the fuse, but still no light. Any clues???
  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
    Congrats on your purchase! That's the nice thing about memory - you don't have to continue futzing with each other's seat configuration!

    Remember to program the memory positions to your individual FOBs!
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    Who needs 'em? I don't let anyone else drive *MY* Passat. :)

    -Craig
  • pkraddpkradd Member Posts: 358
    There you go again!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I know that's right! :) I don't let anyone else drive my Jetta either, so it's not a problem for me. :)
  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
    No "My"s or "YOUR"s after marriage!

    Except when it's:

    "YOUR naughty child shot and stabbed the teacher"
    "The kid's brains came from MY side of the family"

    or, the perennial phrase in the Passat thread

    "I don't let anyone drive MY Passat"
    which quickly changes to
    "Can you help me wash and detail OUR Passat?"
  • charles15charles15 Member Posts: 57
    The Max vs. Passat was the decision I am sure that a lot of us Passat and probably Maxima owners had to make. The Max engine is great and fit and finish pretty good but in the base models, you cannot beat the Passat. I went to look at several new Accords in our company fleet today - basic LX models. We bought the Hondas because of their reliability but objectively this new model Accord does not come close to the Passat in design and feel.
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    I'm married (3+ years) and have two kids (2.2 years, and 9 months). Why the heck would I buy a Passat if I didn't have a family? It's a frickin' family sedan. :)

    Although, I've only taken our son (the older one) out in it a few time. My daughter doesn't know a Passat from a pissant.

    My wife's '01 RX300 is relegated to family duties.

    -Craig
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Your side of the story is pretty funny as well. That's the way it was with my parents. When I did something good, I was "their" son. When I did something bad, I was my mother's son. :)

    I let a couple of my friends drive my car, every once in awhile, but no one regular.

    And I am not single (not married either), my other half just doesn't like the Jetta as much as their own car.
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    My wife initially didn't like the Passat at all. She liked the Japanese interiors much better (Honda Accord to be specific).

    Then I took her for a drive - at night. She looked at the dash/radio/climate controls and almost flipped out. She was very impressed that just about everything lights up at night. This is something that even the high-end Japanese vehicles don't do.

    I don't both going into safety, gas mileage, resale value, etc. It really doesn't interest her.

    She still doesn't like the Passat much, but it's better in her mind that it initially was.

    -Craig
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I know what you mean. My friend says VW puts everything 3 inches in the other direction, then renames it, to make it sound more gimmicky. I don't think so, but that's an opinion. I think the ergonomics are much better in my car than in my Jetta, but that's just me.
  • rajkrishnarajkrishna Member Posts: 11
    How much HP do we really need? wouldn't 170 hp of passat be more than adequate to zip through the city traffic? do we really need 240 hp of nissan altima?
  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
    I was the one my Wife had to convince about getting a VW.

    Her Jetta was a great fun car to drive, but the window problems just drove us nuts! We almost skirted the Passat until we took one for a test drive - the rest is history, er... her car.

    Sure, the Accord has a lot more power, and is probably a little bit more reliable this year, but man, that car just drives like a dream, and the fit and finish is just untouchable.

    Raj is right. It's a family sedan. 190HP is more than what I, err... my wife needs to enjoy the silky smooth acceleration.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Well, I myself don't want adequate. I want something that's gonna win the occasional stoplight race. That's why I opted for the 1.8T in my Jetta. Also, I have alot more power than the std. Jetta engine with about the same fuel economy to boot!
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