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VW Passat TDI

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    mrjettemrjette Member Posts: 122
    Hi,

    I got a recall letter from VW last Friday. It said it effected some '04 & '05 Passat TDi. The recall is coded "VY", and my dealer had to order the parts (essentially a fuel pump and some clips that hold it all in place or at least together). The recall letter said some clips were faulty from the supplier, and if they failed they would cause fuel to leak (potential fire hazard).

    It suprised me that they did not have a few "recall kits" in stock to do the work when I was already in for a 5K mile service! Now, I get another trip back to them.

    I tried to find the recall on-line, but it seems not to be posted. I found a site with the same deatils for the Jetta, Golf and Beetle TDi-PD engine, but it did not list the Passat.
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    mrjettemrjette Member Posts: 122
    I had the 5K mile service done (essentially the first oil change). They would have taken out the original factory juice and should have replaced it with VW recommended synthethic oil. Ever since, the engine has cranked very hard and has twice failed to start on the first crank. Granted, it was quite cold (15oF), but it had been cold prior to this service and it has not failed in this same way.

    I had a Jetta TDi for 2 years, and never had any problems. In that car, the glow plug light would stay on for 8 chimes or so, but the engine always turned right over as long as i waited. The Passat seems much quicker to warm up with the glow plug light staying on for a couple of chimes, max.

    Could it be an oil viscosity issue? The RO says they used 5 quarts of part number VWN G 052 167 A2 to refill the crankcase.
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    martinimartini Member Posts: 5
    I am car shopping. I hate car shopping so I drive my cars til their dead. I've put 150K on my Grand Cherokee Laredo which I bought new in '98. Here's my problem. I only want to spend about 26K and I want lots of style and great gas mileage. I have fallen in love with the 2005 Diesel Passat, but I've now spoken with 6 VW owners and five of them say their VW has spent plenty of time in the hospital - electrical problems seem to be a common theme. Then I logged onto myVWlemon.com and well I thought it was pretty much over... But the Passat has gotten under my skin and I can't let it go! Help! Could I buy one and it look like a Passat but run like a Honda (no problems)??? Or do I really need to lay my Passat dream to rest? Please help.
    Besotten by Passatan
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    yuppy007yuppy007 Member Posts: 12
    I have owned my 2005 Passat Wagon TDI GLS for over 1 month with 1k miles now and I really enjoy driving it a lot. My favorite things about it are good gas mileage, tiptronic mode, leatherette, and overall upscale interior. Heated seats and mirrors are also welcome. I have not run into any problem with it yet. There is a little diesel smell.

    This is my first VW. So far, I feel great about it. Every weekend, I would opt to drive my Passat TDI as opposed to my SUV MB ML350 which uses so much gas. There is one recall on the Passat for diesel fuel pump, but I think it has been fixed if you bought the car in January 2005 or later.

    If your budget is only 26k, I think 2005 Passat TDI is a good buy. It will retain its value quite well. It ranks #2 for the most fuel-efficient car next to #1 Toyota Prius.

    Good luck.
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    dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    People who have problems tend to post more than people who don't. My father has 125,000 trouble free miles on his 2000 Passat wagon. Not a diesel, but very reliable. Nothing but routine maintenance, and not even much of that. The clutch is original and the rear brakes were just recently replaced - fronts are original.

    Just remember that an unreliable car of today is about the same as the most reliable cars from a decade or two ago. This is becaue all cars are more reliable now.
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    rks3rks3 Member Posts: 1
    I purchased Castrol Syntec 5w40 oil from VW dealer in Maryland, for my 2004 TDI Passat. The specs say it is the 505.00 instead of the 505.01. can anyone tell me if there is a difference. This is the oil the dealership is using.
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    pusterracingpusterracing Member Posts: 186
    Well, going from the Truck (which is the same size as an Excursion) to either car, yes, they are both small, but having driven the Jetta daily since April, I can tell you the the Passat is noticeably larger inside. Namely there is more room up front between me and the passenger seat, and the rear seat is much larger (my chief complaint about the jetta is the tiny rear seat). But, it all depends on what you are going to use it for. If you don't plan on having rear seat passengers then I'd say go for the mileage and get the Jetta.
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    gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    It would mostly be my wife and I and stuff in the back. I could use a pickup but don't want a big one for Hawaii. So the next best thing is a wagon. I think the Jetta Wagon will win out depending on what is available at the time we buy.
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    divewreckdivewreck Member Posts: 50
    Bought a 2000 Jetta used in 01. Have been happy with it (except for constantly checking the dip stick. Test drove a manual Jetta TDI but was unimpressed with the power. How does the Passat TDI compare (I know it doesn't have a manual trans.
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    jbahr2jbahr2 Member Posts: 1
    I am interesting in purchasing a used TDI wagon for my growing family. Can anyone recommend how to locate one? I check ebay but very few show up. I prefer to purchase from an individual verses a dealer. Seems VW did not produce many units which I find interesting give the positive comments and very few negatives.

    Your help is appreciated.
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    tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    I purchased Castrol Syntec 5w40 oil from VW dealer in Maryland, for my 2004 TDI Passat. The specs say it is the 505.00 instead of the 505.01. can anyone tell me if there is a difference. This is the oil the dealership is using.

    The 505.01 is formulated to minimize cam wear. The PD injectors are timing using the camshaft -- so minimizing cam wear is critical to the operation of the engine
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    mtbarrmtbarr Member Posts: 10
    You need to match the VW number for the best protection.

    Look at the AMSOil European Engine Oil (product id AFL). It matches the latest VW requirements.

    The other major brands like Castrol and Mobil and Chevron, even the Delo, do not match VW.

    Hope this helps.
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    cosmocosmo Member Posts: 203
    This is a question more out of curiosity than a complaint, since I consider the trip computer to be just an entertainment device anyway. I have over 8,000 miles on my TDI now, and I have kept track of fuel mileage for every tank since purchase. In comparing what the trip computer indicates as the average mpg for each tank versus what I calculate as mpg based on what I put into the tank, the trip computer has consistently been optimistic by 4 mpg per tank. The miles per tank indicated by the trip computer matches the odometer exactly. Yet, if I figure 40 mpg on a tank, the computer indicates 44 mpg for the tank. If I calculate 36 mpg, the computer indicates 40 mpg. If I calculate 28 mpg for a tank, the trip computer calculates 32 mpg. If the computer was off by a consistent percentage, I would assume it is not correctly calibrated. But 4 mpg off no matter what the actual mpg? Anybody have an explanation?
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    dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I have an explanation.

    It is off by a constant instead of a percentage.

    ; ^ )
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    jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    On all the cars we've owned with the trip computer feature, I've never had one yet that wasn't too optimistic about fuel consumption vs my detailed, meticulous measurements in the log over the life of the car.

    On the other hand, I've never had one be off by 4 mpg, either - the errors on our '02 C240 MB tend to be on the order of 0.5-1.5 mpg, with 1.0 being a good average...always on the optimistic side.
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    jimlockeyjimlockey Member Posts: 265
    I have a 05 Passat GLS TDI with almost 8,000 miles. Right now I am averaging 32 MPG. I doubt it will average much better than that. We had a 2002 New Beetle TDI for almost two years that averaged 35 MPG. Both have automatic transmissions.

    As for the pump recall, I took it to the dealer yesterday. They fixed it within an hour.
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    dolphindolphin Member Posts: 71
    Your dealership is using the wrong oil. Owners manual clearly states 505.01.
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    cosmocosmo Member Posts: 203
    So trip computer programmers are just fishermen at heart? I can appreciate that. But their uncanny ability to program in a constant exaggeration no matter how big or small the fish must qualify as a puzzle worthy for Car Talk. I bet even Click and Clack can't elaborate on dudleyr's explanation.
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    avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    is there any new news about whether the new passat will be available with a TDI? How soon after the intro?

    Also, how many b5.5 TDI were built? I'm interested in getting one in California, but it needs to be used, and I need to be able to find one when the time comes.

    Lastly, how will the change in diesel fuel (2006) effect existing TDI engines (in addition to the increased cost)? Will any modifications need to be made to cars prior to the new fuel standards?
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    pusterracingpusterracing Member Posts: 186
    The other major brands like Castrol and Mobil and Chevron, even the Delo, do not match VW.

    Actually CASTROL TXT 505.01 is used by many European auto specialists and VW dealerships as is the Motul Specific oil and Havoline 505.01 oil that meets VW requirements.

    So there appear to be plenty of choices and more on the way.
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    pusterracingpusterracing Member Posts: 186
    How does the Passat TDI compare

    The Passat is competent from a standstill. It is no racecar by any means, but it can get you out into traffic with no worries. Where it really shines is passing and merging (so basically it shines at +30mph acceleration).

    I have been really really pleased. I didn't think I would be impressed with an auto diesel, but I am. The engine works great for the size of the car.

    Also, first fill-up, averaged 30.6mpg, 100% city. Not bad for a brand new mid-sized car that's nowhere near broken in.
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    mtbarrmtbarr Member Posts: 10
    I own a 2002 Jetta TDI.

    My other half is looking to replace a Tahoe. He was looking at the Jeep Liberty CRD. He did not like it. Too small, cheap feel, engine was noisy and they want too much money for it.

    He really wanted a 4-Wheel Drive diesel, but I finally got him to think about a passenger car instead.

    He test drove the Passat TDI yesterday. He LOVED the Passat TDI.

    I also did! Time to trade in the Jetta for the Passat TDI. The new Jetta TDI won't be out till June. The new Passat won't be out till July and the TDI later.

    The engine and auto trans were perfectly matched. The car hauled butt. I accelerated from a dead stop on an uphill on-ramp and was at 70 before the end of the ramp. The transmission kept the engine at about 4000 RPMs (the max HP range)the whole time and the transmission shifts were absolutely smooth.

    Have you all found any negotiation room with the current Passat TDI pricing, especially now that the new Jetta and the new Passat has been announced?

    I know VW is offering $500 customer loyalty and this dealership had about 5 Passat TDI on the lot. I am used to waiting for the Jetta TDI to arrive and if lucky getting $500 under MSRP.

    Please let me know. Thanks!
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    pusterracingpusterracing Member Posts: 186
    I bought an '05 Passat GLS TDI (leather/wood and cold weather package)about three weeks ago, MSRP $27,948 paid $26,200 and got the $500 VW loyalty ($25,700) so the total with loyalty was ~$2200 off of MSRP, without loyalty $1700 off MSRP. And it was the only Passat TDI sedan on the lot.

    You can make the deals, I also got 3.9% financing from VW, and that wasn't even being "offered" on the TDIs (the gassers were eligible for 1.9% average TDI rate was 4.99%).
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    jimlockeyjimlockey Member Posts: 265
    My last four cars trip computer gave me higher MPG than I actually got. No big deal because I calculate my own.
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    kworthikworthi Member Posts: 1
    I'd buy it! But I am in Canada...so can't really.
    I drove a Passat TDI sedan and came close to buying it, but would rather the wagon....but the TDI wagons are rare around here. Hmmmm. But the truth is, my car is still running (Pontiac 6000 thank-you very much) and well, when the time comes...I hope a Passat Wagon TDI crosses my path.
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    stevef1stevef1 Member Posts: 1
    Yes, about the new Jeep Liberty CRD. They are cheaply built. I bought one because its American vehicle and because of the fuel mileage. BAD BAD mistake, mileage is 19mi/gal at very best.My wife and traded with 1218 miles on it for a 2005 Passat TDI (took a bath on that one). DO NOT buy the Liberty CRD for fuel economy !!
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    aaaedgarpoeaaaedgarpoe Member Posts: 107
    depensed at the pump will be same low parts-per-million sulfer used in europe, then the higher mileage can be achieved since the car then can have the high fule injection pressure as the removed. But here is the rub, as Shakesspere would way, the desel engine wil fail for two reasons (1) NOx pollution , and (2) particualte pollution. NOx problem might be fixable with a hybride engine added since its at acceleration Diesels given of the NOx. As for (2), well thats thougher.
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    amazonamazon Member Posts: 293
    With aftertreatment systems, none of those issues would be a problem. There are excellent self cleaning filters available for diesels, which would eliminate the issue of particulate pollution.
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    avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    In CA, in 2006, will current TDI owners have to refit their vehicles? Or will there be a line drawn for those tdi's made before the 2006 rules went into effect.

    And can we have some concrete evidence, not speculation, please...
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    dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Previously purchased vehicles will be allowed.
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    avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    For the above post...does anyone have the specific CARB language stating that existing vehicles will be exempt? Does this include out-of-state vehicles made before the new rules?

    I can see CA trying to get rid of all the pre-2006 diesels by making them NOT exempt, and forcing them to pass smog or be destroyed/sold.

    CA currently makes the smog rules harder each year, just to force people out of older cars. Currently, you need to put a car on rollers to simulate driving, but it's really an attempt to get people with bad transmissions to spend more money (the smog program of CA is sponsored by the Bureau of Automotive Repair...hmmmm).

    Thanks!
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    gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I can see CA trying to get rid of all the pre-2006 diesels by making them NOT exempt, and forcing them to pass smog or be destroyed/sold.

    There are thousands of old MB 300D & VW diesels still on the CA roads. They are not smog tested as there were no tests available. You can still drive a 1970 Pontiac that has no smog control devices. CA would have a hard time making anything retroactive. Actually most of the diesel cars built in the last few years should run better on ULSD. It is available in limited areas of CA. Most of the TDI people say they run better on ULSD. The way the law is they cannot make you repair your car if it is up to OEM standards. In other words a 1990 car has less stringent emissions tests than a 2004 vehicle. A friend that owns a smog station claims the whole system in CA is flawed and pretty much a joke. You can take a car to 10 different stations and get 10 different results.
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    fostercurryfostercurry Member Posts: 1
    Hi There,
    Just found this forum - what are my Passat TDI options here in California? I can hardly find a single used Passat TDI in the whole state, was there a gap for a few years? How come? Do I have to drive to Florida to get a new one? Can I get a used one in AZ or CO and bring it in? Is there a problem with our fuel here?

    Thanks,
    Foster
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    jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    -The fuel is the best available in the country - that is the supreme irony of the car being unable to meet CA emissions standards [primarily NOX]. The rest of the nation will finally get the low-sulfur diesel common in CA by the end of next year.

    -You can buy a used one and register it legally in CA, but the car needs to have some miles on it [I've heard 7500, but you need to talk to DMV to get a definitive opinion]. No need to "drive to Florida" - new ones are for sale legally in every state surrounding CA - WA, OR, AZ, NV, ID, etc. etc. The issue isn't having to travel far to find a new one - the issue is getting the DMV to allow you to register it in CA. The minimum mileage thing means you have to drive it for quite some time outside of CA before they are going to allow you to register it.

    -Personally, I'd look for other alternatives - a Passat 4 cyl can easily be made to exceed 30 mpg, and given the escalating price of diesel, might actually make more economic sense right now. Same could be said for the Japanese alternatives - 4 cyl Accord, Prius, etc. I wouldn't beat my head against the wall that CARB has thrown up in the path of diesel ownership in California. I think the technology will eventually result in a true 50-state diesel again, but not for at least another couple of years.
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    avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    The car must have 7500 miles at the time of sale - can't stress that enough. Don't buy a car with 6500 miles and think you can drive it for 1000 miles into CA to register. At the time of sale, the milage is reported. A car will be black-listed if you attempt to bring it in with less than 7500 AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE.

    There is also a loophole where if you have a car that dies out of state, you can purchase a NEW tdi replacement for CA, but the dealer has to certify the car is DOA (drain the oil out of a junker in a VW dealer lot and let it run dry).

    There's a well know TDI club on the net with more info.
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    pusterracingpusterracing Member Posts: 186
    Personally, I'd look for other alternatives - a Passat 4 cyl can easily be made to exceed 30 mpg, and given the escalating price of diesel, might actually make more economic sense right now

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but a Passat gasser requires premium unleaded (turbo 4 and 6cyl), does it not? AND, if this is the case, in my neck of the woods, Premium is $2.35/gal and diesel is $2.12/gal....and regular is $2.09/gal. So, if the gasser takes premium, well, it's obvious.

    I have been averaging 35mpg in my Passat TDI with mixed driving (70%C/30%H).

    So let's, for arguments sake, say that the Passat gas takes regular (I'd still like to find out if it takes premium or not) and you can average 30mpg out of it, and going on the priced above. If I drive 100miles in my TDI it will cost me $6.06 in fuel. If you drive 100 miles in your gasser and use regular, it will cost you $6.97, or $0.91 more. If you use premium it will cost you $7.83, or $1.77 more. And that is IF you are actually able to squeak 30mpg AVERAGE.

    Throw in oil changes every 10K miles instead of every 3K, higher resale value and whatnot, I'd say even with rising fuel costs, it is still overall cheaper to own and maintain a TDI. That's just my $0.02.
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    eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    possibly a passat gasser will run fine on 87 octane, with same mpg but less power? that is the case for some cars/engines for which premium is recommended.
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    cosmocosmo Member Posts: 203
    Pusterracing makes a good point about the price of the different fuels. The 1.8T does require premium unless you sacrifice some performance. As numerous posters have pointed out previously, using regular grade in the 1.8T is false economy because of the decline in performance and fuel mileage. A more significant point, however, is that pusterracing has been averaging 30 mpg in MIXED driving, while the EPA rating for the Passat 1.8T tiptronic is 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. There is no way a 1.8T automatic is going to get 30 mpg in typical MIXED driving.

    That said, I find it ironic that TDI fans and critics go on and on about the fuel economy issue, while diesel pick-up owners rave about their trucks' torque and mention better fuel economy as an "Oh, by the way."

    What sold me on a Passat TDI wagon when I went to the dealer to buy a Passat sedan with a 1.8T and manual transmission last year? The torque! And, by the way, 40 mpg driving secondary highways.
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    dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    My father has averaged 31 mpg with his 1.8t Passat wagon, but it has a manaul tranny.
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    jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...very much depend on where you live. On the West Coast, diesel is now running anywhere from 10-15% more than unleaded PREMIUM...I kid you not. No, I have no explanation, and have read no credible reason for this anomaly, but it is nevertheless true. I've heard about four different "explanations", none of which make complete sense.

    Thus, my point about the Passat gasoline 4 vs the diesel.

    Look, I'm a diesel fan, but the question originated from someone living in CA and pining for a new TDI. My reaction is to look at the alternatives and not fuss too much about it. CA happens to be one of those places where diesel costs more than premium unleaded right now, and has for many months.
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    gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    but the question originated from someone living in CA and pining for a new TDI.

    I'm in San Diego and would like to have a Diesel car. I just called my local biodiesel station. B20 is $2.69 number 2 diesel is $2.49, regular unleaded is $2.42. I think in the Bay area diesel is much higher than down here. Most is extra road tax in CA. Plus the diesel in CA is less than 300 PPM currently. That was what the EU was until December 2004 from what I have been told. Here is the interesting thing. A few weeks ago when #2 diesel was $2.19 B20 was $2.63 per gallon. I am thinking that biodiesel will fall in line with regular unleaded and #2 diesel when they all reach $3 per gallon. I would like to find a source for B100 here, so far no luck. I just do not see the incentive to buy a VW Passat unless it is a TDI. There are so many gas cars that get decent, not great mileage with fewer reliability issues. I know my local VW dealer does not give me a warm fuzzy feeling when I visit the showroom. If I can find a used VW TDI wagon Passat or Jetta with over 7500 miles at a decent price I will jump on it.
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    eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    diesel is more than premium here in new england too - but by less than 10 cents per gallon.

    regarding 87 octane giving less mpg, has anyone tested that with a 1.8T? it's easy to believe it will give less performance. i own two volvos too, each tuned for premium fuel. i've run many 'experiments', some very controlled - and am quite sure that the 87 octane does not result in lower mpg - xc90 2.5T, v70 2.4T.

    maybe the volksy turbo cars react differently to the 87 and do get an mpg loss, though. i wonder how much. seems like it varies from model to model whether the 87 octane causes mpg loss.

    in my various Z28s i did find an apparent mpg loss of about 10% with 87 octane. but those cars had such absurd power/torque that i didn't notice any power loss. i think they launched better with the low-octane fuel , and i had my best 1/4 mile run with 87 octane - maybe due to better launch... oh, i should mention that running the 87 in the Z28s was not a good idea in hot weather. ping ping ping. i notice the power loss with 87 in the volvos in the summer/heat more too...

    anyway, here's hoping that diesel prices will drop a bunch this spring/summer - below premium - and maybe below 87 octane too... that's what usually happens.
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    biodslbiodsl Member Posts: 1
    I am currently looking into purchasing a 2005 Passat TDI wagon due to I heard the new jetta will not offer a diesel wagon version. Has anyone heard differently?

    I heard the tiptronic trans. is a porsche product, is that true and how reliable is it?
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    jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Not until the '07 model year - say 4Q06?

    http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102071

    The transmission is not a Porsche product, per se; it is produced by the VW group for all of its family members [VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat]. Porsche has its own version, given its need to deal with higher hp and torque.
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    avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    Diesel is high in CA only because govt needs to both discourage diesel use and increase revenues on fuel efficient vehicles.

    Unfortunately, our dmv chief is thinking of installing GPS systems in all cars to track miles driven in CA as an additional tax and to punish hybrid drivers who "aren't paying their fair share of gas taxes because they use less gas"....
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    supcrdssupcrds Member Posts: 11


    My brother has a Eurovan 03 and has tried a few time using 91 versus 87 and it came out cheaper to run 91 at 20 cents a gallon more. Not sure on the numbers but he did a cross country trip and recorded the mileage the whole trip. He also noticed his mileage increased at high altitude. No idea why.
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    eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    thanks for the data, supcrds. apparently the volksy engines like the premium fuel for best mpg. maybe your bro saw better mileage at altitude because he was running low-altitude gas and drove to high-altitude without refueling at high-altitude? at high altitude the 'regular' is 85 or 86 octane and 'premium' is 88 or 89 octane, from what i've seen on I-80.
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    stujostujo Member Posts: 3
    I am looking for a 2004 or 2005 Passat TDI in CA. Found the below message through Google. Can Anyone please tell me the VW dealer in Los Angeles who specializes in selling TDIs for the CA market that Gagrice is referring to.

    Thanks

    #695 of 760 Re: 05 Passat Wagon TDI vs 05 Mercedes E320 CDI [yuppy007] by gagrice Feb 12, 2005 (1:44 pm)
    Bookmark | Reply

    The market for used VW TDI cars in California is good. One VW dealer in Los Angeles buys them with 7500 miles and sells them at or near new MSRP. I would think in a year you could get your money back along with a trip to California. A quite a few sell on eBay also. I have considered both cars to keep at our home in Hawaii. It is just difficult justifying $60k for a vehicle to sit and depreciate over there. Plus the wagon would be more practical. It sounds like the 2006 Jetta will kind of take the place of the Passat with very close to the same dimensions.

    Are you getting decent mileage with the Passat? I assume the handling is good.
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    gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I am trying to find his website. Here it is in Gardena. They specialize in used TDI.

    http://mauigreenenergy.org/dieselsforsale.htm
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    stujostujo Member Posts: 3
    Gagrice,

    Thank you very much!!

    Stujo
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