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that the new GLI has a 180-mph speedo? Just a TOUCH optimistic, perhaps?! :-P
After believing for years that German-built VWs did much better in reliability than the Mexican/Brazilian ones, I have since seen evidence that the German ones do have about as many problems as the American ones.
I wouldn't buy a GTI, but I sure would DREAM about having one, then buy something else in the price range.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Well, I can't speak about other GTI owners, but I own a 2005 1.8L Turbo GTI. I bought it in January and it's not given me any problems.
Although, I tend to be meticulous about caring for it. I always check the air, fluids, and belts each time I go and get gas. That, and I really do take the car in for service every 5,000 miles, like the manual says.
It's definitely been a joy to drive, too. The seats are the best I've ever sat in, out of all the cars I've owned. And if I put the pedal to the metal, my head will jerk back from the acceleration.
I have driven a loaded Jetta 2.5, and an Audi A3 (with the GLI's engine). The 2.0T is a much better engine choice for the Jetta. Unfortunately, the price with options is practically at the $30k mark, and the competition there is fierce. Plenty of non-boring cars in that price range.
I just bought (2 days ago) a 2001 jetta - window regulator problems already. Yesterday the drivers side front window fell down into the door!
Lots of stories online from jetta owners with similar problems. I checked your two website rec's alldata.com and nhtsa.dot.gov, and could not find any confirmation to your claim that "the window-regulators were DEFINATELY a recall-item."
Will the VW dealer in my area take care of thatmeirca folks on Monday morning?
the nine cars that stalled because of a software glitch?
I always laugh when I hear that. I mean, I assume that there is an actual software issue with the car, but a part of me just said "isn't the gas engine SUPPOSED to stop sometimes?"
Yes, but not when cruising at highway speeds. They have now recalled these Priuses, a total of about 75,000 are in the affected group of VINs I believe. Luckily, the electric motor continues to run in the dozen vehicles that actually exhibited the problem, so the drivers still had power to get off the road.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
If it's a software thing, do you think it's a "bug" or an actual calibration problem? Like I wonder if the fix is to disallow gas engine shut down above XX mph. I'm saying did everything meet the conditions of engine shut down (calibration error) or did it shut down in error (bug)?
I'm pretty sure it's a bug, but since the initial announcement of software problems, things seem to hae changed a bit. I haven't looked into all the details of the recall itself since it is brand new, but I had the impression from what little I read that they are replacing some componentry rather than reprogramming anything, which says faulty part, not programing problem, to me.
Certainly if it were a calibration error, it would have affected all of them right? And not all Priuses are in the recall, only 75,000 or so from a specific group of VINs/production dates.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
This is not a Toyota forum.... but I do find it interesting that when Toyota has a recall... it is a big deal. But there is not much talk about the recall from GM which covers more vehicles and years.
What planet are you on??? When the Big 3 have a recall, it's plastered on every paper and in every radio news show. I heard about the recent huge Ford recall from multiple media outlets. In fact, it used to be that a Japanese recall was page 16 news, but that's changed it recent years.
I've been a VW guy since the 1960's, when I was a little kid growing up in my dad's 1957 Oval Window Beetle. Since 2001, VWoA's sales have spiraled downward. In 2001 or 2002,I can't remember which, they sold some 355,000 cars in the US. This year, 2005, they will end up around 215,000 or so, a decrease of nearly 40% in 3 or 4 years. There are many who say that because of stiffer competition from other carmakers, some of whom have had dramatic improvements in quality (such as Hyundai), VWoA may cease to exist in ten years. My theory (and I admit this may be wishful thinking) is that the New Beetle, when launched in 1998, became a pivotal car. Old guys like me were nostalgic, but now we needed a sedan, so Jettas and Passats started going out the door in record numbers. By 2001 or so, the novelty of the New Beetle wore off, and now VWoA is simply coming down from the stratospheric rise in sales from 1998-2000. Right now they are approximately at the level of around 1997. Yes, there were some coilpack and window regulator issues in the early 2000's that lost some customers, but VW continues to have a niche clientele. Do you people on these forums agree with the "Doomsday Prophets" or with me? Thoughts?
Do you people on these forums agree with the "Doomsday Prophets" or with me? Thoughts?
I think if VW holds the line on price and brings more diesels into the country they will regain some market share. They do have a reliability hurdle to overcome. My 2005 Passat TDI is great.
Price is the big problem with VW now, what with the increase in the value of the euro. The new Passat, which used to be a Camcord fighter, is in the Lexus/Acura/Cadillac range in price now. People will go for a luxury brand over a VW, as the Phaeton has shown. VW is losing the value battle.
Passat MSRP starts at $22,950. Mid size Lexus starts above $29,000,Acura above $27,000, Cadillac above $30,000. Accord starts at $18,225 and Camry a bit higher. So the Passat is right in the middle...I think it has been in-between for a while.
yes BUT equip the Passat the same as those other cars you mentioned, and it will cost the same as them as well, at least in the case of the front drivers like TSX and S40/60, etc. Doesn't the base Passat still have wheel covers? (ick) At $23K.
On the flip side, you can get a well-equipped top-trim Accord or Camry 4-cylinder for the same sticker price as that base Passat, that will have more features but less power. Or for $1-2K more you can get the same cars with the V-6 and have more power as well as the additional features.
And don't even get started on the domestic midsize sedans (Sonata too), in which you can get all that in some cases, ALONG WITH the V-6, for the same sticker. And arguably better reliability. And a decently stylish interior/exterior, in the case of the Fusion.
Phaeton was a big mistake that must have pulled money from other areas where it would have been much better applied, like increasing durability and reliability. I wonder how this proposal for a new SUV priced above the Touareg will fare. Again, VW will venture into pricey territory.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Now you are comparing a Passat to an S40. Give me a break! The Jetta competes with the S40, not the Passat.
The Jetta is also more comparable to the TSX than the Passat is.
I am no fan of the std leatherette seating material (I prefer cloth), but the majority of buyers will see that as an upgrade over the cloth in the Accord or Camry.
The Passat's standard 2.0T engine likely performs about as well as those V-6s, despite the higher peak HP number at a meaningless 6000 RPM or whatever.
what competes with what, the market will decide that, not you or I or consumer magazines. The market is speaking on the new Jetta. The fate of the new Passat remains to be seen.
As for speed, I believe in the large/midsize sedan class the Avalon is the current reigning champ with the Accord V-6 following a close second. And that does not take into account the new Impala SS or the 300C, both of which do break the $30K sticker barrier however. The Passat with the 2.0T is a "tweener" in the midsize class - between the fours and V-6s of most of the other guys.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I wonder how this proposal for a new SUV priced above the Touareg will fare. Again, VW will venture into pricey territory.
Which SUV is that? The only other SUV I've heard about for VW is the one they've got coming for 2007-8 that is priced below the T-Rex, you know like a Rav4/CR-V compeitor.
Golly can I say this then...most people who are looking at a Passat are not going to be also looking at an S40.
I believe sales of the new Jetta have been increasing each month since it came out. This was despite the fire sales that GM, Ford, and Chrysler had going on.
$40,000 for a Passat? Also, why would anyone pay $30,000 for a Jetta? VW used to be the sportier but somewhat pricier alternative to the CamCord/CivRolla. Now they have priced themselves out of that market and haven't added much more sport or content.
A $30,000 4 cylinder Passat might seem like a good deal to you but I would take an Accord EX-L anyday for $4000-6000 less. VW is not offering a manual transmission with a sunroof which would take it out of consideration for me at any price.
did a four-way this month that included the Jetta GLI as well as the Cobalt SS, new Civic SI, and Subaru WRX. It gave the Cobalt the "muscle car" award, although the WRX was faster by some measures. The Jetta got best interior, but the Civic won best overall, as the Jetta was criticized for portliness, harsh ride (they had the optional 18s on their car), and excessive price. And their GLI did come near the $30K price point. That is a lot for a Jetta.
merc: I thought I read someplace that they were developing a second SUV to "bridge" the price gap between the Touareg and the Phaeton? Now that they are dumping the Phaeton, that may be out the window, or perhaps my fuzzy recollection is totally inaccurate?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Passat MSRP starts at $22,950. Mid size Lexus starts above $29,000,Acura above $27,000, Cadillac above $30,000. Accord starts at $18,225 and Camry a bit higher. So the Passat is right in the middle
Base MSRPs are a lot of smoke and mirrors. Price out a Passat V6 and an equally equipped Accord EX V6. If the price difference is less than $3000, I'll eat my hat. The "real world" price on the Passat has shot out of the mid-size sedan category and into the near-luxury segment. It's a nice car, but not nice enough to play in that ballpark. Leave the luxury to Audi.
Well the nearly base Jetta (added ATX and ESP to a VE) we bought for just under $19,000 had everything we wanted plus, so it is not a lot of smoke and mirrors for all models for everyone.
It was posted that the Passat was in Lexus, Acura, Cadillac territory. Now it reduced to it might be more expensive than an Accord :confuse: . Likely in most cases it is more expensive than an Accord.
However, it all depends on what your list of "must haves" includes. For instance, if (like me) you want stability control, you get that standard with the cheapest Passat and it is available on the cheapest Jetta. I believe Honda requires the EX to get it. On the other hand if (like me) you want cloth, the passat is out of the running. 4 wheel disc brakes are standard on the VWs, not on the Accord.
I find it particularly obnoxious when a manufacturer requires me to buy a pricey model to get saftey equipment. I give VW a lot of credit for not doing that. We were able to get all the safety equipment that is available on any Jetta, on the VE.
"I'm sorry but that is just idiotic. What did they expect with 18 inch wheels and rubber band tires?"
I hear what you are saying, but you should also be aware that there are a number of models at the price of the GLI they tested that, even when equipped with the sport package including low profile tires, do NOT drive that way. Think Saab, think Acura, think one or two others...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
It was posted that the Passat was in Lexus, Acura, Cadillac territory. Now it reduced to it might be more expensive than an Accord
The previous generation Passat was a direct competitor to the Camcords, and even then it was a little bit pricier. The new Passat shoots staight past the Camcords into the Cadillac/Acura/Lexus price category. That's going to be a bit hard for most people to swallow from a VW. Why get a VW when for the same price you can get a real luxury car with the dealership experience to go with it? It's the same problem VW had with the Phaeton.
I'm not saying the Passat isn't a good car or that it's not properly equipped. It's just priced out of the VW market segment. Like I said, leave the luxury to Audi and let VW concentrate on the bread-and-butter sales (i.e. $25K and under).
price did increase but it also added a lot of standard equipment. Even that $17,900 Accord will have side airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS, cruise, AC, power windows and locks, and a CD player.
I don't see any comparison with the Accord vs Passat. If you are not interested in refined handling or superior braking, buy the cheap Accord. If you want a great driving experience you will consider the Passat. They are not in the same league. I'm not even sure the Acura line will compare with the Passat in driving pleasure.
I agree with you there, the Passat is a very nice drive (I have not driven the brand new one, but am assuming they IMPROVED it over the '05 I drove, which was great). Having said that, the TSX I drove is every bit the driver's car the Passat is, minus a few lb-ft of course vs the Passat. By the time you equip the Passat to the level of standard equipment the TSX has, they will be roughly equal in price. And I would take the TSX.
HOWEVER, among the more plebeian family sedans, Accord still ranks at the top of the list as a "driver's car", I think (and many car mags agree). Word is, Fusion may topple it off that top rung while matching it for size.
POINT IS, people buying family cars, especially ones with kids that will mess the car up from day one, will most often be priced out of the Passat entirely or choose to buy a less expensive car given that it is going to get messed up anyway. The CamCords get better gas mileage too.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I don't what changed on Accord value package, but the increase in the Passat price comes with an entirely new, larger design including the new 2.0T engine vs. the 1.8T in the 2005.
I really think VW is trying to straddle both the Camry/Accord and the 300/Avalon/Maxima markets with the pricing on this newest Passat. A nicely spec'd V6 model can be had for about 35K, which is what about 5K above the top line Accords and Camrys and right in line with a 300C or top line Avalon?
IMO, I think the Passat is the best "family" car you can buy, period. Problem is the average family buyer isn't going to far beyond 30K (if they go that high to start with).
I really want this car to be a hit for VW, but I think they'll only sell about 80K (instead the 100K+ they should sell in this market segment) because of the price. They really need to restructure the option packages imo.
Now that they're geting rid of the money-draining Phaeton they'll be able to forget this luxury car stuff and get back to the basics.
Bring on the R36 Jetta and Golfs and a 6-speed manual for the Passat V6. A nice turbocharged VR6 R36 Passat (340hp)wouldn't hurt either. VW needs some excitement and some more value driven vehicles in their U.S. product mix, like it used to be.
Problem is the average family buyer isn't going to far beyond 30K
I bought my 2005 Passat GLS TDI Wagon during a lull last April. I got every available option and paid under $27k. For me it is overkill to use for errands. It would make a very nice family of four wagon. Also great safety record. As far as the CamCords, it is hard to argue with the top two selling cars in America. For me they were just too boring.
Or, why I won't buy any Volkswagen (and I had two Rabbits in the 70s and early 80s, the first of which was a real lemon):
These all gave problems to my co-workers, and our company only employs about 80 people.
Just briefly on the 4: Number one, a 2001 with the 1.8-liter turbo 4, had the repeated ignition coil failures, which I assume VW has finally resolved with better parts. More recently, a small part on the turbocharger broke, but the design is such that the entire turbocharger has to be replaced. Luckily, VW apparently is going to pick up the tab for this several hundred dollar repair.
Number two: owned by wife of number one. It's a 2003 that failed to start one morning, apparently with nearly every warning light showing on the dashboard. It turned out to have a major electrical problem and I believe its main computer (central processing unit) had to replaced, again luckily under warranty. I think (not sure) that water infiltrated the unit. Then the same thing happened not too much later -- no start. It was determined finally that there was a problem with the rear liftgate switch, causing the security system to shut down the car.
Number three: a late model (newer than 2001 I think) owned by the son of our president-elect. This one apparently would die on the road for no apparent reason, and was repeatedly taken to the dealer for service. The car was ultimately dumped (I don't know if VW bought it back).
Number four: a 2002 wagon model with the 1.8 turbo 4. My co-worker's father generously traded his Passat for the son's 1997 Honda Civic, which the father in turn gave to a young relative for his first car. The Passat only had about 10,000 miles on it. This was my colleague's dream car, but it soon turned into a nightmare. There was a major water leak, with water somehow entering the glove compartment and front passenger floor.
The incompetent local dealer did some major disassembly of the car's interior in a vain attempt to fix the problem, and in the process did more damage to the car. The car was in the shop for something like 5 weeks. Ultimately, VW stepped in to buy back the car for the amount the father had originally paid for it (not including taxes, title, etc.). Now my co-worker is telling everyone about his Passat and will never set foot in a VW dealership again. He now has an '04 Camry LE 4-cylinder almost identical to the one I gave my son last summer.
of more than 100 people has ever bought a VW except one lady, who stretched her budget to the max to buy a New Beetle convertible. It is so cute, and she was in ecstasy with it.......for about the first 1000 miles.
Since then she has visited the dealership monthly for warrantied repairs, and has stated emphatically that she would not THINK of keeping the car past warranty (which is rapidly approaching), selling at a loss if need be. And is having dreamy thoughts of Mini Coopers. Is that convertible model available yet? :-0
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
No sure if this had been brought up or not, but VW is limited to 60,000 TDi per calendar years, due to the EPA regulations. Apparently the quota has already been reached for 2005.
That may be. The VW TDI is only about 12% of the total VW's sold in the US. I doubt that VW will sell 200k cars this year. So that is no where near the limit for diesel VW's. Two of the top ten rated cars for mileage are VW TDI's, according to the EPA.
If VW had more diesel Jettas and Passats they could sell more cars. They never seem to get the product mix right. I remember in the mid 90's they had all these "Dusty Mauve" colored cars on their lots. They were a puck purple color nobody would buy. The never put an auto trannie in the VW Fox and lost lots of sales there. I don't know what their problem is they just can't get it right al least in the US.
I sincerely hope VW is forced into leaving the US. Between the awful reliability, pathetic dealer network (arrogant sales and incompetent service), lack of originality, and high cost, they have only the German driving experience left to offer us. Other companies provide that with the same high cost but without the aforementioned hassles.
IMO, the Jetta's styling is a copy of the Corolla, and the Passat looks vaguely like the new Avalon.
I would gladly trade them for one of the other European carmakers who don't currently sell here. Perhaps it would open up a slot for someone else to come in.
Comments
After believing for years that German-built VWs did much better in reliability than the Mexican/Brazilian ones, I have since seen evidence that the German ones do have about as many problems as the American ones.
I wouldn't buy a GTI, but I sure would DREAM about having one, then buy something else in the price range.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Although, I tend to be meticulous about caring for it. I always check the air, fluids, and belts each time I go and get gas. That, and I really do take the car in for service every 5,000 miles, like the manual says.
It's definitely been a joy to drive, too. The seats are the best I've ever sat in, out of all the cars I've owned. And if I put the pedal to the metal, my head will jerk back from the acceleration.
I just bought (2 days ago) a 2001 jetta - window regulator problems already. Yesterday the drivers side front window fell down into the door!
Lots of stories online from jetta owners with similar problems. I checked your two website rec's alldata.com and nhtsa.dot.gov, and could not find any confirmation to your claim that "the window-regulators were DEFINATELY a recall-item."
Will the VW dealer in my area take care of thatmeirca folks on Monday morning?
Any other places to check to verify a VW recall?
Speakers out on same door. Related?
Any help would be appreciated.
Please try again. Here is a hint;
6402-03 SEP 02 Body - Door Window Regulator Inoperative
A "TSB" (Technical Service Bulliten) is basically an acknolagment of a shortcoming or perhaps clarifying a procedure.
I always laugh when I hear that. I mean, I assume that there is an actual software issue with the car, but a part of me just said "isn't the gas engine SUPPOSED to stop sometimes?"
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Certainly if it were a calibration error, it would have affected all of them right? And not all Priuses are in the recall, only 75,000 or so from a specific group of VINs/production dates.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I think if VW holds the line on price and brings more diesels into the country they will regain some market share. They do have a reliability hurdle to overcome. My 2005 Passat TDI is great.
On the flip side, you can get a well-equipped top-trim Accord or Camry 4-cylinder for the same sticker price as that base Passat, that will have more features but less power. Or for $1-2K more you can get the same cars with the V-6 and have more power as well as the additional features.
And don't even get started on the domestic midsize sedans (Sonata too), in which you can get all that in some cases, ALONG WITH the V-6, for the same sticker. And arguably better reliability. And a decently stylish interior/exterior, in the case of the Fusion.
Phaeton was a big mistake that must have pulled money from other areas where it would have been much better applied, like increasing durability and reliability. I wonder how this proposal for a new SUV priced above the Touareg will fare. Again, VW will venture into pricey territory.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The Jetta is also more comparable to the TSX than the Passat is.
I am no fan of the std leatherette seating material (I prefer cloth), but the majority of buyers will see that as an upgrade over the cloth in the Accord or Camry.
The Passat's standard 2.0T engine likely performs about as well as those V-6s, despite the higher peak HP number at a meaningless 6000 RPM or whatever.
As for speed, I believe in the large/midsize sedan class the Avalon is the current reigning champ with the Accord V-6 following a close second. And that does not take into account the new Impala SS or the 300C, both of which do break the $30K sticker barrier however. The Passat with the 2.0T is a "tweener" in the midsize class - between the fours and V-6s of most of the other guys.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Which SUV is that? The only other SUV I've heard about for VW is the one they've got coming for 2007-8 that is priced below the T-Rex, you know like a Rav4/CR-V compeitor.
M
I believe sales of the new Jetta have been increasing each month since it came out. This was despite the fire sales that GM, Ford, and Chrysler had going on.
A $30,000 4 cylinder Passat might seem like a good deal to you but I would take an Accord EX-L anyday for $4000-6000 less. VW is not offering a manual transmission with a sunroof which would take it out of consideration for me at any price.
merc: I thought I read someplace that they were developing a second SUV to "bridge" the price gap between the Touareg and the Phaeton? Now that they are dumping the Phaeton, that may be out the window, or perhaps my fuzzy recollection is totally inaccurate?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Base MSRPs are a lot of smoke and mirrors. Price out a Passat V6 and an equally equipped Accord EX V6. If the price difference is less than $3000, I'll eat my hat. The "real world" price on the Passat has shot out of the mid-size sedan category and into the near-luxury segment. It's a nice car, but not nice enough to play in that ballpark. Leave the luxury to Audi.
I'm sorry but that is just idiotic. What did they expect with 18 inch wheels and rubber band tires?
Well the nearly base Jetta (added ATX and ESP to a VE) we bought for just under $19,000 had everything we wanted plus, so it is not a lot of smoke and mirrors for all models for everyone.
It was posted that the Passat was in Lexus, Acura, Cadillac territory. Now it reduced to it might be more expensive than an Accord :confuse: . Likely in most cases it is more expensive than an Accord.
However, it all depends on what your list of "must haves" includes. For instance, if (like me) you want stability control, you get that standard with the cheapest Passat and it is available on the cheapest Jetta. I believe Honda requires the EX to get it. On the other hand if (like me) you want cloth, the passat is out of the running. 4 wheel disc brakes are standard on the VWs, not on the Accord.
I find it particularly obnoxious when a manufacturer requires me to buy a pricey model to get saftey equipment. I give VW a lot of credit for not doing that. We were able to get all the safety equipment that is available on any Jetta, on the VE.
I hear what you are saying, but you should also be aware that there are a number of models at the price of the GLI they tested that, even when equipped with the sport package including low profile tires, do NOT drive that way. Think Saab, think Acura, think one or two others...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The previous generation Passat was a direct competitor to the Camcords, and even then it was a little bit pricier. The new Passat shoots staight past the Camcords into the Cadillac/Acura/Lexus price category. That's going to be a bit hard for most people to swallow from a VW. Why get a VW when for the same price you can get a real luxury car with the dealership experience to go with it? It's the same problem VW had with the Phaeton.
I'm not saying the Passat isn't a good car or that it's not properly equipped. It's just priced out of the VW market segment. Like I said, leave the luxury to Audi and let VW concentrate on the bread-and-butter sales (i.e. $25K and under).
The 2005 Accord value package with automatic starts at $17,995. The 2006 starts at $19025. That is an increase of $1030.
So seems like the prices are closer for the 2006 models than they were for the 2005 models.
HOWEVER, among the more plebeian family sedans, Accord still ranks at the top of the list as a "driver's car", I think (and many car mags agree). Word is, Fusion may topple it off that top rung while matching it for size.
POINT IS, people buying family cars, especially ones with kids that will mess the car up from day one, will most often be priced out of the Passat entirely or choose to buy a less expensive car given that it is going to get messed up anyway. The CamCords get better gas mileage too.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
IMO, I think the Passat is the best "family" car you can buy, period. Problem is the average family buyer isn't going to far beyond 30K (if they go that high to start with).
I really want this car to be a hit for VW, but I think they'll only sell about 80K (instead the 100K+ they should sell in this market segment) because of the price. They really need to restructure the option packages imo.
Now that they're geting rid of the money-draining Phaeton they'll be able to forget this luxury car stuff and get back to the basics.
Bring on the R36 Jetta and Golfs and a 6-speed manual for the Passat V6. A nice turbocharged VR6 R36 Passat (340hp)wouldn't hurt either. VW needs some excitement and some more value driven vehicles in their U.S. product mix, like it used to be.
M
I bought my 2005 Passat GLS TDI Wagon during a lull last April. I got every available option and paid under $27k. For me it is overkill to use for errands. It would make a very nice family of four wagon. Also great safety record. As far as the CamCords, it is hard to argue with the top two selling cars in America. For me they were just too boring.
These all gave problems to my co-workers, and our company only employs about 80 people.
Just briefly on the 4: Number one, a 2001 with the 1.8-liter turbo 4, had the repeated ignition coil failures, which I assume VW has finally resolved with better parts. More recently, a small part on the turbocharger broke, but the design is such that the entire turbocharger has to be replaced. Luckily, VW apparently is going to pick up the tab for this several hundred dollar repair.
Number two: owned by wife of number one. It's a 2003 that failed to start one morning, apparently with nearly every warning light showing on the dashboard. It turned out to have a major electrical problem and I believe its main computer (central processing unit) had to replaced, again luckily under warranty. I think (not sure) that water infiltrated the unit. Then the same thing happened not too much later -- no start. It was determined finally that there was a problem with the rear liftgate switch, causing the security system to shut down the car.
Number three: a late model (newer than 2001 I think) owned by the son of our president-elect. This one apparently would die on the road for no apparent reason, and was repeatedly taken to the dealer for service. The car was ultimately dumped (I don't know if VW bought it back).
Number four: a 2002 wagon model with the 1.8 turbo 4. My co-worker's father generously traded his Passat for the son's 1997 Honda Civic, which the father in turn gave to a young relative for his first car. The Passat only had about 10,000 miles on it. This was my colleague's dream car, but it soon turned into a nightmare. There was a major water leak, with water somehow entering the glove compartment and front passenger floor.
The incompetent local dealer did some major disassembly of the car's interior in a vain attempt to fix the problem, and in the process did more damage to the car. The car was in the shop for something like 5 weeks. Ultimately, VW stepped in to buy back the car for the amount the father had originally paid for it (not including taxes, title, etc.). Now my co-worker is telling everyone about his Passat and will never set foot in a VW dealership again. He now has an '04 Camry LE 4-cylinder almost identical to the one I gave my son last summer.
Since then she has visited the dealership monthly for warrantied repairs, and has stated emphatically that she would not THINK of keeping the car past warranty (which is rapidly approaching), selling at a loss if need be. And is having dreamy thoughts of Mini Coopers. Is that convertible model available yet? :-0
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
That may be. The VW TDI is only about 12% of the total VW's sold in the US. I doubt that VW will sell 200k cars this year. So that is no where near the limit for diesel VW's. Two of the top ten rated cars for mileage are VW TDI's, according to the EPA.
IMO, the Jetta's styling is a copy of the Corolla, and the Passat looks vaguely like the new Avalon.
So you don't like VW...who cares! But why do you object to others having the option to buy them. :confuse:
VW does not prevent anyone else from selling cars here. There are not a set number of "slots" for import car makes.