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Comments
Your VR6 mill in your new Passat has a 12.0:1 compression ratio, one of the highest compression ratios that I've heard about in recent years (not counting diesels). While the OBC electronics are apparently capable of retarding the ingnition far enough to allow your engine to burn Regular gasoline without any immediated damage to the internals, doing so will seriously emasculate both your cars' performance as well as its fuel economy.
"The label on my 2006 Passat 3.6L says the 6 speed automatic transmission was manufactured in Japan. Does anyone know who makes the transmission?"
Yes, it's a highly regarded company called Aisin AW. http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/index.html
Best Regards,
Shipo
http://www.germancarfans.com/photos.cfm/photoid/3050725.001/volkswagen/1.html
I have to say that I was pretty disappointed to see VW phasing out the stick shift with the new Passat. You can't get it with any decent options, and you can't get it at all with the 3.6L. I'm very worried a stick won't show up in the wagon at all. I would kill for a stick shift with a Dynaudio stereo. Too bad I have to go to the Volvo C70 to find one.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
However, I found some encouraging news. See thread below. It doesn't discuss wagons in particular, but does give some hope that VW will be offering manual transmissions in a wider range of configurations starting in the 2007 model year and perhaps as early as June. I'm skeptical, but I may wait until then and see what happens.
http://www.passatworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202016
Anyhow, pretty serious accident and Mama's pretty banged up. I truly believe the airbags are the reason she slept in her own bed....later that night.
Estimated damage 13,000.00
Can you keep us updated on how the repairs progress? My wife bought a brand new Honda civic back in '02. It was one of the first hybrids to reach the states. She was broadsided by a snowplow within a month of delivery (she was OK - the plow hit the passenger side and there was nothing to be pushed into on the other side). At any rate, the car was out of service for over 3 months. Being a new model, the dealership was unable to get parts. They told us that there was no stock of doors, windows, etc. to make repairs, and they had to order and wait for delivery from Japan. It was very frustrating, but made some sense. Parts were going into the assembly of new and complete vehicles, not being stockpiled to repair collisions. In fact, the matter is still in litigation as the insurance co. refused to pay for the rental after 1 month!
To me, the experience was yet another reason not to buy the first year of a new model (her decision - she wanted that hybrid!). I am curious if VW will have similar supply issues and your reports on the matter will be informative. Thanks in advance - and I hope it goes smoother for you.
Of course, we HAD to retain an attorney and he'll be representing us through this entire process. I'm learning alot about insurance companies. [unfortunatly]
We are not discussing nor dealing with the offenders [the woman who hit the wife] personal car insurance company. Our carrier is handling the repairs and rental and then will pursue the person/insurance company who caused the accident [the woman was ticket'd for failure to yield].
And you are correct. Wer'e told 30 days is all they'll cover for rental car. Of course, there's not a chance in hell this things gonna be done in the next 23 days. And I totally agree bout the parts issue. We had a drivers side power window accuator go out and it took 5 weeks in order to secure that part. This things gonna easily take 2-3 months and wer'e expecting that to be the case.
Lawyers can fight bout who pays what and all that. LOL...all that pain and suffering stuff
I'll tell ya this much.... that car will be traded in the day it comes outta the body shop. The depreciation's just gonna have to come outta the settlement.
I think that you should tell your attorney that you want a new car, that or a fairly substantial "Deprecation" allowance.
Best Regards,
Shipo
I was at first thinkin' we'd walk away with a replacement. After spending a couple hours with council it seems wev'e no choice but to wait out a repair and the deprecation for the trade will come outta our pockets. I'm understanding the insurance companys don't just hand out replacements all that easily. [One of the reasons we sought lawyers from day one] Had it been an 04-05 , yes,it woulda been totaled.
I can't tell anyone what to do...... trust me, i really want to. Wer'e ultimatly gonna get screwed, hopefully the use of this coat & tie will keep loss's to a minimum .
One would think that given the relative lack of spare parts for the new Passat that the insurance companies would come out ahead by salvaging your car and simply getting you a new one. Yup, I'm still confused. :confuse:
Best Regards,
Shipo
Insurance companies look at replacement value - they don't care about MSRP or what you paid. A few years ago it was quite possible that a 6 month old Audi had depreciated so much that 45% of the MSRP may have been over the total threshold - that's typically 80% of replacement cost.
One would think that given the relative lack of spare parts for the new Passat that the insurance companies would come out ahead by salvaging your car and simply getting you a new one.
It's all about minimizing payment. If they can fix it for less than their total threshold - again typically 80% of replacement cost - they will.
As for depreciation, good luck. Most states don't obligate insurers to pay for dimished value.
I realize that part. That portion [dimished value] will be extracted from the final "settlement" -AKA- *COUGH* pain & suffering
Hmmm, I've always heard that the number was more like 50% of replacement value before a car was declared "totaled". In this particular case, since my car had options that were no longer available, the street price of my car had actually gone UP which means that the percentage of damage to replacement value went down. Even so, my car was totaled and in the end, his insurance company called three different Audi dealers in the Chicago area and asked the two following questions:
1) How much would they sell my car with my options for on their used car lot?
2) Do they have any on their lot at that moment that even closely approximated the configuration of my car?
In all three cases the answers were about the same:
Question 1: Some number that ranged from $500 to $1,000 over my original MSRP.
Question 2: No.
Once the survey was complete I gave them one final chance to fix my car, and when that offer was declined, they paid me the lowest of the three quotes from the dealers for my car.
I'm staying with my initial premise; $13,000 damage on a new Passat is a significant percentage of replacement value and as such should be scrapped.
Best Regards,
Shipo
I wanted to trade the car for an identical one that the dealer had on the lot, but they gave me some song and dance about how they couldn't sell our car as a "Certified Used Vehicle" b/c the frame had been straightened. The settlement amount was not near enough to make up the difference so we just drove the car. Fortunately we never had any other problems except one other ding in the door where someone backed into it.
I know that if someone hit our new Passat and did $13,000 worth of damage, someone would be buying me a new vehicle. Tort reform is non-existent in Mississippi where we live now and I'm sure I could find a lawyer who would gladly take such a case. However, I don't think that would be necessary with our insurance carrier.
I think that is the biggest issue in this mess. A good insurance company doesn't just provide coverage, they go to bat for their customers when things like this happen.
I love my '06 VW Passat 2.0 but it is boring to drive. I've tried the Triptronic but it's just not the same as manual shifting. I would trade in my '06 Passat in a heartbeat, if I could get an '07 Passat with manual, diesel 2.0 with lux package#2.
Is it possible that my dream will become a reality or should I just go back to sleep?
NEIN! No manual for you! Auto, auto, auto.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Know what?
They are correct. Folks would fight for the color their car was painted, but would not seek out a stick shift version.
I finally caved in -- may my all optioned 6spd manual 2003 allroad 2.7T RIP.
The W8 sport package Passat with 6spd transmissions were practically rusting on the dealer's lots -- heck they seem to undersell Phaetons if that is possible.
Man, that new Passat with the 3.6, the AWD and a sport package with 6spd manual would be, one could think, a huge seller.
"One" could think is the operative phrase, not "many" or "most" would think.
If you want a stick shift, think Audi or BMW -- if you want both diesel and stick shift, consider moving to Western Europe, buying your car and then riding around the continent yelling "woo woo, what's your phone number?!"
Yea, that's the ticket.
Do you have Keyless entry (KESSY) as standard in your new passat 2006/2005? which model (2.0, 2.0T or 3.2 etc)and what type of car (sedan or wagon)?
If not, how much is the optional cost in US$?
Is it worth it for you?
Thanks for your input.
Possibly bundled in'um all ??
"New starting and locking system: The starting and locking system with radio remote control has been completely redeveloped. There is no longer an ignition key in the conventional sense. Most of the transmitter components for unlocking and locking the central locking system have been moved into a retainer to the right of the steering wheel. The engine can now be started by pressing the transmitter. If the Passat is equipped with a keyless entry start and exit system (KESSY), the vehicle is started by pressing a button. How it works: When the newly designed door handle is touched, the system detects access authorisation by means of a transmitter in a jacket pocket, trouser pocket or handbag, unlocks the Passat, deactivates the immobiliser and the optional antitheft alarm system and allows the vehicle to be started. The vehicle is unlocked using a button located in the door handles. The vehicle can still be unlocked and locked by remote control, of course."
So, you just need to put your key inside your pocket, touch the door handle and open it. You then just press the start button to start the engine WITHOUT inserting the key.
If you can do the above then it is keyless but if not then it is not a keyless.
I think it is optional for basic model but who knows VW give kessy as standard to all models.
I need to know which model of passat do you have with the keyless function.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks.
My understanding is that there is no keyless entry/start (like the one on Lexus) available on VW's vechile, at least not to my knowledge... May be it is available for the V6 version... Anyone can confirm that??
Besides, Allstate already showed their idiocy with that commercial they recently ran saying that for every year you go accident free they will reduce your deductible by $100. The only way to receive the benefit is to have a wreck. Sure it might help if you live in a "no-fault" state like Florida, but that's not the case where I live. Furthermore, I'll guarantee you that if you have an at-fault accident, you will have to start all over AND your rates will go up.
The only true savings on insurance is when they reduce your premium.
IT was fixed, though, very good in the end.
Dan
THEY LOOK VERY COOL!!!...and obviously for sale now.
Planning to stop by at the dealer this w-end to see it closer.
Dan
See my previous message on how it works.
Thanks.
As it turns out, I had moved the shifter to Park, but not quite all the way. A slight bump forward on the shifter and the key came right out. I was glad to get it out but, man, I hate it when she figures out things like that before I do.
I presently am on my second Audi A6 lease and even though you read lots of negative comments on the forums, both of the cars have been near perfect with minor things fixed by Audi with no question. I am looking at Passat because the new Audi A6 Avant is up near $50k MSRP and that is a lot for someone who drives less than 10K miles per year now in retirement. The www.fitzmall.com site is selling Passat at a few dollars under invoice. Not sure what the wagons will sell for but they have one listed now at about $600 over invoice
Now the Audi.......:) Makes you look forward to the drive to work. And oh yes, it is German, that is why it is so perfect
Mikena
The Passat is not check-marked, probably because it's a new model.
It may also have something to do with the fact that prior Passats (99 – 04) have never been above average in their annual reliability surveys. And the 04 (most recent model year they show statistics for) is rated ‘much worse than average’.
In addition to doing well in their testing:
“To earn our standard recommendation, vehicles must . . have average or better predicted reliability” – CU’s site.
I am surprised that they didn’t specifically state why it did not earn their recommendation.
- Ray
Received the issue, but have not read the article . .
And this "predicted reliability" is a farce. Reliability can only be reliably determined over time. Sure you can make assumptions, but that's all they are - assumptions.
I also believe thay need to have categories of reliability: Engines, transmissions, electrical, etc. Then you are not only comparing apples with apples, you are also comparing seeds with seeds, cores with cores, stems with stems.
-They do NOT rate every problem equally; they have a weighting system that penalizes certain kinds of bigger issues, and downplays less important stuff.
-They DO have categories of reliability, for engines, drivetrain, electrical, body noises, etc.
-They only try to "predict" reliability for a new car when a model and/or manufacturer has a really good, bullet-proof track record. Only then do they make predictions on a new model. Otherwise, they say they will wait and see.
-They have the largest data base of real-world auto feedback outside of the manufacturers themselves - no one else even comes close.
To understand their methodology thoroughly, you have to take the time to read their annual auto issue [April issue, out about this time next month] completely, which means paying particular attention to their explanation of how they draw their reliability conclusions. Again, no one else even vaguely attempts to do what CU does on this issue.
VW IS less "reliable" in the sense of things gone wrong, and the data is simply undeniable. That doesn't mean their products aren't attractive [I'm considering one right now], but it DOES mean you have to be realistic about what you're getting into. Asserting otherwise is interesting grist for a lively debate, but I understand and agree completely with CU's data and conclusions from that data.
The car I currently drive and thoroughly enjoy, a 2002 Mercedes C240, has been for us relatively trouble-free and wonderful to use on long trips, and has spent minimal time in the shop. That doesn't mean I turn away from the awful experiences that some people have had with the '01-'02 Cs, and that data is what it is. Same applies to the Passat in particular, and VW in general - I have a friend who loves his '02, and has had a relatively trouble-free 65k miles under his belt, but that doesn't change the weight of the real-world data of thousands of owners. It is what it is.
Mr. Spock was logical, too. I am not certain I would have wanted him to pick my cars though, unless terms like "acceptable, adequate and ample" are words that convey meaningful information about a car.
Where I come down on this is I think cars are off the charts emotional purchases. And, I do understand there are facts that need to be discussed and known.
I would let CR advise me on my furnace my washing machine and my microwave. I would not, beyond basic data points, want to rely on CR to help me in any meaningful way choose my car or my spouse.
My wife is adequate and competent. She is accurate in her activities within an acceptable margin of error. She is located at this latitude and that latitude and is 800 feet above sea level.
Likewise a car, perhaps more than any other purchase, is far more of an emotional choice than it is a logical choice.
For me, therefore, CR is about as useful to me as knowing my wife's height and weight as a means of determining our compatibility as a marital unit.
Passats should be about driving. Right now, there must be some heavy duty resistance in the mkt place to them, for here in River City they are $299 a month with no upfront money -- and yet they sit and sit and sit on dealer's lots.
An Audi A4 2.0T quattro with sunroof package is $369 a month with $995 down -- they move steadily into the garages of new owners.
CR's ratings, methinks, have little to do with this situation -- clearly the Passat is a bargain at that price. I would think it has more to do with the product itself than with some CR review or reliability ranking.
As usual, I could be (probably am) wrong. But CR would no more be my autobuying guide than it would be my "spousal unit selection guide."
:surprise:
I've owned 54 cars in 44 years. I've been around the block with every import and most domestics, and have made lots of "emotional" purchases. I regard CU with a respect that I deny all of the buff books - and I read them all (C&D, R&T, Autoweek, Automobile, MT). What you get from Consumer Reports is repeatability and consistency. What you do with the data is your business.
The reason that Audi sells and VW doesn't, in my experience and opinion, is all about the dealers. I can tell you from our local subset, the VW dealers can't hold a candle to the service provided by the [one and only] Audi guy. These days you've got too much competition for the dealers to be anything but top notch, especially with a brand that is famous for having its share of problems to solve.
And as much as I love cars, the spousal analogy goes over the top for me...