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Wow, over the last several years, every time I think I've talked myself into buying a new VW, I visit the Edmunds boards and other online sites for owners' experiences, and I have to say, it doesn't look too cheery. Must be a German car thing. We got rid of not one, but TWO otherwise excellent BMW's over the last few years because we got tired of the repeated "drill" of getting the minor (and sometimes major) problems fixed. Yes, we had an extended warranty so they weren't TOO expensive, but the time factor was killing us. The usual drill is:
1. Call for appointment at dealer after discovering problem. 2. 3-14 days later, appointment time arrives. 3. Drive car to dealership (usually about an hour in traffic here), follow in 2nd car. 4. Drive wife to work from dealer in 2nd car. 5. Drive back home or to job. 6. Drive to pick wife up at work. 7. Drive wife home, since car is rarely ready in one day due to required part not being in stock. 8. Drive wife to work 2nd day. 9. Drive to job. 10. Call to make sure car is now ready. 11. Drive to pick up wife at work. 12. Rush to dealer to pick up car before they close. 13. Pick up car at Dealership, no chance to talk with knowledgeable mechanic ever, of course. 14. Drive both cars home.
As you can see, this is a HUGE time waster unless you live 5 minutes from the dealership. And since I'm self employed, the time required can actually sometimes cost several hundred dollars in lost work. And renting a car to avoid some of the driving means you can tack on about $150 to the experience. Since VW doesn't give out loaners, and their nearest dealer is again an hour from here in traffic, I'm thinking twice about how much "fun" a Passat would be over the more appliance-like Japanese cars. I just wish the Japanese could get their styling act together. I love the Passat's look.
We averaged about one visit to the shop every 2 months on our two BMW's. I figured that totalled about 45 man-hours of wasted time each year for us. That's a complete work week. I spent about 2 hours a year having my '83 Toyota Supra fixed or maintained up until it was 9 years old.
Your experience may vary, of course. But I would keep this in mind if you are a busy person or hate dealing with car dealerships and their sometimes annoying inefficiencies.
My wife and I are looking to purchase a '03 Passat. After threading through most of the postings here, the internet, I've heard the problems come down to:
Potential Transmission Problems Starting Problems (intermittent electrical) Window Problems (seems common to all VWs) Brake Problems (seems to be resolved after 2000) Oil problems (leaks and burning)
Judging from our previous VW experience with her Jetta (whose windows crashes more frequently than Windows 98) I am naturally reluctant to sign off of such an expensive vehicle with this many potential problems.
I know that ALL carmakers have some quirks - it's just the nature of the automotive industry, I guess - but the list above seems rather excessive.
So, my question to all of you is... How often do these problems occur? And, can my wife expect a continuation of her Window problems with the Passat as she had with the Jetta?
I'd appreciate any and all feedbacks on these issues, so I can at least tell her whether or not it is worth looking elsewhere for a "Fun" and "Reliable" car.
Thanks!
BTW - We heard that the frequent window failures on the Jetta's are related to the extreme heat in Arizona - but why didn't they find these things when they tested it on the Arizona Proving Grounds?
I do have a 2000 Passat GLS auto. I believe Passats are a lot better built than Jettas, you should check with Consumer Reports. My Passat has been fixed more than 8 times in 26 months, all covered by warranty. I can tell you this much: when it's trouble free, the more I drive it, the more I love it. It is GREAT in the snow, with the standard equiped tires. Would I recommend this car to a new buyer? I hesitate because of my own experience with its reliability. But it is a lot of car for the price. None of the Japanese mid-size cars, even the new 03 Accord, come with standard curtain airbags and traction control.
If you are not so sure that you want to own a Passat, you should really compare and test drive the competitiors in the same class - Camry, Altima, even Maxima. The 03 Accord and Mazda 6 are coming to the show room soon, there are pictures on some car magazines' web sites.
We looked at the Accord, and found the current incarnation... wanting. The 2003 is a prototype production model - so that rules that one out too. Ditto with the Mazda.
As for the Camry, it has the reliability, but none of the excitement or refinement of the Passat. We haven't checked the Maxima yet.
I have a '98 Passat with the 1.8 Turbo 4 and 38,000 original miles. Overall the car has been a delight since purchasing it new in January 1998 (have central door lock problem at times and some more serious engine problem but dealer repaired it to satisfaction; Carter VW/Saab in Seattle has been great 90% of time). But during the last 5K miles I notice a low moaning noise when I accelerate into second from first, and second into third (I have a Tiptronic shift). Doesn't appear to affect performance, repair guys can't hear it, perhaps it's the turbo kicking in but never heard it before 33K miles. Anyone else have this problem? Also need to replace the original Continental tires soon and wanted to upgrade from 15" std. wheels to 16" steel wheels and better handling tires. But I guess I might have problems with the computer controls related to the ABS and other functions if I switch to larger wheels/tires since the ABS is calibrated at the factory for 15" rather than 16" wheels/tires. Is this true? What to do?
Also ... wanted to upgrade from 15" std. wheels to 16" steel wheels and better handling tires.
I assume you're going to do a standard "+1" sizing, so that your speedometer calibration won't change, correct?
But I guess I might have problems with the computer controls related to the ABS and other functions if I switch to larger wheels/tires since the ABS is calibrated at the factory for 15" rather than 16" wheels/tires. Is this true?
What kind of slimy snake oil salesman dumped this load of BS on you?
What to do?
For ABS, it doesn't matter how big "the hole in the middle" (rim size) is, nor does it matter how wide the tires are.
The only thing that does matter is the tire's outside diameter (OD), although technically speaking, its actually the ratio of diameters from front/back that's the key, not the absolute diameters. On most cars, the OD's are the same for front & rear, which means that you can go to any tire size so long as you put it on all 4 corners, even if/when this messes up your speedometer calibration.
The only real "tricks" to worry about wheels are:
1. They need to be big enough to provide clearance for your brakes (a problem when going smaller).
2. They need to be small enough to prevent interference with suspension parts & fenders (a problem when going bigger).
3. They have to have the correct pattern of lug nuts (qty & radius), plus the proper wheel offset.
4. Speedometer calibration won't change (significantly), so long as the new tire's outside diameter is the same as the old.
In general, a +1 sizing rarely causes any problems.
My 2000 passat at 26,000 miles did the same thing, however, I lost my accelaration each time. They have replaced the pedal sensor, all 18 wire terminals, and now the entire throttle. 3 different repairs. Would drive for about a week and happen again. Picked it up yesterday from repair#3 and it did it again. However, I noticed that I was plugging in my phone charger as it happenedd. When I called the dealer, they said they had received a bulletin about some cell phone chargers scrambling the computer signals which render the car to not work. Each repair was "goodwill" covered by VW, but total was around $2000. Good luck and I hope your dealer is as good as mine!
I have a mystery noise in my steering wheel that the dealer can't seem to fix--even though the problem started while it was sitting at the dealer waiting for a new transmission.
My car is a 01.5 New Passat GLX 4motion Wagon.
If the car sits in the sun all day and then gets driven (say from work to home), by the time I get home I get a creek that I can describe as metal fatigue or a squeeky hinge or that annoying sound Tim Allen used to make on his TV show. This sound occurs when I'm slowing down or at a stop and go to make a turn.
Interestingly, I have noticed that after I park, if I move the wheel slowly back and forth, it will creek--but once it locks, no matter how slowly I move it, it doesn't creek.
Its been in 3 times for this problem and the dealer is clueless.
Also, I was told that VW (as a company) does not authorize dealers to pay for loaner cars--so if your dealership doesn't let customers drive inventory, then you are on your own.
I have an '02 Passat Wagon, which we frequently take to the beach. Recently, I discovered that the suntan lotion that I was wearing on my leg and arm caused the top layer of the center console, where my right leg touches when I drive, to peel off. This also happened on the driver's door handle area. Our dealer fixed it, but said he was doing us a favor. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
Also, does anyone else notice that when you wash your windshield, you can smell the washer fluid? If so, can it be repaired? Thanks.
the windshield washer fluid smell....it's normal. The washer solvent that VW uses has a particularly nice lemon smell to it. Rain-x Bug and Tar, smells like alcohol.
If you're really concerned about the smell, use some generic washer solvent that doesn't smell much, or use recirc more often, as the vent takes in air from the outside.
I asked my dealer of the last 10 years to pick me up a '92 Volvo Turbo Wagon at the auction (I've been a Volvo driver for years). He came back with a '96 Passat GLX Wagon with 86,000 highway miles on it. Mint condition (as far as I can see) and big endorsement from him (and he's good).
I checked Carfax and it's clean. I drove it and loved it. But good ol' Consumer Reports panned that year, saying it wasn't reliable. I'm confused. Checked www.nhtsa.com and saw that most of the complaints were on Volkswagen of America manufactured cars. This one's manufactured in Germany.
I don't have too long to decide about this. I'm not rich (he's asking $7000.00) and would like to feel like I'm getting a good car that will last me about 5-10 years. Is the CR review warranted on this model, manufacturer, year or are there exceptions to the rule?
I have a 1999 Passat GLS and following rain have the unpleasant experience of finding water in the interior front and rear passenger foot wells. I can't seem to find the source of the leak; there is no evidence of moisture leaking in from anywhere but the floor boards. My dealer also can't seem to find the source. If you have any ideas or experience with this problem, please respond.
Weird, Just weird. It seems to me that I am getting enough low vibrations through the steering wheel to make my left little finger go numb. It feels similar to the sensation you get after riding a bicycle for a while. Has anybody come across this? And if so, how do I stop it? Also, what do I need the dealer to check out?
Thought I would let you know the outcome to my posting: isoasp Aug 29, 2002 8:15pm. Turns out that the rain water was entering the interior filter housing, which is located near the windshield wipers. Apparently some leaves were funneling water onto the housing and past the gasket so that water would enter the footwells of the car. I also recommend the "forum" section of www.vwvortex.com, since when I posted this problem there several others responded with similar experiences.
My '98 passat gls has had three front tracking arms replaced at about $400 each. I get the feeling from the dealer that this is a not uncommon problem but no one has mentioned this on this message board. Has anyone experienced this and have they gotten vw or the dealer to chip in?
I had a problem with water leaks entering the front and rear passenger wells on the drivers side of the car. I have discovered that VW has two drains, one under the battery and another under the power brake booster. Leaves will slide down your windshield and settle under the battery and the power brake booster blocking the drains and causing water to collect. This location is also where cable harnesses run into the drivers compartment through the firewall. During heavy rains the rain will build up in there and seep into the drivers compartment through these cable harnesses. Unfortunately the drains are completely hidden and inaccessible unless you pull the battery. This is clearly a design flaw and I am not certain why VW and dealers are not warning owners.
Now for the really bad new. Many of the electronic modules and cables ( air bag sensors, door lock controls, starter controls, etc.) are located under the rug padding. This moisture will cause these components to fail and also cause the wiring harness to corrode. These are all costly components ( I speak from experience) and can make the car unreliable and cause it to do strange things. By the time you detect the problem ( I say detect because I believe this problem can exist for a while before being discovered) the damage may already be done.
I want to put a K&N air filter in my wife's 1.8T Passat sedan, but it looks more complicated than any air filter I've dealt with before. The owner's manual doesen't say anything about the air filter, and the dealer said they would not install anything for me except VW parts. Can someone help, or lead me to a site that explains the procedure for something that should be so simple.
Both turn signals stopped functioning on my '00 Passat. Anyone else have this problem or know of a fix? The hazard flashers work and the turn signal fuse #2 is not blown. Thanks, John
I recently purchased a new 2003 GL Passat. It has only 700 miles on it. Yesterday I heard a loud flapping sound coming from the tires. When I stopped the car to check what the problem was, I was surprised to find that a thin layer of rubber (1/4 inch thick) had separated from the left rear tire and was causing the sound. Has anyone had a similar experience? Do you know what the problem could be? I never drive the car aggressively so it could not be because of bad driving habits.
Also, I have a question regarding the brakes. When I release the brake pedal from a stand still position, I hear a thumping/rubbing sound near the brakes. What could the issue be? Is this because the car is new and the brakes haven't broken in yet? I am thinking on waiting for a few months before having the dealer check it. Thanks in advance.
I, too, have had the intermittent "Check Engine" light appear in my 2001.5 Passat. The dealer has replaced the plugs and reset the computer each time I've had it in there. The problem returns. They are now suggesting switching away from the manufacturers recommended Premium Fuel to an 87 Octane w/o ethanol. Have others heard this?
i have an '02 passat wagon v6 4motion, and have put over 25k virtually trouble-free miles on it in one year. recently, though, on two separate, seemingly random occasions, the outside temp. gauge incorporated in the auto climate control system failed to register the outside temp, instead displaying two dashes instead of digits. not that i'm overly concerned about the outside temp, but this little glitch apparently caused the climate control system to malfunction, such that the a/c compressor wouldn't turn on. this actually led to serious window-fogging issues on both occasions. after safely reaching my destination on both occasions, and returning to the car sometime later, the problem curiously corrected itself. i was wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar problem, or if this one is my very own. also, since i'm sort of a novice at this bulletin-board stuff, does anyone know where i could look for any vw TSB's on my own?? thanks for any input.
I have had a similar problem on my GLX 4motion sedan. It only occurred once as I was getting ready to go into a car wash -- I thought maybe the outside air temp sensor had gotten wet or something.
In any case, I think you can force the a/c to come on by hitting the 'cool' button until the set temperature displays 'min' and adjusting the fan manually. But if there's a fix, I'd like to know, too.
My 2003 GL Passat has started making some faint yet annoying rattling sounds. It is hard for me to pinpoint the source of the sound. I know that the windows rattle a bit when I hit a few bumps. Also, when parked in the sun all day, the rattles seem to increase as compared to the morning ride. Comments, similar experiences, and solutions??
no rattles or squeaks here. just a noisy rear wiper, which i'm going to replace right now. and thanks to whterbt re: climate problem. sorry you had the same problem, and i appreciate the info should it happen again. don't have a fix yet. i'm moving in a few weeks to western CT - gonna try a new VW dealer, see if they have any info about the problem. the car is still under warranty - i suppose they could replace the entire climate control module?? i'll post any fix/info that i come across.
I have a 2002 Passat and I commute 100 miles round trip for work each weekday - averaging about 2500 miles/month. I just dropped off the car for the 20000 mile service - and was given a quote of about $600. This is way above the estimated cost by Edmunds based on the manufacturers scheduled maintenance. Is this normal? I was told at 20,000 miles the scheduled maintenance is for a complete engine check - including changed spark plugs, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
You have to watch out...there is the VW 20K recommended service, and there's the "dealer" 20K service.
The dealer frewquently includes stuff that the manufacturer doesn't. It's the golden opportunity to 'upsale' service, at a handsome profit.
8u6hfd is correct...check your owner's manual and get them to price those services, nothing more. If you're the least bit handy, you maight want to tackle some of the simple stuff yourself, and subtract it from the list (save all receipts for warranty protection, of course).
Conversely, you might want to check with another dealer for a bit of competitive shopping.
As always, YMMV and nothing you read here is to be taken as gospel. :->
I bought a '02 Passat GLS 1.8T in September and currently have 14 000 kms on it. I just had it towed in this morning for the second time to replace a bad ignition coil. Apparently it is not the same one that went at about 5000 kms. Has any one else run into this with the 1.8?
Not sure if this is a related issue or not but on cold starts, engine revs at 1300 rpm for about 30 seconds which I know is normal. However, it is accompanied by a a rough and loud idle. I park in a garage and it doesn't get below 12 degress celsius. Anybody else have the rough starts?
Just bought my first VW, a 1999 Passat GLS Wagon 4 cyl 5 speed turbo. After two days of rain, the right rear carpet is soaking wet. We did not leave the window or roof open. Thanks for all insights. Please restore my faith in this car.
I had the same problem (along with others) with my 1999 Passat 1.8. Just had the ignition coil replaced 2 months ago and I only had 15000 miles on it. If it is a problem a cross the board I dont know?
My 99 Passat V6 is currently at the dealer being repaired after a timing belt failure while driving at highway speed. I had 45,000 miles on the car, and just got the 40,000 mile service (to the tune of $700) where the belt was supposedly inspected. So far they found a cracked head, but have not gone in to assess possible piston / cylinder damage. This will all be fixed under power train warranty, but should I be demanding a new engine? I can forsee complications from this down the road even if they repair all parts that appear now to be damaged. Timing belt failure after 45K is rediculous, and there's no way they checked the belt at 40K and then it broke 5K later.
I had a 1999 Passat until I purchased a Golf GTI. You mentioned a sunroof, which is what caused a leak in my GTI's rear left floor. There is drain tubing that runs along the A or B piller, which can get crimped somehow - causing water to back up onto the floor. That may be your problem
Was just told that my 99 VW Passat GLS need to have it's steering rack replaced. Has anyone else had this problem? They quoted me at $1200. Does this seem right?
I have a 1998 1.8 and it's starting to use quite a bit of oil. It's out of warranty, of course. It's not leaking, I don't see any drops in the driveway. Normally I don't see smoke coming from tailpipe but if it sits for 24 hours or more it will blow some blueish smoke. I'm at 80,000 and this has been going on for 30+ but seems to be getting worse. It's using a quart every 1,000-1,500 miles.
Anyone have the same problem? I'm wondering if I better trade this puppy in fast.
Did you buy it new? I think the pre-2002 models had a 10 year/100K Mi powertrain warranty, unless it was sold, then it drops to 5/50. Not sure exactly when they started offering the 10/100, though. Though even if you are covered by the warranty, I'm sure vw will do everything they can to weasle out of paying for the repair.
Does anybody have blinker problem in passat 2001 model. I have a passat 2001 and about 28000 miles on it. Whenever I put on the blinkers, they work for a couple of seconds and then die out. Then i restart them they work again. It does not happen every time, but it happens often.This happens only when i am driving.
Guess what, I have a 2002 GLS 1.8 with only 6,000 miles and the MIL light came on yesterday, took it to the dealer today, they had to change the ignition coil and the spark plugs, IS THIS NORMAL?
I have been hearing an unusual roaring noise at cold start that lasts about 1 minute since 500 miles. First time, they changed the secondary air pump motor for me. Continued having the same problem but been told since by three different dealers that it's normal. WHAT'S ONE TO DO?
It's been awhile since posting in here-- I'm proud owner of a 2000 VW Passat -- with 90,000 miles. Needless to say I've burnt through all possible warranties besides the 10 yr powertrain. Over my 3 years or ownership I've had:
1) Two oil pans replaced (NYC potholes/construction) 2) Rear window failed three times (fixed after 3) 3) Replaced engine mounts number of times 4) Replaced boot?? whatever that thing is by the tire twice 5) Catalytic Converter died at 78,000 miles (just made the 80,000 warranty on the emissions system)
And #6 I currently have the car at the dealer -- Life Quality in Brooklyn (great service) -- with it's #6 symptom. Car won't start. SO far the techs been looking at it for two days, have eliminated the starter and the battery, so we'll see.
For a car that's three years old (Nov. 17) and the high mileage (all highway -- Toronto, Cali, Chicago, Orlando, Portland, Main and points in between) it's been a pleasure to drive, and I still get looks -- BUT I'm beginning to get worried, especially about this latest problem.
Any high mileage owners going for the long haul out there -- can give me some encouragement
BTW car's never missed a scheduled maintainance. I also lost the rear cup holder (9 year old nephew)
I've owned my 98 Passat GLS for about a year and have notice that there is some hesitation when I hit the gas hard in shifting through the gears. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.
I had a 2002 wagon (until it was rear ended and totaled) it had 17k on the odo and was exactly a year old.....
warrenty issues: rear window lock stopped working, replaced one each drl bulbs went out around 9k and 14k replaced, free of charges. I requested a new windshield ( I won't do that again, no one makes a perfect one) outside shop did the work, free of charge, no issues other than those things (minor in my book) the car was great, no rattles, sqeaks, etc. I liked it so much I ordered another to replace it....I should have a 2003 by january.......
First time posting since buying a 99 GLS last week. Love it so far, but I suddenly, the AM radio reception has stopped working. Anyone else experience this? Antenna problem? Can you point me to an solution somewhere online?
It didn't come with a CD player, so I'm planning to buy a trunk-mount 6 changer (my only option) from Crutchfield. Any model recommendations would be great.
Comments
We got rid of not one, but TWO otherwise excellent BMW's over the last few years because we got tired of the repeated "drill" of getting the minor (and sometimes major) problems fixed. Yes, we had an extended warranty so they weren't TOO expensive, but the time factor was killing us. The usual drill is:
1. Call for appointment at dealer after discovering problem.
2. 3-14 days later, appointment time arrives.
3. Drive car to dealership (usually about an hour in traffic here), follow in 2nd car.
4. Drive wife to work from dealer in 2nd car.
5. Drive back home or to job.
6. Drive to pick wife up at work.
7. Drive wife home, since car is rarely ready in one day due to required part not being in stock.
8. Drive wife to work 2nd day.
9. Drive to job.
10. Call to make sure car is now ready.
11. Drive to pick up wife at work.
12. Rush to dealer to pick up car before they close.
13. Pick up car at Dealership, no chance to talk with knowledgeable mechanic ever, of course.
14. Drive both cars home.
As you can see, this is a HUGE time waster unless you live 5 minutes from the dealership. And since I'm self employed, the time required can actually sometimes cost several hundred dollars in lost work. And renting a car to avoid some of the driving means you can tack on about $150 to the experience. Since VW doesn't give out loaners, and their nearest dealer is again an hour from here in traffic, I'm thinking twice about how much "fun" a Passat would be over the more appliance-like Japanese cars. I just wish the Japanese could get their styling act together. I love the Passat's look.
We averaged about one visit to the shop every 2 months on our two BMW's. I figured that totalled about 45 man-hours of wasted time each year for us. That's a complete work week. I spent about 2 hours a year having my '83 Toyota Supra fixed or maintained up until it was 9 years old.
Your experience may vary, of course. But I would keep this in mind if you are a busy person or hate dealing with car dealerships and their sometimes annoying inefficiencies.
My wife and I are looking to purchase a '03 Passat. After threading through most of the postings here, the internet, I've heard the problems come down to:
Potential Transmission Problems
Starting Problems (intermittent electrical)
Window Problems (seems common to all VWs)
Brake Problems (seems to be resolved after 2000)
Oil problems (leaks and burning)
Judging from our previous VW experience with her Jetta (whose windows crashes more frequently than Windows 98) I am naturally reluctant to sign off of such an expensive vehicle with this many potential problems.
I know that ALL carmakers have some quirks - it's just the nature of the automotive industry, I guess - but the list above seems rather excessive.
So, my question to all of you is... How often do these problems occur? And, can my wife expect a continuation of her Window problems with the Passat as she had with the Jetta?
I'd appreciate any and all feedbacks on these issues, so I can at least tell her whether or not it is worth looking elsewhere for a "Fun" and "Reliable" car.
Thanks!
BTW - We heard that the frequent window failures on the Jetta's are related to the extreme heat in Arizona - but why didn't they find these things when they tested it on the Arizona Proving Grounds?
Correction: what you meant to say was:
"Since neither the BMW, nor the VW Dealer in my neck of the woods give out loaners..."
Please don't assume that every other dealership is as bad as yours. (BTW, where the heck is this this BMW dealership with no loaners?)
-hh
If you are not so sure that you want to own a Passat, you should really compare and test drive the competitiors in the same class - Camry, Altima, even Maxima. The 03 Accord and Mazda 6 are coming to the show room soon, there are pictures on some car magazines' web sites.
As for the Camry, it has the reliability, but none of the excitement or refinement of the Passat. We haven't checked the Maxima yet.
What problems have you had with your Passat?
Thanks!
I assume you're going to do a standard "+1" sizing, so that your speedometer calibration won't change, correct?
But I guess I might have problems with the computer controls related to the ABS and other functions if I switch to larger wheels/tires since the ABS is calibrated at the factory for 15" rather than 16" wheels/tires. Is this true?
What kind of slimy snake oil salesman dumped this load of BS on you?
What to do?
For ABS, it doesn't matter how big "the hole in the middle" (rim size) is, nor does it matter how wide the tires are.
The only thing that does matter is the tire's outside diameter (OD), although technically speaking, its actually the ratio of diameters from front/back that's the key, not the absolute diameters. On most cars, the OD's are the same for front & rear, which means that you can go to any tire size so long as you put it on all 4 corners, even if/when this messes up your speedometer calibration.
The only real "tricks" to worry about wheels are:
1. They need to be big enough to provide clearance for your brakes (a problem when going smaller).
2. They need to be small enough to prevent interference with suspension parts & fenders (a problem when going bigger).
3. They have to have the correct pattern of lug nuts (qty & radius), plus the proper wheel offset.
4. Speedometer calibration won't change (significantly), so long as the new tire's outside diameter is the same as the old.
In general, a +1 sizing rarely causes any problems.
-hh
So here's the direct answer, 205/55 r16 is the tire/rim combo to go with. Passats with 16" rims will have this tire size.
VW does have a pretty nice selection of alloy wheels for your car, if you want to play it on the safe side.
http://drivergear.vw.com/
I can't even imagine how any engineer can screw up a 12v power outlet....
It's as cheap as blaming an indoor plumbing problem to the electric razor I plugged in!
My car is a 01.5 New Passat GLX 4motion Wagon.
If the car sits in the sun all day and then gets driven (say from work to home), by the time I get home I get a creek that I can describe as metal fatigue or a squeeky hinge or that annoying sound Tim Allen used to make on his TV show. This sound occurs when I'm slowing down or at a stop and go to make a turn.
Interestingly, I have noticed that after I park, if I move the wheel slowly back and forth, it will creek--but once it locks, no matter how slowly I move it, it doesn't creek.
Its been in 3 times for this problem and the dealer is clueless.
Also, I was told that VW (as a company) does not authorize dealers to pay for loaner cars--so if your dealership doesn't let customers drive inventory, then you are on your own.
Also, does anyone else notice that when you wash your windshield, you can smell the washer fluid? If so, can it be repaired? Thanks.
If you're really concerned about the smell, use some generic washer solvent that doesn't smell much, or use recirc more often, as the vent takes in air from the outside.
good luck
I checked Carfax and it's clean. I drove it and loved it. But good ol' Consumer Reports panned that year, saying it wasn't reliable. I'm confused. Checked www.nhtsa.com and saw that most of the complaints were on Volkswagen of America manufactured cars. This one's manufactured in Germany.
I don't have too long to decide about this. I'm not rich (he's asking $7000.00) and would like to feel like I'm getting a good car that will last me about 5-10 years. Is the CR review warranted on this model, manufacturer, year or are there exceptions to the rule?
Thanks to whoever.
Bob
th83 Mar 27, 2002 12:17am
I have a 1999 Passat GLS and following rain have the unpleasant experience of finding water in the interior front and rear passenger foot wells. I can't seem to find the source of the leak; there is no evidence of moisture leaking in from anywhere but the floor boards. My dealer also can't seem to find the source.
If you have any ideas or experience with this problem, please respond.
thank you,
rd
2002 GLS 1.8 PASSAT: candy white, monsoon, & lux. pckg.
Now for the really bad new. Many of the electronic modules and cables ( air bag sensors, door lock controls, starter controls, etc.) are located under the rug padding. This moisture will cause these components to fail and also cause the wiring harness to corrode. These are all costly components ( I speak from experience) and can make the car unreliable and cause it to do strange things. By the time you detect the problem ( I say detect because I believe this problem can exist for a while before being discovered) the damage may already be done.
Yesterday I heard a loud flapping sound coming from the tires. When I stopped the car to check what the problem was, I was surprised to find that a thin layer of rubber (1/4 inch thick) had separated from the left rear tire and was causing the sound. Has anyone had a similar experience? Do you know what the problem could be? I never drive the car aggressively so it could not be because of bad driving habits.
Also, I have a question regarding the brakes. When I release the brake pedal from a stand still position, I hear a thumping/rubbing sound near the brakes. What could the issue be? Is this because the car is new and the brakes haven't broken in yet? I am thinking on waiting for a few months before having the dealer check it. Thanks in advance.
thanks for any input.
In any case, I think you can force the a/c to come on by hitting the 'cool' button until the set temperature displays 'min' and adjusting the fan manually. But if there's a fix, I'd like to know, too.
Check your owner's manual, because I don't think a spark plug change is required at 20,000 miles, nor the air filter.
The dealer frewquently includes stuff that the manufacturer doesn't. It's the golden opportunity to 'upsale' service, at a handsome profit.
8u6hfd is correct...check your owner's manual and get them to price those services, nothing more. If you're the least bit handy, you maight want to tackle some of the simple stuff yourself, and subtract it from the list (save all receipts for warranty protection, of course).
Conversely, you might want to check with another dealer for a bit of competitive shopping.
As always, YMMV and nothing you read here is to be taken as gospel. :->
Not sure if this is a related issue or not but on cold starts, engine revs at 1300 rpm for about 30 seconds which I know is normal. However, it is accompanied by a a rough and loud idle. I park in a garage and it doesn't get below 12 degress celsius. Anybody else have the rough starts?
sharc
I had the same problem (along with others) with my 1999 Passat 1.8. Just had the ignition coil replaced 2 months ago and I only had 15000 miles on it. If it is a problem a cross the board I dont know?
You mentioned a sunroof, which is what caused a leak in my GTI's rear left floor. There is drain tubing that runs along the A or B piller, which can get crimped somehow - causing water to back up onto the floor. That may be your problem
Anyone have the same problem? I'm wondering if I better trade this puppy in fast.
Whenever I put on the blinkers, they work for a couple of seconds and then die out. Then i restart them they work again. It does not happen every time, but it happens often.This happens only when i am driving.
I have been hearing an unusual roaring noise at cold start that lasts about 1 minute since 500 miles. First time, they changed the secondary air pump motor for me. Continued having the same problem but been told since by three different dealers that it's normal. WHAT'S ONE TO DO?
1) Two oil pans replaced (NYC potholes/construction)
2) Rear window failed three times (fixed after 3)
3) Replaced engine mounts number of times
4) Replaced boot?? whatever that thing is by the tire twice
5) Catalytic Converter died at 78,000 miles (just made the 80,000 warranty on the emissions system)
And #6 I currently have the car at the dealer -- Life Quality in Brooklyn (great service) -- with it's #6 symptom. Car won't start. SO far the techs been looking at it for two days, have eliminated the starter and the battery, so we'll see.
For a car that's three years old (Nov. 17) and the high mileage (all highway -- Toronto, Cali, Chicago, Orlando, Portland, Main and points in between) it's been a pleasure to drive, and I still get looks -- BUT I'm beginning to get worried, especially about this latest problem.
Any high mileage owners going for the long haul out there -- can give me some encouragement
BTW car's never missed a scheduled maintainance. I also lost the rear cup holder (9 year old nephew)
warrenty issues: rear window lock stopped working, replaced
one each drl bulbs went out around 9k and 14k replaced, free of charges.
I requested a new windshield ( I won't do that again, no one makes a perfect one) outside shop did the work, free of charge, no issues
other than those things (minor in my book) the car was great, no rattles, sqeaks, etc. I liked it so much I ordered another to replace it....I should have a 2003 by january.......
It didn't come with a CD player, so I'm planning to buy a trunk-mount 6 changer (my only option) from Crutchfield. Any model recommendations would be great.
Thanks!