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I don't really want to call it turbo lag,as this was really an issue with turbo cars 10+ years ago.But taking off from idle,the car can even require a bit of clutch slip to move out smartly.My 1995 Jetta(non-turbo) was REALLY like this.The turbo does come in much lower in rpms than in the old days-it does also lack that"wacked in the back"powerful surge-it's much more gradual and natural.
Some feel that after a drive,a turbo should be allowed to idle upon final stop to insure complete cooling.In the 80's,hot oil could "coke up"(become sludgy and loose its viscosity)if not completely cooled down.Some will say to sit for a few moments in the driveway at idle after all drives.I don't-I don't think the car is as high strung as,say, a 1980 Tuubo Porsche.
If you like the (real)wood,though,consider the 6.It does add refinement-but the 4 already has pleanty of that.
Finally,when I met my wife,she had a 1998 Camry XLE with everything but leather and the 6.Although she loved it,I just couldn't raise any passion for it.But consider sites like VWVortex.com or Clubb5.com.VWs really inspire a lot of interest and joy.Vw ownership can become almost a hobby.
I did have a question about your post. What did you mean when you said: "But taking off from idle, the car can even require a bit of clutch slip to move out smartly"? Please forgive my lack of knowledge on the subject, but since I have only driven automatics, I'm not sure what "clutch slip" is. Would this be something that I would not see in the 1.8T automatic?
From what I've read so far, it sounds like the turbo might "feel" faster than the 6 even with less HP and torque.
As far as the cool down period theory goes, would this be any different for short drives vs long trips (say an hour or more)? Is there a need to change the oil more often with a turbo engine? Perhaps these issues are moot if modern turbo cars are not as "high strung" as older cars, but I'm just curious.
Being a Camry owner, I can see your point. I bought my car out of necessity and I wanted to make a smart, practical decision (even though I had to act quickly). Only later did I feel that something was missing, even though my car has been flawless in its operation.
I can see that VW, and the Passat in particular, has the ability to generate a lot of passion and feelings for the cars and for driving in general. I posted some comments previously on "Passat Passion." It's definitely contagious and you can see it on this forum as well as the vwvortex forum. Aside from the beauty and performance of the Passat, I find that phenomenon very intriguing. It's a car that involves its owner in all aspects, allowing them to enjoy it on many levels. Case in point, look at how much I've had to say about it and I don't even own one. Yet ..... (smile)
Thanks again,
SilverCrown
I have heard that a 1-2 min driveway cooldown is a good idea,but I wonder if this is being a little fussy.Long drives at steady(even high) speeds will not engage the turbo,it is in town with a lot of even fairly rapid acceleration.
I would have no problem using premium fuel and continuing to have regular maintenance done on the Passat, just as I do with my Camry. My motto is if you treat your car right, it will treat you right. So I baby my cars and so far none of them (except for the used and abused cars from years ago) have ever let me down.
I will definitely consider the turbo in addition to the V6 when I decide to seriously shop for a Passat. It doesn't sound like there's a huge, huge difference between them. I'll have to decide if it's worth the extra $$$ for the V6. Unless I get an unexpected windfall, in which case, I'm going for the GLX! (smile)
Thanks again,
SilverCrown
From info that I've read elsewhere in the Town Hall, as well as pkradd's post, it seems that your theory about the cool down period is correct. It doesn't sound like you need to wait a prescribed period of time before shutting off the turbo engine. Probably a brief period (that most of us take anyway before shut down) would suffice, if it's even necessary. I am known for hanging out in my car for a few minutes at times, listening to music or something, before shutting off the engine and getting out. It's an occasional habit that has nothing to do with letting the engine cool down, but would work well with the turbo whether I need the idle time or not. And I wouldn't have to change my habits drastically, either.
I'm glad that I'm getting a better understanding about the turbo engine. I feel better about considering it for my future Passat purchase.
Thanks a bunch!
SilverCrown
I usually get 31-32 mpg average and I am a slightly aggressive driver. Just as a test, for a week I drove at maximum 65 mph and it gave me 36-37 mpg. I once hit 40.7 mpg travelling at 60 mph from work to home (about 22 miles). I realised during this test that having a properly inflated tires together with gentler acceleration and deceleration procedures gave me a good mpg and caused less damage to the car.
Being an Camry driver it is fair to assume that you do not have a tendency to drive aggressively. If you are going to be gentle on your Passat it should be troublefree for a long time to come. Beware though, a Passat is much more engaging to drive than an average Camcord. So it might be a little tough to control the urge to drive hard.
The improved gas mileage sounds great, even though I would have an automatic so my numbers won't look as impressive as yours. With gas prices climbing back up, this may become a more important issue and I might have a greater appreciation for better fuel economy.
I am happy to hear that you have had a troublefree and positive experience with your Passat. That's very encouraging.
The more time I spend in this forum, the more I want to run about and get a Passat ahead of my original schedule. The enthusiasm is truly contagious!
Kartez said in his post that it does not make the ride harsh, but tightens up body roll. I take it that this improves the handling without making the ride jarring or hard. An extra boost to inspire more driver confidence on the road, I would presume. Something else for me to check out ....
It's all about what you want in your car. If VW offered a GLS Passat with 4Motion, the 1.8T engine and a manual tranny, I would have gotten one. But to get AWD in a Passat requires the highest trim level and almost zero dealer negotiating (at least back in Feb.).
Powerwise, I don't think the V6 is worth it, noise-wise, it is, unless you prefer some engine rumble over quiet operation (I don't).
The Passat is an impressive car. I can't wait for my test drive (and eventual purchase)!
SilverCrown
Truth be told, the Camrys and Accords have gotten a lot more cramped with each new model. For a second, I even considered a big American car like a Chrysler 300...god, I can't believe I said that out loud.
My choice came down to a Passat or an Avalon, and the price and handling sold me on the Passat.
Carsurfer, I think you've pretty much nailed it with your analysis. And I think the price you mentioned is pretty much in the ballpark, although I think a dealer's willingness to pull out the paring knife depends on the local market.
To each his own. Like I said, the Passat is a great car (even moreso if compared to the Camry/Accord/Avalon/300M crowd). I was merely pointing out that if you want AWD, Audi can be less expensive than VW (significantly less expensive).
--'rocco
I am totally in love with the GLX. It has everything I could ever want in a car. Just not sure if the budget could stretch that far. But who knows what could happen by next spring when I plan to buy ....
My Camry is like the reliable, predictable boy next door. Not bad looking, but no fireworks. But the Passat is like Shemar Moore, shirtless and glistening with baby oil. Have mercy! Simply irresistible! Sorry, pardon the drool .... (ha ha)
I can't believe I just said that. It must be the lateness of the hour. Good luck with your decision, carsurfer.
SilverCrown
Here is a link to a site where you can see what I've done to my 2000 GLS Passat 1.8t:
http://216.219.188.102/lp_site/rwpassat/rw_passat.htm
It is my perception from all the hundreds of postings I read that the Passat is greatly improved , and like hyundai, hopefully oil leaKs and electronic problems behind.
This weekend I averaged 32 mpg on my first long trip, My passat kept saying faster , faster, however the state troopers kept saying don"t think about it. for some brief stretches I did get up to 85, with lots more power waiting to be used. I came from a v6 and really do not find much difference other than the initial few seconds from a start in which I find myself using the manual mode.
I have a dealer upstate , if you want me to price out the car for you perhaps he can do better. I got several prices before buying and his was much, much less. he even delivered the car to my work 150 miles away in NYC.
Lastly, I got the Panasonic 6 cd changer for $245.00 including interface and shipping. It plugs right in and fits perfectly on the shelf in the trunk. I prefer a cd changer because you can load up and select without being distracted. The steering wheel remote works everything.
Furthermore, with our recent tragic events, I am sure that it is a buyers market and sales are flat.
In the two days I have driven the car, I have gotten many compliments. The "wow" factor is nice.
I have no regrets in spite of the fact that I have been looking to buy an A4 for quite some time. Considering that I am a city commuter, the GLX just seems more practical and just as nice over the long-haul.
I plan to add a 6 disk in-dash changer that I learned about on VWVortex.
BTW, thanks to all of you posters who help all of us lurkers.
I also want to know more about the in-dash CD changer.
Congratulations on your purchase. I'm sure you will continue to enjoy your new car. Happy (and safe) motoring!
SilverCrown
also - i just saw today the 2002 stero set up and it is an indash CD and am/fm radion. the buttons are a bit different and the tape player is below the cd. also, there is no more little empty space for change and toll booth tickets..
again, what are some prices for:
2002 - Or for that matter 2001.5 (same car)
sedan
GLX
sedan, no 4motion.
no additional cd in trunk.
thanks
The in-dash 6 cd changer is being shipped from Germany and sold in a group buy through a Canadian company called PGPerformance. Right now they are going for $325 US + customs fees. Check out the Jetta or Passat threads at VWVortex to find the details. I don't know how to do a link... maybe someone else can find it and provide the link.
Do they have a chip for the 6-cyl?
Do the chips void warranty?
I was at my dealer last night for the 20k service. I noticed a 2002 GLS Passat in stock with the new head unit - single disc CD and tape.
The reason that I asked is that the Passat I have test driven (AWD V6) is really lacking in power compared to the other cars we are testing (x-type, V70XC).
This is unfortunate, since the car is basically well made from my overview of it.
Kirk
I could be wrong, but there's a lot of other $40k cars I'd take before this one.
Has anyone had good or bad experience with different brand chips (APR, GIAC, Neuspeed, Upsolute, Autothority, etc.) for the new passat?