Volkswagen Passat 2005 and earlier

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  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    It was Motor Trend.

    Dirty diesel fuel.....the solution is Biodiesel, check out the " The Future of Diesel in Sporty Cars -- any chance? " thread in the sports car section. Go info about Biodiesel

    CR (before the Civic Hybrid, came out) ranked the TDI as the top fuel miser car, then came the Echo, Prius, and then the Insight.

    I've also considered the Insight and Prius....the Golf TDI is way more fun the drive. Heck the 90 bhp TDI took top honors for Production class in the SCCA Pro-Rally, beating out a 180 bhp Celica.
  • natescapenatescape Member Posts: 176
    I have a chipped 1996 Passat. Figure ~115HP, ~190lbs of torque. It's a freaking blast to drive and is definitely NOT slow. The torque is awesome. Gimme a 130HP/205lbs new Passat wagon and I'd be in hog heaven.

    I recently almost bought a new Golf TDI to replace my Passat. Unchipped, the car was quite fun. Anyone who says these are slow is either used to driving sports cars, or else has no idea how to take advantage of the torque (shifting at 3000-3500 RPMs).

    Biodiesel is the only way to go. I use b100 (pure bio) 8 months of the year and blend it with regular diesel during winter. There isn't a car on the road that's greener than a diesel running on biodiesel, and it's the only RENEWABLE fuel we can run in unmodified production cars. Learn more at www.biodieselnow.com.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    Vocus,


    Regarding the wipers on my 02' Passat, post 5188, they are not the typical wipers with the spring mechanisms which are available everywhere. Apparently VW has more than one design available. Mine are a heavy rubber that bends to the shape of the windshield. The dealer service tells me that they cannot be replaced with standard wipers because of the pin diameter on the arm. I looked for a Bosch replacement, and nothing is listed for the 02' Passat. Sounds like VW has locked me into only getting factory replacements, and they are $33 each!!

    Has anyone found a good, less expensive replacement for this type of wiper?

  • altair4altair4 Member Posts: 1,469
    I saw a note somewhere - either here or perhaps on Clubb5 - from a guy who worked for the company that developed these new wipers. It led me to believe that you will be seeing these new blades on more vehicles shortly, and that the aftermarket will develop accordingly.

    Join Clubb5.com, and your eligible for some discounts with some part suppliers. I got my VW monster mats with a 20% discount over local dealers.

    Just checked Drewparts.com and see each wiper for $23.55. So you could knock 20% or so off either there or at some of the other sponsors associated with Clubb5.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    altair4, thanks for the advice on the wipers. I'll let you know if it works out.
  • hoodornamenthoodornament Member Posts: 114
    Hey,

    I just got new wipers with my 20k service on my 02 Passat at an Auto garage that works on German cars. The guy gave me Boschs which work much better than the factory ones ever did, and they were about $14 apiece. Im not sure how to find out what model they are, if you tell me how I will look for you.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    hoodornament

    Would it be possible to ask the garage what number Bosch they used? They still may not fit the arm on my wipers, the pin is an odd size. I think VW has been supplying 2 different types of wipers. You may have the other type which can be replaced by aftermarket brands.
  • altair4altair4 Member Posts: 1,469
    I believe that the wiper design changed with the '03 model year. Current wipers have no metal "bridgework" like traditional windshield wipers. Old wipers were cheaper, too.
  • tyrannosaurustyrannosaurus Member Posts: 20
    I'd ask around on Club B5 or Vwvortex before you throw away the K&N, or ask your local VW racing shop. EVERYBODY in the know seems to use these things. The only thing is you need to be careful about how you prime it. Too much oil causes problems. Also people get into trouble cleaning them themselves....many people just replace them. $40 every 25 thousand miles isn't a big expense. Just my 2 cents.

    I haven't chipped my '03 passat yet as I'm waiting for APR or GIAC to come out with an 03 chip, but I hit 130mph on my way home from work last night with NO problem! Very smooth, very controlled. Passats are the best bargain going!

    Have fun.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That 1.8T engine is fabulous, isn't it? :) I have hit 120mph in my 1.8T Jetta a couple times, and it feels like I am going 80 or something.
  • sschilfsschilf Member Posts: 63
    I see that Subaru (sp?) has "AWD" on their Legacies. Is this any different then ESP and traction control on the Passat? better? worse? Please let me know. Thank you!
  • sschilfsschilf Member Posts: 63
    Has anybody bought an 03 GLX Sedan or Wagon with ESP and automatic below Invoice plus tax, title, etc? If so, please advise!

    Also, have you noticed that VW is the only manufacturer that has the most silly charges tacked on the end!! Like "VW Floor Plan, VW National Advertising, and car detailing" etc etc Competitors like Honda, Nissan, and Toyota dont!

    Thanks
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    AWD sends power to all 4 wheels all the time, and splits the power in varying degrees according to traction situations.

    Traction control keeps the drive wheels (in the Passat's case, the front ones) from slipping by using the ABS sensors and a locking differential.

    ESP uses sensors to control over- and understeer do it doesn't make the driver lose control of the car. The brakes are then used to slow down the car and get it back under control.

    AWD is the most complex, with ESP right behind it. Subarus are very reliable cars though, and have good crash safety and resale value as well. I prefer VW, but that's just me. I have relatives that have a 10 year old Subaru 4WD wagon that is used to go up and down the mountain that they live on (unpaved road in NC) all the time The car has 210K miles on the clock, and it still runs! As a matter of fact, it took my dad and I down the hill, through mud, this past 4th of July when we visited (no way in heck my Jetta would have made it up there, we barely made it walking!).
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    There is no *car detailing* on any VWOA Invoice.
    There may or may not be a REGIONAL Ad Fee...Monterey, Ca.= No Ad fee/ Sacramento, Ca. =$200.00.

    These Ad Fees pale by comparison to Daimler/Chrylers...I am not familiar with the details of the American/Japanese Mfgs.that you mention.

    I would suggest that you also research Crash Tests results...probably more important for your family...
  • hoodornamenthoodornament Member Posts: 114
    I will call the dealer on Monday ... a reminder wouldnt hurt (a post will do).

    Regards
    Hood
  • mbros2kmbros2k Member Posts: 71
    Sschiff: If you are willing to pay a fare price ($500 over invoice?), you can decline all those bogus fees. Detailing fee? What b.s! I told them I expected to get a clean new car. If you really need to get a car at invoice or below, expect some fees so the salesman can make a few bucks.
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    The wiper design acutally changed in the middle of the '02 model year and was available on some '02 models. My 2002 Passat was purchased in Dec. 2001 and has the standard metal bridgework. On my first service visit in June, the '02 Passats had a new type of wiper.
  • wdwwardwdwward Member Posts: 9
    Can vwguild shed any light on the problem? My '03 Passat Variant (build date 06/02, AWM engine) has the "H" series coil packs. When will there be enough supply that I can buy one "J" series as a spare or 4 if I choose?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Why would you want to buy them? If they go up, VW will replace them for nothing. I would just do that. One of mine on my Jetta went already, and I will be taking the car back once supply meets demand for the rest of the coils to be replaced.
  • wdwwardwdwward Member Posts: 9
    Well, for one thing, my wife drives the Passat and I don't like the idea of her possibly getting stuck on the side of a freeway at night. From reading other forums, I doubt very much that VWoA will be replacing working coil packs for free even when supply meets demand - but I hope that you're right.
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    I dislike Macs. I like my Passat.

    I think the Passat is the Linux of cars. Efficient, well put together, and a bargain for what you get.

    Mac's are over priced and the OS is bloated.

    -Craig
  • max77max77 Member Posts: 9
    Thanks to all your help,everyone. The dealer programmed my car (after two failed attempts) to unlock when key is removed.
    Does anyone get more than 13 gallons into their Passat gas tank??
  • nfinnfin Member Posts: 1
    Can someone please explain to me the difference between Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) and Anti-slip Regulation (ASR)? I am close to closing what I think is a good deal on a GLX ($530 above invoice), on a car on the dealer's lot. The only thing it doesn't have is ESP. The dealer is telling me that ASR is pretty much the same, but since it's a $250 option, that's sounds dodgy. Guidance? Does it make a difference anyway? Thanks in advance!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    See Post 5217 above.
  • pkraddpkradd Member Posts: 358
    Greetings of the season to all current Passat owners and future ones.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    What about us whom don't own Passats?!?! :)

    Just kidding, PK. Happy Holidays and drive safely!
  • buffaloesbuffaloes Member Posts: 24
    Had rear brakes replaces at 22,000 miles in August. Just had them replaced again at 33,000. I was told they were replaced this time with an upgraded pad. I was told by VW service that there were no problems with my rear brakes which caused the wear, and my fronts which have never been replaced are as good as new. I drive 75-90 highway miles a day. It would seem something is wrong, any ideas?
  • max77max77 Member Posts: 9
    I cannot seem to find wipers for my 03 passat.
    Any ideas?
  • altair4altair4 Member Posts: 1,469
    Buffaloes, Passats have a brake bias to the rear, versus the front. In my readings, it appears most noticeable on cars driven mostly on the highway (versus city). Your's is not the only one like this. Still seems like not many miles out of the rears, but brake wear is very individualistic. If you pay attention, you'll notice more brake dust on your rear wheels than on the front.

    Max77...on line, drewparts.com, $23+ change per side, plus handling. Join Clubb5 and get a 20% discount. See note #5208.
  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    I briefly drove a 2003 W8 with the new Sport package after lunch today. The car was virtually identical to my 2002 W8 sedan – I have put just over 10,000 miles on mine.

    I was quite impressed with the compromise that VW has achieved here. The damping is clearly improved, but neither the increased damping nor the lower profile 17” tires impart any perceptible increase in ride harshness compared with my non-Sport. Interesting – and impressive.

    Cheers,
    - Ray
    Who was annoyed with the prices for W8 ‘Sport’ shock absorbers quoted by the parts department . . .
    2022 X3 M40i
  • mbros2kmbros2k Member Posts: 71
    Buffaloes: Unless you are road racing or riding the brakes, pads should last 30k or more. If they are wearing out after 10k then something is hanging up or they need adjustment. Pads are a bit softer these days but no way should they need replacing so early. The dealer should fix and replace free of charge!
  • mbulldogmbulldog Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know if VW has any plans to bring Passat TDIs to the US? If so, when?
  • bgazdzinskibgazdzinski Member Posts: 13
    Hello, I have test drove a manual and auto
    version of the GLX. I did not do well with the
    manual trans car, it seemed the rev's did not
    drop during fast shifting.
    Is this normal with fly by wire throttle cars?

    I must say, I was VERY impressed with the passat,
    it seemed much better than any other car I have looked at, and I looked at a lot.
    The passat is quieter and smoother on the hiway
    than the 2003 Jaguar S type.
    The passat will replace the jaguar I have now,
    and is the only thing I found that is close to the quality feel and nice ride.
    VERY smooth V6 and auto trans!
    Looking to get one in Feb.
    White with grey leather.
    None of the test cars i drove had any problems,
    and I had them out for a while, even on the hiway
    at over 80 mph.
    Any common problems to watch out for when getting
    one?
    Thanks,
    Brett
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    If you're getting a GLX, look out for the V6 to leak oil.

    If you're getting a GL/GLS, look out for 1.8T to blow coil packs.

    Other than that, great car.

    -Craig
  • bgazdzinskibgazdzinski Member Posts: 13
    Thanks for the info Craig.
    I talked with the mechanic working on a V6 passat while at one of the dealers, a nice guy who clued
    me in on some stuff...he told me the auto box is made by ZF...a good company if that is true.
    He said the engines never burn oil but leak at the
    front of the engine, and most are fixed perminently under warentee.
    I suppose its something you just need to watch for and have fixed under warentee...no problem as I always stay on top of the condition of my cars.

    I looked into a passat in a parking lot the other
    day, a newer one, and it was a pig sty, and
    i cant understand why people buy such a nice car,
    with wood and leather, then use it for a trash can.?.. $30,000.00 and lets never clean it....
    I figure looking at old ones tells you how well they hold up, and maybe how your new car will look in a few years, but this car looked 10 years
    old inside from neglect.
    I am ready to kill for a nice new blue silver one
    with grey leather, and the person who owned that car obviously does not like it...

    Brett
    (1990 Jaguar, looks like new)
  • mvcjonesmvcjones Member Posts: 14
    Just wanted to say I leased a 2003 Passat GLS 1.8T Tip/Leather/Monsoon/Homelink and am very happy with it. A few questions:

    Is there any way to have the steering wheel tuner controls flip through the presets? This is how my SAAB 9-3 worked, and it is very convenient.

    How much does it cost to add a 6 disk changer via VW? Is an aftermarket changer made that works through the existing head unit, not via FM modulator (No CD changer is one of the few omissions I regret in the car)

    Will the excessive brake dust on the wheels damage the finish if not cleaned off quickly (i.e. within a week or two)?

    Thanks in advance. After leasing a SAAB 9-3 which was sporty, good for hauling, but unrefined and tight inside, I appreciate the Passat. Roomy, smooth, good value for the money, just needs a few more HP and a CD changer. Lease deal is great, got mine for 36 months/12k per year for $999 down and $355/mo taxes included on a MSRP of $26,600 and an invoice of $24,650 (deal got about $600 over invoice on the deal). Cannot beat the price for the equipment
  • mvcjonesmvcjones Member Posts: 14
    I forgot, for the price, VW should be providing 16" wheels on all but the GL model. 15" wheels are a bit small and reduce handling prowess, even my wife's 2000 Honda Accord LX 4cyl came standard with 16" wheels and tires....
  • ph3ironph3iron Member Posts: 3
    I was all set to buy a Passat when I heard a friend of a friend drove hers 200 miles and couldnt walk for 2 days. She only uses it for short trips. I cant beleive it - anyone heard of this?. I thought the europeans paid a lot of attention to driving comfort.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  • ph3ironph3iron Member Posts: 3
    On the verge of buying a 1 or 2 yr old one. Looks like GLX's are $2-3Kmore. What do you experts think ? Worth it? Thanks - p
  • steveiowasteveiowa Member Posts: 51
    Just got back from an 1600+ mile road trip with my '01 GLX 4Mo. We did at least 1200 miles of the trip at 85 mph plus across western Iowa, Nebraska and eastern Colorado. Top speed was 125 mph in eastern Colorado for approximately 10 miles (went by in a hurry). This is one sweeeeet road car my friends. Never missed a beat. Hugged the road better the faster I went. We averaged about 24 mpg for the trip. Premium is expensive as hell (almost 2 bucks a gallon) out in the middle of Nebraska.

    The V6 turns exactly 3000 rpm at 85 mph.

    By the way, I had my 35,000 mile service just before we left. I also replaced the Michelins that came on the car with the same tire a couple of weeks ago.

    Did I mention I love this car?
  • mbros2kmbros2k Member Posts: 71
    I've had my Passat GLS for a year now and love it. The only problem I've had is a dash rattle. The 1.8 w/tip is smooth, fast and economical. The car handles well even with 15" wheels. The velour seats are very comfortable, especially during the 100 degree days where I live. The GLS 1.8 seems to reflect the spirit of the car best.

    The problem with the GLX and the new 8 cylinder, especially, is all the added complexity and, ugh, weight. I want a sport sedan that's light, quick and agile and an extra 500 to 1000 pounds of luxury items takes away from that. Better to buy an A6 or Lexus instead. But for about 25k, the GLS can't be beat.
  • pkraddpkradd Member Posts: 358
    I have a 2001.5 GLS with Tip. The car is certainly best with the 4 cylinder as it was originally engineered for that. Also, as you say, the price is right. When you start upgrading, then you get into Audi territory price wise. I have velour seats as well and they have held up extremely well for the past 19 months. No problems. Seats are comfortable too. Some people will have problems with car seats no matter what they drive. They just need to be properly adjusted for ones body type.
  • nerdnerd Member Posts: 203
    The Passat GLS is on my short list of possible cars. But, I can't decide which engine to choose. Either way, I will get a manual transmission.

    I would appreciate comments on the relative performance, reliability, and fuel economy of the 1.8T and the 2.8 V-6 engines. I will use the car for both town and highway driving.
  • whterbtwhterbt Member Posts: 4
    I'll have to second steveiowa's opinion. I love my '02 GLX for cross-country drives. I took mine on a 10-hour drive through the Rockies and western Colorado. Between the heated seats and lumbar support, I couldn't have been happier.

    That being said, not all car seats are for everybody, so ph3iron's concerns may be justified. I'd say that if you're worried about how any seat will affect you personally, rent the car and take it on a long trip.
  • reidkreidk Member Posts: 46
    Have '99 GLS V6 5spd. Am enjoying the car more after 3 years, 42K miles - and a change to 16" Dunlop Sport 5000 Asym tires - then when new, although a few rattles have snuck into the equation (OTOH, it was struck in rear during one of few times better half was driving: some dimwit decided HE didn't have to stop for a red light, even if the car in front already was....)
    Cannot say whether would buy another, but looking back at other options available in '99, this seems like a better & better purchase as time goes on. Not perfect, of course, but an outstanding combination of size, price, performance & creature comforts - with excellent reliability Thus Far (knock on wood!).
    Good luck with your decision.
    Reid / SE MI
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I had a loaner 01 Passat GLS V6 (the "old" style), and the seats were literally a pain in my back (they were cloth). I don't know why, but they were. Even a friend of mine said they aren't as comfortable as the seats in my Jetta (which are leather and heated). I also found the Beetle seats to be more comfortable than the Passat's. I have never driven a 01.5+ model, so cannot comment there...
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I had both as loaners (not back to back though), and found the V6 to be a little more powerful than the 1.8T is. Of course, this was the 150hp 1.8T, not the "new" 170hp version. There might be a significant difference, I don't know. I just know the 150hp engine felt slow and dead compared to the 180hp 1.8T in my 02 Jetta...
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    I vote for the 1.8T. It makes the car feel more nimble and has great economy on the highway. It's more powerful than expected from a 4 cylinder.

    I suggest you drive both and see which one fits your personality. Some people prefer "smooth" over the rush of power from the turbo.

    And if you're into upgrades, adding a chip (~$500) to the 1.8T will bring it up to ~205hp and ~245 ft/lb torque. The cost saving from not getting the V6 will more than pay for this upgrade. You'll have a faster car with better fuel economy.

    -Craig
  • bgazdzinskibgazdzinski Member Posts: 13
    The big thing about the turbo VS the V6 is
    noise and smoothness.
    The turbo 4 is a sporty motor, and the V6 is very smooth and quiet.
    I had a turbo car before, and they can be rough on head gaskets, they can run hot, and tend to cook the turbo bearings up if you dont let things
    cool down at idle after using the turbo.
    Seems VW got it right though, with the turbo in the lower end cars for sports people, and the
    smooth quiet V6 in the GLX with wood and leather.
    The GLX actualy is nicer than the new 2003 Jaguar
    S type, and close to the XJ8, while the turbo
    passat is likely a bit like a BMW 3 or 5 series
    in the sporty rush of power type thing.
    I dont know what the W8 is like (monster),
    but it seems there is something for everyone.

    Last friday, I stopped by another dealer, and the sales guy rolled down the window, than sat on the opening!...200 pounds at least, but he did no damage to the door, solid steel door hinges.

    What is with VW dealers, all the ones around here
    seem to be working out of sheds and wrecked buildings, real dump sites. The cars cost good money but the buildings are very downscale!

    So I have the car picked out (GLX), the colors
    (white or blue silver with grey leather) and the
    dealership (cherry hill VW), but dont know if
    it makes sense to spend $30,000.00 for a VW.

    Brett
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