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Volkswagen Passat 2006+

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Comments

  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    I have been custom ordering VWs for the past 8 years...no problem. All one has to do is ask. The new Vehicle Inventory Management System is built to do this with no effort at all. :)
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Transmissions are now all Aisen...Best trannys in the world...
  • surjn98surjn98 Member Posts: 34
    Test drove a 2006 Passat 2.0 last week and liked it's handling and it's looks. Has a host of safety features. I've owned a Honda Accord, Toyota & Nissan and am not sure if I should go into buying a VW based on passed reliability. Although the transmission is made in Japan & it does come with a 4-yr roadside assistance.
    Would appreciate everyone's thoughts. Thanks!!
  • prigglypriggly Member Posts: 642
    The transmission coming out of Japan is not exactly a vote of confidence in German engineering, is it now? I guess VW has to do something to try to lift itself from near the bottom of the automotive reliability survey lists.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Not sure, but has VW’s transmission played a negative role in their reliability ratings?

    I always thought the VW’s, generally speaking, had the odds and ends (or nickel and dime) items go out; other than the coil fiasco.
  • rwatsonrwatson Member Posts: 144
    Well, as I've said before, I've never known their transmissions to be a problem for them. In fact, they've always been one of the "plusses" in their cars.

    VW reliability. Hmm. You need to understand one important thing concerning this and I'm surre most will agree. When you buy a VW, you are not buying a "normal" car. Sure, for German standards, it is a normal, everyday car. But compared to what we manufacture and what you get from Japan, it is very different. It is a certain feeling you get from driving one. They are engineered to feel sure-footed on the road. For years, you couldn't even get a center arm rest in them. The steering wheel was positioned in such a way that you didn't need one. It never felt right unless both hands were on the wheel. And in was comfortable like this. When they say a "driver's car," it means that this is a car that makes driving to work enjoyable each morning. There is a certain sound from their little 4-bangers that does not sound Japanese. The doors feel and sound different when you close them. You need to have one for a while to understand it. Can't be explained. I'm on my 3rd one. My 97 Jettea GLX was a wonderful car. The VR6 was the most wonderful engine around. Never a problem. My 02 Jetta wagon 1.8t had the coil problem. Oh man, what a problem. Taken care of though. My Passat wagon 1.8t has zero problems. So, just like any car, you have your lemons out there. The only problem VW has is VWoA. They are the enemy to be loathed. It all depends on who picks up the phone on any given day
  • rwatsonrwatson Member Posts: 144
    Oh, I forgot to mention this: They have such a wonderful feeling, sound, and even smell that no matter what the ratings are, if you really like driving cars, it's worth it again and again. I don't even look at anything else when I'm buying.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    I think some would take issue with the statement that people who buy automatics are less discriminating or can't or won't "stand up to their spouses" (whatever that implies, it doesn't sound even remotely plausible.)

    The number of vehicles that are offered with both autos and sticks is decreasing.

    This either is a supply or demand issue, and my bet would be demand (despite the fact that admitting this galls me.)

    If VW's Passat with the nifty high output 6 would come with a manual transmission, my guess is they would have a difficult time selling them -- which in turn leads to a reluctance to order them for "inventory."

    I mean when even Ohio's largest BMW dealer will not stock manual versions of the 3 and 5 series sedans, well, you have to at least suspect it is a "demand" issue.

    The W8 Passat sport version was HEAVILY discounted and it just sat on the dealer's lot despite a great 8, stick shift, some ground effects, glitzy wheels, etc.

    And, for the record, my wife claims that any man who drives an automatic is driving, "an old man's car."

    I love VW and Audi products for the most part -- in June when I picked up my new Audi A6 3.2, there was no Passat 3.6 with all the toys for sale -- it "coulda" been a contender, since I was being forced to go with an automatic (since the A6 only comes one way.) My previous car had a 6spd (an allroad) manual, but the pickin's for such a car are slim, slimmer, slimmest these days.

    Pardon me while I cry in my beer. :cry:
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Errr, isn't it Aisin? http://www.aisin.com

    As for them being the "Best in the world"..., well I suppose the folks over at Getrag might could well have a few things to say about that comment. ;-)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Automatics are so pervasive that when my brother ordered a 530i from germany through military sales they delivered an automatic even though he ordered a manual. They probably figured it was going to the US so it must be an automatic. He actually accepted it since they did not charge him for the automatic. I would not have been able to do that. An automatic on a nice car is like putting ketchup on a nice steak - it completely changes it for the worse.

    Anybody know the EPA mileage on the 2.0t with the manual transmission?
  • rwatsonrwatson Member Posts: 144
    I don't think the wife's going to let me get this one. :sick:
  • thinkingitoverthinkingitover Member Posts: 1
    Keep waiting Dewey...According to VWoA, the 2006 Passat will NOT be available with a TDI engine. I'm so bent about this.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I ordered a 530i via the ED program a couple of years ago and when I went to pick the car up Ernst, my client advisor remarked that, "I ordered the car properly, Sport Package and Manual Transmission". I think that he was surprised that I actually ordered the stick. :-/

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Hmmm, it seems that when it comes to what wives want, us guys need to take a page from the "Wifely Guide Book". By that I mean if you really want something that your spouse is dead set against, then you need to make her change her mind by getting her the believe that it's her idea for making the change and that that is what she really wanted all along. ;-)

    The trick to this technique (and what wifey type people are so good at) is figuring out what the critical ingredient is that will trigger the change in thinking. Good luck. ;-)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • rwatsonrwatson Member Posts: 144
    "How To Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnege (did I spell that right?)Only problem is it takes you so far down below, if it were to backfire you'd really be up the creek. ;)
    I mean it didn't get me some guy's mint Corrado, and who on this earth could pass that one up? :confuse:
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Geez I loved the VR6 Corrado, that is except the mouse track shoulder belts. I was needing a car during the spring of 1993 and in the end it came down to either the Corrado or the MX6 (or the Probe GT, same basic car). The biggest automotive mistake I've made in my life was not getting the Corrado. :-(

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • rwatsonrwatson Member Posts: 144
    And I thought I was the only one still crying in my beer.
  • jerry3840jerry3840 Member Posts: 7
    OK, on every VW forum, posters are complaining about how difficult it is to get a manual on the Passat. Then the threads get bogged down going back and forth about the logistics of manuals vs. autos vs tip vs DSG....wive's who refuse to learn how to shift manually....Americans who buy auto transmissions in huge numbers (duh...like we didn't that already!).....etc...etc

    I want to cut all through that and get to the bottom line:

    VWguild and other VW insiders in the know..please answer the following as correct or not (as I believe I have seen it expressed in other forums) :

    It is not difficult to get the exact car you want, including a manual. You need to get in touch with the Internet sales specialist at your favorite dealer, establish a relationship, and they can custom order the car as you want it built, according to what is available. True or False?
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Just for kicks I tried to configure a new Passat with a leather interior and the vw.com configurator informed me that I needed to opt for both the satellite radio option (ugh, if you say so) and the slushbox tiptronic transmission. What's up with that? Is it really true that VW is forcing an automatic on those of us who want a leather interior? Geez, I thought that they were being dumb by not offering three pedals under the dash for the VR6 mill, then this pops up. I'm thinking that the word "dumb" doesn't begin to describe the folks at VWoA.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Just for kicks I tried to configure a new Passat with a leather interior and the vw.com configurator informed me that I needed to opt for both the satellite radio option (ugh, if you say so) and the slushbox tiptronic transmission.

    DISASTER!! Dont they teach the following in Marketing 101:

    Customer is King! Give the customers what they want.

    Is there anybody in Wolfsburg that would like to take a marketing course??
  • rwatsonrwatson Member Posts: 144
    Jerry, I love the internet and the shopping and all. Unfortunately, down where I live they act like it's the devil and none of the dealers (Both of them are 100+ miles from me) have internet assistance. But, I do have their phone number and plan on making a call in the near future.
  • aaaedgarpoeaaaedgarpoe Member Posts: 107
    How much turbo lag is there when you stomp on the gas? 0.1 seconds, half a seconds, what?
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Depends at what rpm you’re at.

    If you have an automatic you can depress the gas with the brake (as the auto mags do) to get your revs up…this way when you let go of the brake you’re closer to your max power range.

    If you’re cruising along the highway you’re already in your meaty power band.

    The 2.0T makes its max torque around 1800rpm or so (Edmunds shows 4700, not sure what that’s about) and it’s a high compression engine (10.3 or so) especially for a turbo, so even before you’re at your max output, you’ve still got some power available.

    For example a Subaru WRX has an engine compression around 8.0; try running that (automatic) at high altitudes (Denver) and it’ll feel like the parking brake is on before the turbo kicks in.

    Most people say there is virtually no lag in the 2.0T, with some reporting it is minimal.

    I thought the “old” 1.8T didn’t have any lag…with the manual. This engine is supposed to be a significant improvement over the old one.

    So, to answer your question:
    How much turbo lag is there when you stomp on the gas? 0.1 seconds, half a seconds, what?

    Probably not much…
  • hotskillethotskillet Member Posts: 1
    On the contrary. If you want a U.S. spec B6 in a manual right now, you won't get it! YOU CAN NOT GET A 2.0T MANUAL FROM ANY DEALER RIGHT NOW! A few Value Editions (No options allowed) may be trickling in soon. If you want a 2.0T manual (model code 3C25K2) with options, you have to wait 2-4 months. Buyers are supposed to have option 1 or 2 available on the K2. Yes the vw.com configurator is wrong along with the 7/22/05 price list.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    Yes the people at VW have taken marketing courses 101 and otherwise, I would imagine AND they have taken econ 101, too; and, the people at VW of America or VW USA or VW North America or whatever the legal entity is called have too.

    Dealers buy the cars from VW that they have "reason to believe" they can sell most rapidly. Experience is or has been a good teacher one would imagine. My local BMW dealer will NOT inventory any manual transmission cars, because they "sit and sit and sit" on the lot waiting for a customer and then finally are discounted (which is a double whammy on the dealer since he had to "carry it" while it took up space on the lot or showroom floor.)

    We row your own types are dinosaurs.

    The lack of manual transmissions (assuming they are actually built for SOME market) is a function of the market -- OUR market [apparently] demands an insufficient quantity of manual transmission cars to make it economically viable. What else could it be?

    Now, why oh why VW would couple or bundle leather and auto trans is beyond me. But, without too much fear of contradiction, I'll bet it is good old economics 101 at work here too. People who buy leather will probably overwhelmingly buy automatics. If the reverse were true, it is my belief that VW is not in the business of NOT taking your money for the features and options you want.
  • 600kgolfgt600kgolfgt Member Posts: 690
    > We row your own types are dinosaurs.

    I guess all of you can call me Godzilla, then... :shades:
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I am among one of the endagered species who likes manuals and I am well aware of its sales limitations in this continent.

    VW marketing expertise does seem to be lacking in pricing, product availability and services. You want proof! Please refer to their sales data ! Not only in USA but in Europe and China. Inept marketing does seem to be the main reason for their sales decline.
  • kdm1957kdm1957 Member Posts: 1
    Saw a few 2.0T Passats (2006) the other day at a VW dealership in Maryland. Any ideas on how low you can negotiate the price on that total $27,440 list price (including $615.00 destination charge)? I'd expect the factory rebate to the dealer to be around 2% of the 23,900 base price and the true cost (to the dealer) of the packages/options would be roughly 50% of the suggested retail. True "ballpark" cost to the dealer would be roughly $25,500 (perhaps lower). Interested in any feedback on my analysis here (ordering a Consumer Reports detailed report, which I've done before, sometimes gets you to a more specific number; obtained one of those reports on a new VW in the past and it was very useful in the negotiation). Also interested in any thoughts on the VW extended warranties these days. I'm very wary of such packages.
  • arrosenarrosen Member Posts: 22
    It has been fairly easy for me to get a few dealers to offer $500 over dealer invoice. I haven't pushed, but a few may go even a bit lower than that. My gut tells me that if you wait a month or 2, you may be able to get an even better deal on the 2.0Ts (once the 3.6's come out)
  • jerry3840jerry3840 Member Posts: 7
    Many folks have been referring to the configurator on vw.com as not providing any option packages with manual and that it true at this moment. But VW insiders are saying that that whole configurator is messed up and to ignore it. Apparently, it will be fixed when the 2.0t manuals start being shipped in a couple of months.

    But my questions remains...

    Once the 2.0t manual is "officially" available, whenever that may be...will the driving enthusiast be able to order one in the color and option package they want through the dealer internet specialist? Or perhaps with carsdirect.com?

    Or...will the reality be that dealer lots will have nothing but automatics available and it will be impossible to get a stick with the B6 in North America, no matter how you go about it?
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    I have no inside info that I can share; I have no outside info that I can share either, come to think of it.

    It is however, my considered opinion, that Passats IN INVENTORY with manual transmissions will be few and far between.

    If you want one and they are indeed available, what is the issue with ordering the car EXACTLY as you want it and waiting 10+ weeks or so?

    Most people won't think twice about ordering "other stuff" some less and some more expensive (a couch for example ordered from XYZ usually takes a minium of 30 days, and sometimes longer, a custom house may take months to nearly a year or longer to build -- yet we wait for THAT.)

    Cars are very high ticket items, do we buy them "NOW" and take what we can get off the lot?

    If you go into a high end home theater store and order separate components for your AVP, AMP and other stuff, it is rare that it is in stock (although usually it will come within 10 days.)

    I would personally hope that dealers would have an example of everything for me to see, drive and "play with" -- I could care less if they have it in stock.

    For example, it took 7 weeks to get my wife's new custom made BMW X3 built in Europe and shipped to Cincinnati. It was pretty painless.

    $30,000 cars (and higher) are now the objects of immediate gratification?

    Get what you want -- if they have it in stock, great, buy it, if not order it -- it is twice as much fun to order it and pick it up, it is almost like getting a new car twice!

    But, as usual, I could be wrong. :blush:
  • prigglypriggly Member Posts: 642
    You think this is bad? In Canada, you can't even get the Dynaudio! It is not offered either as a stand-alone option or part of a package.

    As far as the manual trans is concerned, I agree, it is more fun to drive in the country. In the city it is a hassle because of all the stop-and-go traffic and the auto is a better fit.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    "As far as the manual trans is concerned, I agree, it is more fun to drive in the country. In the city it is a hassle because of all the stop-and-go traffic and the auto is a better fit."

    I suppose that's a matter of conjecture. When I got my first stick shift I lived in San Diego in the summer of 1977, it was a 1970 Dodge Challenger. Of course back then San Diego wasn't all that crowded so I moved to Los Angeles in 1978 while at the same time putting a 3,500 pound pressure plate in the Challenger. Geez that was fun in L.A. traffic. :-/ In 1979 I got transferred to Atlanta and then three months later transferred to Detroit, still with the Challenger, however, I bought a 1979 Scirocco 5-Speed to use as my daily driver while I was restoring the Challenger. In 1980 I got sent to Cupertino for 6 months of training and then relocated to Chicago once training was over. The Scirocco followed me to both cities however I waited until I was fully setup in Chicago before I went back to Detroit to fetch the Challenger. Nearly thirteen years, a Dodge Turbo Daytona 5-Speed, a Chrysler LeBaron GTC 5-Speed, an Audi 4000 5-Speed and an Audi Coupe GT 5-Speed later I cleaned house, shed all of my cars and moved to NYC. My car-less-ness lasted only about 6 months before I picked up a Mazda MX6 5-Speed while living on the upper East Side and reverse commuting to suburban New Jersey every day. Oops! The day I got the MX6 I found out that my wife was pregnant and not 20 months later we found ourselves living in Jersey City with said MX6 being swapped out in favor of a VR6 Passat GLX 5-Speed. Seven more years of NYC traffic (and a 328i 5-Speed and a 530i 5-Speed) and we finally bought a house in the country (sort of) by moving to southern New Hampshire (kind of a suburb of Boston), and guess what? My next car will NOT have a 5-Speed manual; it's going to have a 6-Speed manual. ;-)

    So, through nearly 30 years, 8 metropolitan areas and 10 cars with three pedals, did I ever feel that driving a stick in the stop-and-go was a "hassle"? Yup, I remember a period of about five minutes back in Los Angeles where my left foot started going to sleep from holding in the clutch pedal during an inordinately long (by L.A. standards) traffic jam. Other than that, I cannot imagine traffic conditions ever being bad enough for me to willingly opt for a self-shifting car (including SMGs and DSGs).

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • cardriver06cardriver06 Member Posts: 47
    hi
    I just bought a passt 2.ot for 25980(sticker 27440),dealer talked me into an extended warranty from olypicare.
    i don;t know if this is a good deal
    let me know if you guys can throw some light on this.
    Also,my new passt 06 2.Ot the front shocks are making a noise(crackling noise)
    can anyone tell me about this.
    thanks

    amit deo
  • prigglypriggly Member Posts: 642
    Other than that, I cannot imagine traffic conditions ever being bad enough for me to willingly opt for a self-shifting car (including SMGs and DSGs).

    You haven't driven in Vancouver, BC, yet. There are no freeways and all the cross-town traffic is obligated to traverse non-controlled access highways. Believe me, the non-automatic transmission is a hassle (I had one and got rid of it) and the gas mileage is also worse than with the automatic.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    How much did you pay for the extended warranty?
  • vwdriver2vwdriver2 Member Posts: 54
    I just purchased a 06 Passat 2.0 with pkg.#1, and winter package same msrp...$25,000. I also got the extended warranty 6 year/100,000 miles..for about $1,700 + a surcharge for the turbo...roughly $150 more...all in all not a bad deal either...I haven't heard any crackling noises so far with the front shocks...I do have some questions about the menu...the instruction manual is kind of difficult to understand at times...
  • georgekgeorgek Member Posts: 50
    Fitzgerald in Frederick, MD is selling 2006s for about $130 over invoice.

    http://www.fitzmall.com/carfind/resultsa.asp?mode=NEW
  • arrosenarrosen Member Posts: 22
    It looks to me like they are about $500 over invoice. Also, their invoice prices are about $600 higher than they should be. They have a pcckage 2 with auto listed with msrp=28,415 and invoice=26,651. The invoice should be 26,051.
  • rjlaerorjlaero Member Posts: 659
    Many dealers have an advertising pack they put on the invoice for a few hunderd bucks, so that's where the difference may be.

    Even at that price, $500 over invoice on a brand new 2006 model is a fair deal.
  • surjn98surjn98 Member Posts: 34
    I like the new Passat. Can you tell me how you are liking it? I'm not sure whether to buy it due to reliability issues or get a Toyota Avalon. Thanks!
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    My mind must be going, or at least it is certainly now boggled by the prospect of in one hand having an Avalon and in the other a Passat.

    Now had you said a Volvo vs a Passat, OK, even a Saab vs Passat, certainly an Audi vs Passat, certain BMW's vs a Passat sure.

    "Driver's wanted" is more than a slogan.

    Avalons and Passats IMHO (and I am certainly open to the possibility that I am dead wrong) do not seem to be targeted at the same market.

    Both cars are certainly attractive to the markets at which they have been targeted towards. But, but, but -- one will be a wonderful driving experience and one will be an isolating experience. There are times when isolation is the desired outcome. Those who like Passats want to be engaged in the driving experience.

    Those who prefer Avalons -- obviously subjective -- seem to want as little interaction with the cars as possible.

    When I read reviews of the Passats, they often are compared with other European cars (Audi in many cases) for their "German" feel, their tightness, taughtness and driving feel.

    Avalon reviews, usually positive, talk about being removed from the connection with the driving experience. Avalon reviews will use the word "yawn" or "boring" -- often quite the opposite of the words used to describe the VW experience.

    Pick an Avalon, it makes no never mind to me -- but please don't compare it with a Passat.

    My heart and head can't resolve the two as competitors for your dollars.

    Kinda like looking at a mini van versus a Porsche Boxster in my mind -- perhaps both good vehicles, but hardly competition in terms of feature and function.
  • cardriver06cardriver06 Member Posts: 47
    hi

    what u paid only 25000$+sales tax????
    and 1700 for warranty,well i paid 25980+1999 for extended warranty of 90000
    :( ,tell me if i got a good deal???
    what is ur email id
    i am new buyer with tons of questions

    thanks

    amit
  • surjn98surjn98 Member Posts: 34
    Does the 2006 2.0 use premium or regular unleaded fuel?
  • wco81wco81 Member Posts: 590
    Looks like even the 3.6 are going under MSRP, at least according to the TMV price.

    Now the question is whether they will do the same kind of lease deals as they're doing for the 2.0T.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Premium...turbo & high compression.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Having had the experience of driving a new Avalon (Mom has one) and owning a 2004.5 Passat I can say, without question, these 2 cars are different rides.

    Mark's post says it all. My Mom's Avalon is nice and FAST, but bland is it's middle name. And it's big to boot. The 2 cars have completely different driving experiences. Neither car is bad....just different!

    Enjoy whatever you buy!!!!
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,163
    I like those "feel good" comparisons or "class of their own" speaches, etc. I think consumers are entitled to make comparisons they please. Even if it makes no sense to those who always know better.

    Perhaps the Avalon vs. Passat guy had some of his own logic behind it. I can understand it very well. At one point I was making decision between Subaru WRX, Mazda Protege5, Ford Focus and VW Passat V6. I even looked at Audi A4 and Lexus IS300 as other benchmarks. Of course the cars were different and not comparable. It was not about which car was better, rather what I was getting for what kind of money (w.g. was WRX really worth say 8 grand over Focus or Protege), whether or not it was worth it for me and of course could I afford it. I kind of chose my favorits within their class/type and then had to decide on the type.

    I am a consumer and I decide about my dilemmas. If the dude thinks he wants Avalone OR Passat, let be it. This forum may not be the best place to ask this kind of question, but he is entitled to his own comparisons.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    "This forum may not be the best place to ask this kind of question, but he is entitled to his own comparisons"

    I think that was Mark's point exactly!!! He was just providing his opinion on the comparison on the 2 cars.....
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