VW Passat Wagons (GL, GLS, GLX & W8)

vwguild · February 2001

Passat Plus, due around Turkey Day...280hp/3.7L,
4MOTION sedan...Colorado, which may or may not
come to market with that name, is the product of
a joint venture with Porsche and due to launch at
the Frankfurt trade show in the fall, and launched
in the US in Detroit in January 2002. It will be
the first SUV for both companies...

shownuf · February 2001

I'm looking for a 2001, not 2001.5, passat gls v6 wagon with a manual transmission in the chicago area and can't find anything!Does anyone have a search strategy to find these online or a specific site I could go to? I need your help.

hiwaysanity · February 2001

if the timingbelt change is paid under the powertrain warranty?

vwguild · February 2001

Have you ever thought about playing a round of golf at Pebble Beach???

vwguild · February 2001

It is recommended that the timing be changed at the 40K or 60K Services...this would be a charged
item, and part of routine maintenance.

If, however, the timing belt breaks it IS COVERED.

hiwaysanity · February 2001

Same is true, I take it, of the 1.8, 2.8 and TDI (Jetta)?

vwguild · February 2001

Affirm...

rivergirl · February 2001

I currently drive a Grand Cherokee but am looking for something that drives more smoothly and can haul kids and dogs. I really like what I've read about the new Passat wagons coming out soon, but I'm tempted to go with something that has a third row seat in the "way back" so I can transport more than three kids at a time if needed. Does anyone know if there are future plans to add a third seat option in the Passat? Any other suggestions for wagons? The Volvo V70 is overpriced, the Taurus wagon is simply average.

glxwagon4mo · February 2001

Anne,

It's extremely unlikely that VW would add a third row seat to the Passat. It would represent one less distinguishing feature between the Passat and the Audi A6 Avant. As for other options for wagons and third row seating you are very limited -- Taurus/Sable, V70, A6 Avant and MB E320.

If you're planning on transporting more than 3 kids on a regular basis, then I think you'll have to start looking towards the minivan or SUV categories. Otherwise, you might also consider a used V70 or A6 Avant.

BTW, we turned in our '97 JGC for our Passat and have NO regrets whatsoever. We can haul just as much as the Jeep could and I can't imagine going back to putting up with the ride of the Jeep again!

George

hutch7 · February 2001

If the timing belts break does the engine eat itself?

dudleyr · February 2001

Some engines have clearance so the pistons won't hit the valves, but most don't.

snurple · February 2001

Saab does not offer a third seat in their 9-5 wagon. Their reason: it's too dangerous. I can't imagine that a rear-end collision would do those kids any good, especially in a rear facing position. Wouldn't the rear portion of a wagon be considered a "crumple zone"? Crash data on this from Volvo or Audi?

dudleyr · February 2001

This was discussed somewhere - can't remember. A minivan with a third row seat places the rear occupants just as close to the back as a station wagon with a third seat. The only difference is you legs might get crunched in the wagon. In the minivan it would be your head.

Don't know about the rest of you, but I kinda value my head more. ;^)

In the end you never know who is going to hit you, and from where, there is no car that can protect everybody in every situation. After all how much crush zone do you have if you get hit from the side? The safest car would have one seat right in the center. - course then you couldn' see out as well so you would be more likely to crash. The argument can go on and on.

dudleyr · February 2001

Look at the brochure for the Mercedes wagon, they do a rear crash test with dummies in the third seat.

mvavricka · April 2001

We are planning to get a 2001.5 Pas sat wagon in the near future. I was wondering if anyone has drove the 4cyl 170HP with a automatic transmission? We typically will drive 70 - 75mph on the freeway, and live in a city, so will have to merge onto freeways. We don't need to set zero to 60mph record, but I hate not being able to merge on to the freeway without wondering if I'll be up to speed.

spellbound · April 2001

While I wound up purchasing a V6, I test drove the 1.8T 4cyl with auto on the sedan. To me the main difference was that the V6 had a bit more torque and throttle response off the line, ie from a standing start, taking off from a stoplight etc.

While you should test drive both, I have no doubt the 4cyl has enough power for you. I found it surprisingly powerful, especially once it was going (above 2500 or so rpm's when the turbo starts coming in). You'll find it has plenty of power to merge on a freeway.

Btw here's a picture of mine...

http://home.pacbell.net/spellbnd/passatv2.jpg

It's a fantastic car, I love it:)

dudleyr · April 2001

Merging with a 4 cyl Passat should be no problem. What do you drive now? What are used to?

dennett · April 2001

What color is that? It really is sharp, is it an 01.5? What sort of milage have you been getting with the V6?

pocahontas · April 2001

the title of this discussion has been edited. This is the same discussion as "Passat Wagon II."

And now back to the subject of the VW Passat Wagon. Thanks for your participation.

Pocahontas
Host
Hatchbacks/Station Wagons Message Boards

hutch7 · April 2001

I just test drove both the other day. I currently drive a '97 OB. The 6 was sweet getting on the highway, the 4 was adequate (about like my Subaru). The big difference I thought was the noise of the 4...when you push it hard it really buzzes.

spellbound · April 2001

It's Silverstone Gray. Yes it's an 01.5. I haven't had it long enough to measure milage:) The computer says I'm averaging low 20's. EPA is 18/26.

vwguild · April 2001

Last build date for MY 2001.5 Wagons is April 10th. Next build scheduled for June...
Delivery of 2002 MY Wagons late July/ early August.

dr_wu · April 2001

vwguild,
I've read a number of your posts - thanks for all the info. What is the significance of the build date? Also, my dealer says getting a wagon with a 5 speed is next to impossible - that only about 2% of the wagons are standard transmission. Has that been your experience? Thanks again.

gtidrive · April 2001

Help, please...

Does anyone know the realistic time frame I can expect for a 2001.5, 1.8t, auto, luxury, monsoon, wagon.
My dealer originally said I'd have a car by April 1. Now he sees none on allocation reports, can't seem to trade with other dealers, and is telling me it may be at least another month. I'm afraid its going to be alot longer per discussions with competing dealers. They said they aren't even selling 2001.5's any more and are directing buyers straight to 2002's.
Additionally, does anyone know how dealers know what cars they are going to get? They may know what's coming the next two weeks, but ask them what they are getting two months from now and you get a shrug of the shoulders. Corporate IQ doesn't say anything either. I would think they should know if large quantitities are going to be shipped. Or maybe they don't want me to know....

P.. How about colors.. It seems the only ones that are coming in are gold and silver stone.

vwguild · April 2001

They are indeed rare, but I got one put together for my brother-in-law
in Chicago...5 Speed, 1.8T, No Lux, Cloth Interior.

vwguild · April 2001

We have them here in Calif. I can't imagine why your local
Dealer is having such a tough time.

The shrug of the shoulders is from a lazy individual that doesn't
want to help you get what you are looking for, but who does want
*to sell you a car today*.

Try getting to the Internet Sales Manager of if they do not have
one; the Fleet Manager. I know what is scheduled to be built &
so does every other ISM.

dr_wu · April 2001

BY "build" for your brother in law, do you mean you sent and order to the factory? How long did it take to fulfill? One more question. Which do you think I'm more likely to find -
A) 1.8/5-speed/cloth/ with or without Lux/monsoon (I can be flexible on these options although I'd prefer the base model)

1.8/auto/no lux

Thanks again.

pickerib · April 2001

My wife was really excited about the (then) redesigned Passat wagon. We needed the room, but I was reluctant. It's now 3 yr and 60Kmi later and I couldn't be more pleased. The one problem we've had was at 10k, the radio would automatically start playing a tape that was engaged any time we hit a bump. Frankly, it seemed a small problem, but the dealer said why waste time and he offered to replace the whole unit. A few weeks later, the problem was back. It didn't happen often enough to sweat it, but around 50k another problem pope up. It seems we can only receive 1 (local radio station). Long drives confirmed our suspicion the the antenna might be the problem. The dealer said $600 to replace it. Has any one else had this problem? I'm wondering if it might be the subject of a recall. Thanks

vwguild · April 2001

Your best bet is to pursue the Tip & PJ6 pkg....concentrating on
Exterior Color and Interior...There are very few 5 speeds available in
any configuration...And 2.8s are in very short supply as well...

Good Luck...

vwguild · April 2001

vwguild · April 2001

You said that the Dealership *offered* to replace the HU...Did they,
in fact, do that???

rettil · April 2001

When did this "news" emerge that the last week of B5.5 variant production is 4/7? My dealer told me "my" car will be built in the last week of April for a late May delivery. Is production closing down altogether for the rest of April? Are they stepping up the schedule and getting out the last B5.5's (the ones slated to be built later in April) early?

vwguild · April 2001

Your late May Delivery is accurate, but the Build date should be this Tues...
Remeber it Takes around 3-3.5 weeks to cross the pond...

rettil · April 2001

You say my "build date is Tuesday," but the dealer told me two weeks ago it is "week 17" which is the last week of April, so has it been moved back? How do you know it is Tuesday? That's my confusion. My fear is that it is cancelled altogether.

dennett · April 2001

Tell me about how the new 01.5 Passats are different/better than the previous models. I'm considering a Passat wagon, what safety features does it have standard/optionally? Also is there any way you could tell me how long the cargo floor is behind the back seat and how tall the hatch opening is, I have a big German Shepard and his dog crate to deal with. I really appreciate any info you can give me! Thanks in advance!

wired1 · April 2001

I'm looking for advice from the group regarding a choice between 2 wagons. I haul my 2 dogs with me (shepard/golden retriever mixes) on weekends for fun.... my wife has a Taurus wagon and it works fine for them.
SUV's are not for me. I'm used to a sedan... now I'm looking for something with a "wayback" for the weekends.
I've driven the Passat and the Outback. My head says "Subaru", but my heart says "Passat".
Can anyone offer me more "concrete" (like in my head) advice?

vwguild · April 2001

JR, that is just the info that I have...If your Dealer has week 17...I am in no
position to argue with that...Lord knows I have been wrong before; just ask
my wife!!!

Every Dealer gets an *Order Production Status Report* on Saturdays...The
Request/Commission number for your car, and it's exact description, can be
followed week to week as it moves through the Build and Ship process. It
would seem odd for them to intentionally give you bad information, particularly
on an ordered car. I would not worry...

vwguild · April 2001

There are two great sources for the information you are looking for...
First is www.vw.com, just navigate your way through to Passat Wagon
and *Complete Specs*.
Second is www.vwvortex.com and go to *News Achives* you will find
there a complete decription of the *Facelifted* version.

As to Safety Features...All are Standard, and Include 4Wheel Disc Brakes
and 4Wheel ABS, Front and Side AirBags, and a FullCurtain Side Airbag
Protection System. It is a Best Pick by the Ins. Institute for Highway
Safety and a 5 Star Front & Side Impact winner from the National Highway
Traffic Safety Admin. (DOT).

Let me know if you need anything else...

wired1 · April 2001

I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on my question about the Passat Wagon vs. the Outback. A few added questions:
I'm looking for the 1.8 automatic with the Cold Package (Pennsylvania) and Monsoon. I'd accept the Luxury Package as well if supplies are limited without it. I'm assuming the leather package would not be good with dogs?!? What do you think?

In trying to put this together the local VW/Autobytel rep said there wasn't a single car in the adjoining 5 states with my desired color (silver blue). He's to conduct a new search with the options wanted in any available color. Does this sound about right? Should I try to order one through him?

My thanks in advance. In reviewing your posts, I would appreciate your insight and sound advise.

dennett · April 2001

Thanks for the info! It really is nice having someone "in the know" to answer questions here! I have one more question, I see you are from CA as am I, is it possible to get a new 01.5 Passat without the front plate bracket installed? I think the new Passat looks awesome without it and I'd be willing to risk the fix-it ticket for the cleaner and sportier looking nose. If I could get it this way, I'd want the bracket just in case I eventually need to intall it, do you think that would be a problem?

vwguild · April 2001

My thoughts EXACTLY... I would not have that front plate there for anything;
it ruins those beautiful lines in no uncertain terms. When you get your car, and you
should order it, SPECIFY that during the PDI they DO NOT DRILL THOSE UGLY HOLES.

IF you get one off of the lot and it has been *PDId* this will already have been done.

The other option, if time is an issue; try to get something that is at the Port of San Diego...
your Dealer will know what is there or en route...

vwguild · April 2001

Go with the leather...it is tougher...think saddles, boots, than velour
and the smell of dog will be absorbed into the fabric like a sponge...no
matter how well groomed.

Cold-Weather included with the leather, by the way...and this will make
the locate much easier...trust me on that one...

Where in Pa. are you?

wired1 · April 2001

Thank you for your thoughts. I hadn't considered the toughness of the leather...(nor the smell of the hounds).

I'm from Pittsburgh...home of the best new ballpark in baseball...opening today!

Any additional thoughts about the Passat vs. the Outback?

Thanks again in advance.

pocahontas · April 2001

here's a discussion that I just moved from the Archived Stagons board to this one: VW Passat vs Subaru Outback (Wagons). So for more feedback on the subject, you may also want to post (copy/paste) your message into that discussion. Good luck, and please keep us posted. ;-)

Pocahontas
Host
Hatchbacks/Station Wagons Message Boards

vwguild · April 2001

Well, I hope that you have tickets...Go Pirates!!! My only
additional thought would be for you to remember that every
product has a personality of it's own and should kind of match
up with that of the Driver. How does each one make you feel when
you are behind the wheel? Go with the one that makes You feel
the best...

davidfoster · April 2001

Drove the 1.8 5-speed wagon yesterday and loved it. There seem to be very few 01.5 wagons at dealers in my area (greater Boston). The dealer stated the following:

1. Very few standard 01.5s to be had.
2. Cars are allotted to dealer at about 2/month.
3. They really can't be "ordered" from the factory.
4. It will be close to impossible to find a car with the leather package that does not also have the lux package.

Can anyone reliably comment on these statements?

Thanks!
David
foster@broadbase.com

kcc3 · April 2001

Does anyone know what the 0-60 times are for the automatic equipped pas sat wagon with the 4 s. the 6 cylinder engine. My wife and I drove both this past weekend and the 4 felt like it had more low end power. But I think it may have just sounded louver and downshifts sooner due to the lower torque of the 4.

A second question.
Is there a load rating difference with the 4 s. 6 cylinder engine. I think the 4 Cyl. would be adequate but I am a little scared to have a lauded vehicle with 5 people, luggage, a dog and have to whine the 4 out to get it moving. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

dudleyr · April 2001

The 4 will move very smartly even when loaded. I wouldn't worry about it unless you need to drive over about 130 mph or use the car for drag racing.

degvariant · April 2001

vwguild, your name has come up quite a bit lately on the vwvortex regarding the wagons......I have a New Variant "allocated" to me/my dealer (1.8T/5spd/Reflex Silver/Blk Lea/Lux/Monsoon). On the Sat, 3/24 report it was listed as "re-production". On the last 2 reports its listed as in "production" (but no vin #). Can you give me a rough time table as to what these mean and when I can expect delivery? I have a friend (same dealer) who's 4mo does has a vin # and has been listed (whatever term is used for "post production") for these last 2 reports. I don't know who you are or your connection.... but tia.

wired1 · April 2001

Thank you both for your help and support regarding choosing a wagon...

VWGuild...you kind of opened my eyes about leather upholstery and the hounds.

Pocahontas...I have reviewed the Outback/Passat board and this was most useful

Interesting note: I am dealing with a local Pittsburgh Autobytel-VW rep in trying to find a Passat with my desired configuration (1.8...automatic....monsoon....+/-luxury package...+/-leather)...unfortunately he has been less than responsive. I have had to contact him every step of the way. I might have to go with the Outback out of default. Is Autobytel any different than going to my nearest dealer and having them do the search? Sorry for the naive questions...I'm a newbie here.

VW Passat Wagons (GL, GLS, GLX & W8)

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