2013 and earlier Volkswagen Passat Prices Paid and Buying Experience

CarMan@Edmunds · December 2002

Good call, weeb35. Volkswagen did indeed reduce their special financing rates on the 2003 Passat for the month of December. According to what I have heard, their new rates are 1.9% for 24 months, 2.9% for 36 months, 3.5% for 48 months, and 3.99% for 60 months. I will do some research to make sure that these preliminary numbers are correct and let you know if I hear otherwise.

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hlaskow · December 2002

I know it is an option for a 2003 Passat GLS Wagon but some dealer tells me there are none made this way. Is this a story to get me to buy the one he has?

vwguild · December 2002

Not True...December rates are exactly the same as November...

vwguild · December 2002

ESP is available on Every Volkswagen, and YES!!!

CarMan@Edmunds · December 2002

I have not seen December's program yet, but have heard a rumor that they did reduce their special financing rates on the 2003 Passat. I will double check what I have heard today, but I am pretty sure that Volkswagen did indeed change their rates on the Passat.

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CarMan@Edmunds · December 2002

Vwguild, I just double checked my earlier statement that Volkswagen enhanced its special financing rates on the 2003 Passat for December and I am 100% positive that this is indeed the case. The their new rates are 1.9% for 24 months, 2.9% for 36 months, 3.5% for 48 months, and 3.99% for 60 months.

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altair4 · December 2002

I'm sure that vwguild is correct, that it is available. But saying that is different from actually finding one in your area. I wanted ESP...my dealer had none. I did a search out to 150 miles. I found none in any dealer's inventory. I couldn't/wouldn't wait for an ordered car, so I bought the model with everything else I wanted. I'm happy with the dealer, the deal, and the car (reflex silver GLS wagon with black leather, 1.8T and Tip).

It boiled down to my ability to wait or not. I couldn't wait. If you can then you can get the car exactly the way you want it.

vwguild · December 2002

Correct...Rates are the same, they just moved Passat to where Jetta and Beetles were/are...Sorry for the confusion...

ash000000 · December 2002

I'm looking for a passat 1.8T model with automatic transmission, monsoon and ESP. Any idea how much should I pay above invoice for this car.. I live in san francisco bay area.. thanks

weeb35 · December 2002

I also refused to wait for the ESP, I wanted Sandstone Grey, with leather, and moonsoon, GLS V6, Dealer checked over 1100 dealerships and none to be had with ESP. currently waiting for the car which landed in RI, last week...

hlaskow · December 2002

Thanks and you are all right. The dealer finally admitted that it could be obtained if I special order and wait 3 months, or he has the exact car without it now. I am getting a GLS 1.8T Wagon, tip, silverstone grey w/ black leather, monsoon for just over $25K which I think is a great deal, but I keep cars for many years and would regret not getting exactly what I want. But I am not sure I want to wait as my existing car will be sold in a few days. I'll flip a coin tomorrow.

pcshaun · December 2002

Volkswagon has special very low APR financing through January 6, 2003 on Passats.

I spent 30 minutes at the dealer to order the car and then did the pricing negotiations over the phone. Highly recommended -- Much better than physically being at the dealership. As usual with car buying, it did get ugly, but I managed to get this Passat for $31,475, or about $1500 under MSRP of $32,950.00. I hope I like it. From the posts I have read, VW's seem to break down quite a bit. I hope that is just unusual. Thanks.

clscflm · December 2002

Can anyone tell me if the Destination charge and the Acquisition fee are the same thing? Peter? Thanks, ClscFlm

vwguild · December 2002

No, they are not the same thing. Destination is
for shipping. An *Acquisition Fee* is a charge
by a bank for a Lease...

CarMan@Edmunds · December 2002

ClscFlm, the previous poster beat me to the punch. No a vehicle's destination charge and a lease acquisition fee are not the same thing. Vehicles' destination charges are essentially part of their price and everyone has to pay it when they buy a new car or truck. Acquisition fees are levied by banks when consumers lease vehicles through them. If you were to lease a vehicle through Volkswagen credit right now, you would have to pay a lease acquisition fee of $575 at signing, or roll than amount over into your vehicle's capitalized cost and pay for it over the length of your lease.

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clscflm · December 2002

Peter and Car_man... the mystery of car financing further unraveled... ClscFlm

mcetal · December 2002

Every car at my local VW dealership has a $495 environmental fee tacked on. Anyone know about that? I live in Houston, TX and I'm confident that we don't have any stricter envr standards requiring after market work. Thanks for any clarity you can bring to the subject.

altair4 · December 2002

Here in PA, you pay a couple of bucks for some sort of tire tax, but other than that, no. Sounds like a scam...call another dealer carrying a different car line and see if they hyave such a thing.

CarMan@Edmunds · December 2002

Hi mcetal. I've never heard of any state that has an "environmental fee," especially not one as high as $500. I have heard of dealers who add "environmental protection packages" to all of the vehicles on their lots. For instance, some dealers that sell vehicles in hot climates add a $500 or whatever environmental protection package to their cars and trucks. This may be what is happening in this case. Consumers who protest these sorts of packages are often able to get dealers to lower the prices of the vehicles that they are selling accordingly. Of course, one can always purchase the vehicle that they are interested in at a competing dealer if they don't like the aftermarket packages that a particular dealer has added to all of their vehicles.

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altair4 · December 2002

I'll bet Car_man is right, but he didn't mention that many people consider these protection packages nothing more than a glorified coat of wax. Consumer Reports suggests that you decline these packages. For what it's worth...

since66 · December 2002

Passat. 1.8T, Monsoon, Leather.
Green Light Lease: 48 months @ $358 (includes sales tx.) List was $26,800. Does this compare favorably? (I guess I'm just a masochist. :^)

mvcjones · December 2002

I just leased a 2003 1.8 GLS with Tip/leather/monsoon/homelink with MSRP of $26,600. Put $999 down, negotiated a price of invoice +$600 and got a lease at $359 tax included, 36 months/12k per year. It looks like you did ok, my only concern would be the 48 month term as you will do tires and brakes before the lease is out and then return it if you don't buy it. How many miles did you get per year? But the deal is done, enjoy the car, it is a fine vehicle.

A great place to check lease deals for comparison is www.swapalease.com, look up what other people leased a vehicle for prior to your lease is drawn. It is a site where people try to get out of their leases so you see what other people did on their lease agreements. Most leases for Passats are listed at $400+ so you got a good deal in the scheme of things.

CarMan@Edmunds · January 2003

Very good point, altair4. Most of those random packages that some dealers add on to the majority of the vehicles on their lots like environmental protection packages, undercoating, stain protection for seats, etc... are either worthless or something that one can do on their own for much less money. Thanks for adding to my original post.

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luvmypassat · January 2003

It amazes me that people are referring to what they paid relative to MSRP. I didn't even look at that number as I was shopping. Don't even know what it is. I would only accept quotes relative to invoice. Every dealer I spoke to would go invoice and 1 or 2 could do 200 below invoice. Found a wonderful dealer who made me a good deal hundreds below invoice before I even decided on the car. I got the ESP and monsoon wrapped in the pretty fresco green. One thing I learned while shopping is that dealers can make different deals based on how successful they are. Successful dealerships get extra incentives that they can share with you - if you catch them and if you get a good salesperson. I didn't haggle at all. Simply called a lot of dealers and asked for the best they could do. Also, I only spoke with Internet Sales Managers.

vwguild · January 2003

Very important point that is kind of buried in your post...Incentive Money. When it is available
the consumer wins...Buy at Invoice or a bit below and the customer saves money, and the Dealer actually makes money too...Best of both worlds!!! However; these are normally only in place during the 4th Quarter of the year for *build out* purposes getting rid of 2002 MY cars, and adding to the Manufacturers Total Unit Sales figures...
When newspaper ads start appearing with major savings below MSRP...Incentives are in place. This has been the norm for the past couple of years at VW. These ads will be for ALL Dealers...if there is no universality; the Dealer has done a poor job of ordering & selling.

sschilf · January 2003

I am interested in a 03 GLX Wagon or Sedan with ESP. I am working with a dealer that will now sell at invoice for any of the 2 cars. However, he is claiming that 'The Advertising Fees, the Port Prep fees, and the Florr Plan fees' are another 500! How ridiculous is that?? They even say that these should be part of invoice. I disagree - they are fees that they incur themselves and not part of the 'vehicle cost'. Why should I they levy their cost of busines on me?

How can I get around these? Honda, Nissan, etc do not charge these ludicrous (sp) fees! I ultimately would like to pay 300 to 500 below invoice. Thanks

altair4 · January 2003

Ignore them. Make your offer and see what shakes out. Based on vwguild's comment, I don't know that your target is reachable. If they won't sell you the car at your number, go elsewhere. If no one will sell it at that price, you're offer is too low.

jpvwaudi · January 2003

Why not just ask for the car for free? Port prep, floorplan interest reserve and ad fees are legitimate and part of the invoice.

altair4 · January 2003

Yeah, well, you hit on the head. I negotiated my purchase after checking the dealer's cost. I made an offer (over dealer cost, I might add), they countered, I countered and we made a sale. Just that simple, with half of this via e-mail. Best and easiest negotiation I ever underwent.

The issue of port and ad fees did come up. I did ignore them, figuring the dealer can spend the money whereever, however. If they weren't happy with the price, then it would have come out in the negotiation. But then again, I wasn't looking beat them to death on the price, with below invoice pricing. But that's just me.

Frankly, I secretly hope that sschilf buys something else. I don't think, based on the posts I've seen, that he's really a good VW candidate (below cost, maintenance costs and schedules). I think this is a person who will be more comfortable in a Japanese car (IMHO).

sschilf · January 2003

IMHO, the extra fees (advertising, etc) are pure 100% profit makers for the dealer. We do not realize the true amount of holdbacks, incentives, etc that the dealer gets for each car sold! As a result, he can sell below invoice and still make money. I only suggest that if he makes x dollars thru holdbacks etc, he should sell the car at invoice minus x/2. That way, we both make money on the deal.

MSRP is now a fictitous (sp?) and irrelavent # and invoice is getting to be the same. I have and always buy cars under invoice. Why should you give your hard earned $s to the dealer?? Besides, car sales is not the cash cow for the dealer it is SERVICE!

voodoochild · January 2003

Just made an offer to a dealer on a 2003 GLX W/ESP and Auto Trans of $28,300 including delivery any feedback pos/neg would be appreciated!

luvmypassat · January 2003

sschilf - you should have tried to close on a deal before 1/2/03 or year end. Dealers were getting 2% of MSRP cash back and there was a $300 cash back also. But even without that, I was able to get 200 below invoice on a 2003 GLS from a couple of internet sales managers that I spoke with - most would do invoice. Don't deal with people who sell on the floor. Internet guys seem to be more interested in moving cars versus squeezing as much as they can from you. Try http://www.south-shore.vwdealer.com/. I have recommended them to a coworker; was a good buying experience.

luvmypassat · January 2003

I forgot to respond to post that said that all dealers get the incentives. Yes, they do, but all are not equally willing or able to share it with you. Depends on the salesperson (is he making his numbers) and the dealership's health. For example, if the service business is brisk enough and they are moving a lot of cars, they don't need to squeeze you as hard. They might even make less on the sale in order to get your service business and to get referrals and a repeat customer.

landru2 · January 2003

Unless the dealership is so small that the Service Manager and the Sales Manager are the same guy, don't count on the Service dept's good/bad fortune having any effect on the Sales Department. Sales Managers and their staff get paid to sell cars. Period. A Sales Manager that slacked off because the Service dept. was doing well would not have a job for long. Typically, there is no one in the Sales Department that gets paid on what the Service department does.

texoma · January 2003

Thanks for all the help on this board. Just picked up a '03 GLS Reflex Silver, Leather, Monsoon, ESP for "invoice", $24, 424. The dealer tried to get $295 for VIN etching, we settled on $100. Of course the floor plan and port fee's were another $175. Total with TT&L $26,265. They offered 4.5%/48 month finance which I took. I think I got a fair deal.

yakperson · January 2003

I just bought a 2003 GLS on 12/31/02 with monsoon for 22,600. I did a great deal of work trying to get the best price. I was looking for feedback on how I did!!!

4petite · January 2003

Sounds like a pretty good price. I talked to a couple Internet managers and used a newspaper ad to get the prices down (they started me at published invoice). I bought a 2003 GLS wagon with Homelink and Monsoon for $22,950 a couple days before Xmas. One of the best gifts I've given myself.

vwguild · January 2003

Factory Incentives ended on January 2nd...These Incentives allowed very aggressive pricing...

browneyedgirl2 · January 2003

After working and waiting with a dealership for 2 months, we finally tried purchasing a 03' GLS 1.8 4-cylinder with leather, monsoon, homelink, esp
last night. Their final offer for their car was $25,306. MSRP was $26,885. Their offer for our trade-in was $1270 under KellyBlueBook.
(MY) Invoice for the passat is $24,539. Their invoice, which included $150.00 floorplan charge and a $50.00 advertising fee was $24,739. I said I wouldn't pay those charges and he says they aren't negotiable. (I know better).
We made an offer asking bluebook ($2900 under retail) on our car and we'll give them $25,006 for theirs. They wouldn't take it. Not a bad offer considering we were giving them about $3000-$3300 profit with our trade in.
Guess we'll find another dealer willing to work with us!
Thats if we decide to stick with VW at all.

sschilf · January 2003

Car haggling is fun, isn't it! My 2 cents - Do not mention your trade-in till after you have negotiated the new car. Better yet, if youhave the time and security, sell it yourself and make more. As far as new cars, never pay above invoice! In today's economy, you should be able to get invoice or below depending on your tenacity! I am a firm believer that these little charges (advertising, reserve, etc) are tacky and a way the dealer is getting the buyer to subsidize his business!! My highest offer would be invoice as found on EDMUNDS plus destination - that's it unless you have some options like ESP. (ESP Invoice is $247)

Sorry for the soap box! Good luck!

riffs · January 2003

Picking up my car today, well wifes car actually but she says I can drive it for a month to get it out of my system:)

03 GLS Passat 1.8t, tiptronic, Leather, Homelink, Monsoon and ESP. Blue/Silver with Black Leather. $26,885 MSRP.

$25,237, $500 down plus license and title. No first payment (financed), 2nd pymt in 45 days. 48 month lease .00225 Money Factor, 50% residual (yes 50%)$331 a month.

I am pretty sure if I wanted to really play hard I could get for about $25,000 but would I get ESP and the exact color combination I wanted. Not worth the hassle. I could also haggle on the just announced $750 dealer incentive but would get as favorable of lease terms.

The dealer I used gave me no hassles. I already knew what I wanted so spent 30 minutes or so on lot. They didn't have what I wanted but said they could locate. Told them I would fax over price I was thinking and that I wanted residuals numbers and lease factors amongst some other info. I have the software to check the numbers.

She said fine. I faxed her, she called back within about 2 hours with the info I requested. Went home, ran the numbers, they were legit. Called back and over 20 minutes gave credit info and credit card number. She said she would locate in the morning. She called at 5pm next day and said she had the exact car and would be here the next day. Gave her the rest of needed info like insurance and stuff. Will go pick up car in couple of hours. Total time spent with them will be 2 hours tops, with no trying to cheat each other.

Meanwhile other dealership (internet) dept won't give me the numbers I want, says I am getting all excited over nothing and that they are NOT playing games. What ever. They haven't been able to do in a WEEK what the other dealership did in a matter of hours. They email stuff but it is never what I asked.

Hope I will be happy:)

sschilf · January 2003

What are the details of the $750 incentive? Thanks

mr27 · January 2003

Anyone know what the new Passat financing rates are? Also are there any new customer cash or dealer incentives?

CarMan@Edmunds · January 2003

Hi mr27. Right now Volkswagen is offering 1.9% special financing for 24 months, 2.75% for 36 months, and 3.5% for 48 or 60 months on the 2003 Passat. I believe that Volkswagen also currently has $750 dealer cash on 2003 Passats, but this cash may not be used in conjunction with their special financing program.

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jpvwaudi · January 2003

You have to realize that getting Kelly Blue Book trade in for your car will be virtually impossible unless you can get Mr. Kelly to buy it himself......ooops!!!! I forgot! They're not in the business of buying and selling cars! As I have stated before along with vwguild, the port fees, etc... are a legitimate part of the invoice.
Hell, I booked a cruise yesterday and I'm paying a PORT FEE.

As for sschilf....never pay above invoice? What do you do for a living? How much do you make over minimum wage? I'm sure your boss could find an immigrant to work for less than you do. I really love my job, and its great to deal with an informed customer, but people like yourself read too many "How To" books and convince yourselves that you know more about this business than we do. You don't and you never will. We are in business to make money, and believe it or not the car business drives the economy. So leave the facts to the pros and if you want to buy a car for invoice buy a Hyundai.

sschilf · January 2003

My career and educational level is of no concern. I will just say that I have a graduate degree in business and I am pretty astute with the business world. The car industry drives the economy?? I do not think so. I think dealers have read too many propaganda and sales literature themselves.

I assume you are a dealer? Dealerships EASILY make money by selling at or below invoice. Anything above invoice is pure gravy! The public has caught up to the games played by dealerships thanks to the Internet. Selling cars is not rocket science. To repeat myself - There are many incentives (manufacturer to dealer) awarded to the dealer - holdbacks, sales awards, etc. Plus you even make money if consumers finance through VCI via the interest on their payments. Dealers should use these amounts to pay themselves and their cost of business including the nickel and dime charges (floor fee, port fee, etc) they try to pressure comsumers to pay! Moreover the term Invoice as seen on Edmunds etc is just an average cost in itself. Many dealers can buy their inventory even below that number based on their business.

Anyway, if you are so worried about not making enough money (for child's education, vacation, etc) - get ANOTHER job! You might have to invest in a college education though.

To everyone else - Do not be fooled! Cars even VWs can be purchased at or below invoice! It's all about supply and demand. Keep at it and you will find that dream car at a dream price. Also, do not get scammed into paying port fees, reserve fees, etc. You are only subsidizing their business by doing so. The most I am paying for a Passat GLX with ESP is $28k plus tax and title.

Good luck!

toolman02 · January 2003

hi all. i was looking at the following config:

03 GLS Passat 1.8t, Silver, Tiptronic, Homelink, Monsoon.

The dealer gave me a great offer: $23000 plus TT&L, which is just $133 above the invoice of $22866. TMV is $24105.

The gas milage of 21 city/30 highway with premium gas worries me a bit. I know somewhere someone has posted the milage they get, but I can't find it. Is 21/30 about right?

I just wanted to check with people with more expertise to see if this is good price. thanks.

sbsyncro · January 2003

I am just starting to gather *serious* quotes from the three dealerships in my area. Here is the first one I have received - note that this is for a 1.8T/Tiptronic/Fresco Green GLS wagon/gray leather, Monsoon, ESP, Homelink, the works.

I told him I didn't want any messing around, and to just lay something down that they will stand behind. It sounds to me like I can expect to also be hit with a bunch of other fees as well (though I told him to make them very explicit)

MSRP: $27,570
Selling Price: $26,127
Tax (7.75%) 2,028.33
Licensing 213
Tire Fee 5
Documentation Fee 45
______________________________
Total $28,418.33
Down Payment $10,000.00
Total Financed $18,418.33
A.P.R. for 60 months
(On approved credit) 3.5%
Monthly Payment $335.06

Edmunds "TMV" pricing for this same car is $26,405 without the Homelink (which is another $200 or so) so it seems like I am getting a pretty good deal. This of course depends on all the other fees they try to pile on.

Anyone have any comments on this? WHat other charges are ythey going to try to slip in on me?

Thanks,

Brent

vwguild · January 2003

Sounds like you are in California...$45 Doc. Fee
and $5.00 Calif. Tire Fee...That should be all...
No surprises that I can think of, and it is all
there...

Go get your Passat!

passat4motion · January 2003

I have spent a lot of time researching and want a car with 4-wheel drive. Decided on the Passat GLX 4motion with ESP (everything else is pretty much standard). The current invoice is 29,900 and if you throw in the current $700 dealer holdback, the dealer's cost should really be 29,200.

What do you guys think is a reasonable price to pay? Emdunds gives the TMV is 31,016 and CarsDirect no-haggle price is 30,705. Thoughts?

2013 and earlier Volkswagen Passat Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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