2013 and earlier Volkswagen Passat Prices Paid and Buying Experience

4petite · February 2003

FYI - January car sales for 2003 compared to the same period sales in 2002.

Car: 17,450 vs. 21,013, down 17 percent
Truck: 361 vs. 349, up 3 percent

I assume the Eurovan considered a truck? I wonder how much the ignition coil problem affected sales. So glad to hear VW finally agreed to fix the problem.

cstabile · February 2003

I've seen quite a bit of posts about low financing rates and dealer incentives of $500. Are there any current incentive programs for GLX leases (i.e., higher residual value, low money factor, etc.)? Thanks.

vwguild · February 2003

info yet...

cstabile · February 2003

Thanks. If you could, please post lease info once it becomes available

CarMan@Edmunds · February 2003

Hi cstabile. Volkswagen's exact lease money factors and residual values will vary depending upon how long you want to lease for and how many miles per year you need to be able to drive without having to pay a lease-end mileage penalty. Volkswagen is currently providing a special lease money factor of .00140 for all 2003 Passat leases of up to 42 months in length. This is a fairly attractive rate, equivalent to around 3.36%, especially when one takes the fact that Volkswagen Credit is providing $500 dealer cash that may be used in conjunction with it. I would be more than happy to give you an idea of what this car's lease program should be like for the exact term and mileage that you need if you pay me a visit over in the "Lease Questions Ask Here" discussion on the Finance, Warranty, and Insurance Message Board.

Car_man
Host
Smart Shoppers / FWI Message Boards

enichols · February 2003

I have been shopping for a 2003 Passat to replace my 1999 Passat. The best price that I can find is $300 below dealer invoice (MSRP of $25,680)(dealer $23,718). This seems like a very good price and was given without any haggling. Is it ?

ramped1 · February 2003

as long as they aren't going to nail you with add ons and dealer fees. I'd jump on it. I tried to get a 1.8T GLS auto last week and they wouldn't come within $800 of invoice.

donpetry · February 2003

I've been looking and the best I have done is $300 below invoice, but that did not include prep fees, marketing, etc. The announcement about the coils made me nervous so I backed of the deal.

Does anyone expect VW to offer special incentives in the near future to offset the drop in sales?

mauislick · February 2003

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE COIL PACK FIASCO! the latter 2003's , lets say 8/02 build date and beyond have the NEW ones......what a great time and angle to drill a dealer for a lower price on what may become a white elephant on his lot....no better time to help them unload the bad publicity car.....and you win! because they are great cars....are they perfect, no, am I no,
so jump in.....

radman12 · February 2003

I thought I had posted this question last night but don't see it so I hope I'm not repeating myself.

I've been browsing in the background and want to thank folks for their views. I'm about to go out and attempt a purchase this weekend. In 20 years of car buying this will be my first new car from a dealer.

Based on what I've seen on this board and the research info here at Edmunds, I am looking to purchase a 1.8T manual Passat, Indigo blue with black leather for $300 under invoice. With the $500 holdback, $500 dealer finance incentive and an anticipated $300 processing fee, I figure they would still be making quite a bit of money. Correct?

Also, based on one dealership looking around there are likely not any of these to be found in my region. How might this affect the negotiations?

Thanks.

vwguild · February 2003

It would not be prudent to utilize information here as the *Holy Grail* when it comes to a target price for the car that you are seeking.

This is not to say that there are not great deals available today, but all are different, and the best deals are found on cars that are easily replaceable, not to mention, in the Dealer's Inventory today.

Do not concern yourself with what any vendor is making...You would never go out for a dinner at a nice restaurant ever again...not to mention have a nice bottle of wine.

HOLDBACK is not an advised negotiating tactic...read the entire description of this through a portal on the Home Page here.

More importantly to your quest...Fewer than 10% of all cars & trucks sold in this country have Manual Transmissions. Volkswagen follows this model.

If you are not flexible on this component, you will need to be prepared to step into the world of John Maynard Keynes.

If a 5 Speed Passat can be located for you that you like, I would suggest that you offer the difference bewteen MSRP & Invoice, and if you qualify, 1.9% financing through VW Credit. You will be getting the car you want with a nice discount and a great rate...And, although it doesn't seem to matter much anymore, you will probably be the recipient of a great sales experience.

sschilf · February 2003

It depends on your time value. Do you have and can afford the time to negotiate? I am currently working on a GLX wagon automatic deal with ESP. I have been offered $500 under invoice but I still see some 'fat' to cut. Also, I am NOT paying those ticky tacky doc, port reserve, etc fees.

The most you should have to pay is invoice (plus invoice for any extra optins) - 1000 (financing and manufacturer incentives) + tax + tag. That is ALL.

When negotiating, stay strong and you will get a good deal. The economy is soft and dealers are dealing.

The 'sales experience' may be intense. But face it - It is only going to last a few hours and you will have saved 1000's. Enough for many fine dinners with bottles of wine.

Do not worry about the dealer not making money on the deal because there are so other opportunities for dealers to get kickbacks (sales volumes, VWOA sales awards, etc) where he makes money!! We will never know these #s! Besides, most dealers make 95% of their money on repair service not new car sales!

Hope this helps. Good luck.

landru2 · February 2003

Don't listen to what sschilf says. Don't let him get a better deal than you! He's already at $500 under invoice and going for more! Don't be happy with invoice like he suggests.

Of course, if you're not that interested in going for the Negotiator of the Year title you could just follow vwguild's advice.

sschilf · February 2003

I do not understand your math:

'Based on what I've seen on this board and the research info here at Edmunds, I am looking to purchase a 1.8T manual Passat, Indigo blue with black leather for $300 under invoice. With the $500 holdback, $500 dealer finance incentive and an anticipated $300 processing fee, I figure they would still be making quite a bit of money. Correct?'

Where are you getting 300 under invoice? Were you offered this? You should be able to buy at invoice with average negotiation. With the 1000 in incentives - you are now 1000 under invoice. Rememeber to negotiate without the incentives. That is, get your best price (which should be invoice in today's market especially if the US goes to war) THEN subtract out the 1000! Last, refuse to pay doc, port, etc fees.

CarMan@Edmunds · February 2003

I remember seeing you post that message before as well, radman12. I believe that I even responded to it at the time. Ahhhh, yes here it is. I just did a quick search and it appears as though you posted your last message on this subject over in the Smart Shoppers discussion titled "Factory order assurances?." Here is a copy of the response that I posted to it:

"Hi radman12. Dealers are usually much more eager to sell vehicles that they already have in stock than they are to order vehicles for consumers. By doing so, they are able to turn their inventory over more quickly and quit paying interest on a vehicle that they already have. Besides a bird in hand is worth two in the bush from their prospective. Orders often can be delayed, causing consumers to lose interest. You certainly can order a Volkswagen, but don't be surprised if the dealership that you are working with is more willing to negotiate on a vehicle that they already have in stock. Also, consumers are usually only able to take advantage of the incentives that are available on vehicles when they physically take delivery of them. Given the fact that Volkswagen is very inconsistent about when they offer dealer cash on vehicles, it definitely would not surprise me if your dealer was not willing to sell you an ordered car for a price that is below invoice because there is no guarantee that there will be any dealer cash on it when it actually arrives. I personally think that one should be able to purchase a VW Passat right at invoice, or perhaps slightly below if they were to comparison shop and take delivery of one from stock right now, provided that you are not interested in a trim level or combination of options that is not in high demand and short supply. You may have trouble getting as good a deal on an ordered Passat."

radman12 · February 2003

Thanks for your responses. Sorry again for the repeat posts.

As there are no 1.8T 5-sp in the color combo I want it looks like I'll have to order. I got a price from the local dealer I've been working with. It was $100 over invoice (hold on sschilf

I went for it but have since had second (and many more) thoughts. What has troubled me is that they listed invoice+$100+tax+tags+doc fees with the understanding I could try and negotiate out the doc fees later. They said they couldn't give me a firm invoice price at the time because the order hadn't been placed yet. What I realized after getting home is that I anticipate they will tack on port fees and the other host of charges on the invoice.

I intend to return and get my check back for the following reasons 1) I don't have a firm price 2) I didn't shop the price around (despite all the advice here) and 3) I'm starting to seriously consider the SAAB 9-3 (which recently came to my attention on another board here).

(P.S. sschilf I didn't see your post until I returned from the dealer. Perhaps I would have gone for lower.)

vwguild · February 2003

If your family is going to be using the 9,3 you
might want to check out www.hwysafety.org

Not exactly a stellar 40MPH crash test rating...
But then again...price is all that matters...

radman12 · February 2003

They are and I will, Thanks.

And it's not all about price. Differing views have been expressed by you and sschilf on this board and that's great. What troubled me is that I specifically asked for a firm price several times. I realized after getting home what I perhaps should have asked for was a specific off-the-lot cost to be agreed upon. That would ensure that I won't have any unexpected surprises when (if, at this point) I went to pick up the car. It's the sense that I may have been maneuvered that bothers me.

If I'm missing something please enlighten me.

vwguild · February 2003

given you a painless process to pursue. If they
did not give you a price and did you not make an offer; how could anything further occur?

If you agree on a cash price; there is a screen that can printed showing the bottom line number.
And because your car is being ordered no one can presume what incentives/rates might be at the time of delivery; so forget those
components. Current rates are available here all the time.

Once again, if you want something specific agree;
on a fair price/compromise and go ahead...If, on the other hand there is something that is on the ground today and you are prepared to drive it home today...Offer Invoice, sign your contract and go home with your new car.

If you pursue the other course offered here you will continue to drive the car that you are in now...Which begs another question...Do you have a Trade In?

jpsmith · February 2003

Question ... is Passat GL with Tip and ESP an unusual configuration? I've solicited quotes from a bunch of dealers and many are saying they don't have or can't get this combo. It seems odd that the GL's all seem to have Monsoon and/or cold weather pkg but not this far more important safety option.

vwguild · February 2003

is the one thing that I add to Every order, regardless of carline...

Contact me offline...and I will direct you to the Dealers in your area that have what you want.

I have some contacts in Chicago...

krzyss · February 2003

A few dealer I contacted told me that Cold Weather and Monsoon combination is more popular than ESP and Monsoon. Well it means that people prefer to have warm butts in the ditch with premium sound than premium sound and avoid the ditch. I ended up with warm butt, premium sound and ditch avoider (24400 plus 200 in miscelanous charges plus 5% sales tax).

Krzyss

jpsmith · February 2003

... for 1.8T Tip with ESP (only) is $23,550 out the door, including 6.5% tax. Seems to be close to invoice -- hard to figure what invoice is because of the regional charges. Can I do better than this?

vwguild · February 2003

You will have to provide ALL of the details of this Passat...

jpsmith · February 2003

w/Tip and ESP. That's it.

vwguild · February 2003

$23,550.00 OTD...

Invoice is $21,852.00 with no Ad Fee...so plus Tax @ 6.5% = $23,600.00...so far so good!!!
And I have no idea about the DMV; so you have done quite well...

Sign and go...;)

sschilf · February 2003

Sounds like you have a good initial quote. Buying at invoice, which you are doing, is the max I would purchase at. Remember there is almost $1000 (vci incentives and holdback)in rebates the dealer is making off of you. I would negotiate at least another 500 to 750 more. Last, refuse to pay doc, port, ad, etc fees. See my other posts for explanations.

Good luck.

donpetry · February 2003

Bought a Passat Wagon GLS last night. Fully loaded- tiptronic, leather, homelink, ESP, Monsoon, Cold Weather. Paid $24,900 plus MA tax/title/inspection. Couldn't refuse the financing deal too good to pass up.

I hope my wife loves the car. We pick it up Saturday AM.

vwguild · February 2003

I hope you give your children better advice than you are providing here.

Following your formula the Dealer would be better
served donating the car to the local Police Dept.
or the Red Cross.

sschilf · February 2003

You are a dealer, right? Your best interest is making money for yourself! I am only helping out consumers.

I know dealers are awarded $1000 (maybe more?!?) for each Passat sold. There is no magic to this number.

I suggested to JPS to negotiate 750 of the 1000. That is fair. Personally, I would go for 1000 or even more.

Besides, dealers' main cash cow is service/repairs (and evidently they are making a killing with all the coil failures!!).

im_brentwood · February 2003

Not to be rude here..

But you are a tad less informed than you think.

I have been offered $500 under invoice but I still see some 'fat' to cut. Also, I am NOT paying those ticky tacky doc, port reserve, etc fees.

Dealers do pay those fees. Bear in mind, the vehicle invoice is manufacturer to dealer "invoice" for the car. I.E. what the dealer pays. Therefore, it's an internal document and not one designed for ease of use by consumers!

There comes a point, to me, where you can analuze something to death IMO.

Bill

hlb1 · February 2003

vwguild --

In an earlier post (#1967) you suggested that for a 5-speed Passat, one should offer the difference bewteen MSRP & Invoice.

I'm confused. The difference between MSRP and invoice is only a few thousand dollars. What did you mean?

Also, does this advice hold true for a 5-speed GLS with a V6?

Thanks.

vwguild · February 2003

Your last comment regarding making a "killing on coil failures" renders you totally impotent to add
anything worthwhile to this conversation

vwguild · February 2003

You are correct, this difference is very small...

5 Speeds represent less than 10% of total availability...If the difference is $1000.00; divide in half.

This is a national forum; so I always make suggestions that are general and not specific to a given deal. The conditions that exist in No. Calif. maybe totally different in Ohio, or Texas, or Maine.

Of late I have heard of Dealers making offers that are so rediculous they are not be believed,
only to discover they do not even have the car they are quoting on and have no chance of even getting it. What they are basically saying is...
"I am not going to make this deal, but neither will anyone else." I do not understand why anyone would do that because there is no benefactor...everybody loses...most importantly...The Customer.

steveholly · February 2003

The idea that a recall of the coils is "a killing" for the dealers is incredibly short-sighted.
The information provided to the readers of this board by people like vwguild is very valuable.
I'm betting Stephen searches discount stores for the right price on a toothbrush, for heavens sake.

It's simple:
Get informed (thank you, vwguild!), do your homework, make the deal and enjoy!

Steve (2003 GLS, Indigo, 5 speed - and loving it!)

im_brentwood · February 2003

Tell me about it!

The coil recall isn't hurting these cars one bit! They are still strong as hell at the auctions, and they are still strong merchandise.

Bill

sschilf · February 2003

I agree I do not know the full extent of the coil failures...but my point is that dealers make a majority of their money in service not new car sales.

Steve, I couldnt agree with you any more when you say 'do your homework, make the deal and enjoy!' I see people on this board saying 'is this a good deal, etc' Most do not know about the money they can save and just hand it over to dealers on a silver platter. I hate seeing people being taking advantage of --- if only they did their homework.

Finally, I will have to look into a discount store the next time I need a toothbrush.

cuengineer · February 2003

I am new to this discussion. My wife wants to buy a 2003 Passat Wagon GLX with ESP. The quotes I am getting seem high when compared to the invoice I find on EDMUNDS.

Is Stephen correct about this 1000 savings? Can I buy this wagon at or below invoice?

I appreciate any help!

donpetry · February 2003

I found a wide range of prices in my recent experience. I did my homework. Received many quotes and talked to dealers. Some had little to no inventory in wagons. I found the largest dealer in the Boston area had the most inventory and was very aggressive.

Factors may depend on your regional market.

im_brentwood · February 2003

Factors may depend on your regional market.

Amen!

Kirstie_H · February 2003

Do cupholders and other accessories make or break vehicle sales? A reporter with a daily newspaper is wondering if shoppers are testing these components for utility, durability, aesthetics, etc before deciding whether the attached vehicle is right for their needs. If this is one of your shopping criteria, please by respond with your comments to jfallon@edmunds.com by February 25.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

mauislick · February 2003

in gerneral the VW passat wagon seems to be a little more difficult to get almost everywhere when it comes to exacts trim, color, interior, etc....if they happen to have the one you want on then lot consider your self lucky! ( I've had two and both were ordered)(one was totaled so I got another)
I got (what I thought was) a great deal on one and not too bad a deal on the second (I wasn't in the mood to haggle and it was my second buy from the same rep.)
Its just that the few that do get to our shores seem to get bought up by people like me who want a PRACTICAL car...for a reasonable price ( I can't afford MB, BMW, Volvo, et al) So as someone said the area and "factors" come in to play heavily on the wagon, maybe not so much on the sedan........get one they're great!

cstabile · February 2003

How is the holdback calculated? Is it a percentage of MSRP? Do you include the destination charge in the calculation? Is the percentage the same for all VW's or is it different for different models and trim lines? One dealer said it's 3% of invoice while another said it 2% of MSRP. I'm very confused.

I am most interested in a Passat GLX Auto w/ ESP.

Thanks in advance for the help.

skday1 · February 2003

Where did you buy your loaded GLS wagon? $24,900 sounds like a great price. I live in the Boston area as well. Did you have to negotiate hard for that deal?

I may be going shopping this weekend!

donpetry · February 2003

Play the field, but take your best offer to Quirk in Quincy. This is the second car I bought from them (previous was Maxima). I ran Quirks offer by two other dealers neither could beat it. One said "I hate to do this, but buy it from Quirk."

I really did not negotiate that hard. I used internet quotes as I have limited time and patience for playing games. Quirk honored their quote and were very profesional.

jpsmith · February 2003

with my friendly local dealership for a Silver/Grey Passat GL with Tip and ESP for $23,500 out the door. Put down $500 deposit and am financing the rest for 1.9%. I'm pumped! Many thanks to vwguild and others for the great information on this board.

vwguild · February 2003

Congratulations & Welcome to the Volkswagen Family!!!!!

Enjoy!!!

skday1 · February 2003

Unfortunately I had a bad experience last time I tried to buy from Quirk in Quincy (2000). They told me they had my car, but a half-hour later (when I arrived to buy) they told me it had been sold, "but here are some others you can look at." They totally denied lying, even though when I called I specifically asked if it had been sold, and the lady I talked to laughed, and said they hadn't sold any cars that morning. Very sleazy.

Congrats on your buy, though, who knows who I dealt with.

I have a very good quote from South Shore VW, and they were very nice on the phone, so plan to go there tomorrow.

Thank you for your help.

rbkr · February 2003

Just bought a new candy white Passat GLS 1.8T w/ black leather, tiptronic, monsoon, ESP, cold weather pkg, & homelink (all available options) from Rodney Sailors at Paramount VW in Hickory NC. I had made an inquiry about a vehicle shown in their online inventory, wasn't the color we wanted so they got it for me from a dealer in GA at no extra charge. Very knowledgeable and friendly, went all out to make the deal work. They also include a customer appreciation pkg they can tell you about. Seemed motivated to make a reasonable sale (they got the $500 from VW since I financed through VW credit at 1.9%). Out the door at invoice (which included their processing fees) + tax. Only bad, forgot to send temp tag but its being overnighted to us (want to drive now!). Beautiful car, hope to have many happy miles with it.

radman12 · February 2003

Re: post 1973 you suggest that the Saab 9-3 has poor highway safety ratings. I could only find data at the site you gave for older Saab's. The 9-3 is new this year and it just received 5 stars from the European National Car Assessment program. http://www.euroncap.com/results.htm

Passat got 4 stars.

Apparently cost is not all that matters...

2013 and earlier Volkswagen Passat Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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