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2013 and earlier Volkswagen Passat Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • radman12radman12 Member Posts: 15
    I wanted to ask you about your "out the door at invoice price". Does that include the port fees and ad fees? If so did you try to negotiate them away? Were you successful?

    I'm in NC as well and am closing in at invoice. However I continue to chafe at paying all these fees.

    I've read all the recent posts here and am happy for the dealer to make some money but $700 worth of fees on top of the $1000 from holdback and financing incentives just seems too much.
  • sschilfsschilf Member Posts: 63
    Another smart and informed shopper! I agree with your statements. The MOST I would pay is invoice, period. I would try for 750 to 1000 under invoice. Good news recently - I forgot the % but the consumer price index (CPI) is down by 10 to 15%! Consumers are nervous about the war and economy situations and retailers' (including car dealers) sales are down. Go for it!

    To answer your question - OTD is the grand total price,ie, car price, options, tax, tags, etc. Remember that selling cars is not the cash cow of dealers - it is service/repairs. They make more money in repairs then selling cars. Besides, there are more incentives/money that dealers get from manufacturers that we, as consumers, do not know.

    Good luck!

    BTW - What dealer are you working with?
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    The information that I put up was from www.hwysafety.org

    This is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety...
  • chippervwchippervw Member Posts: 24
    Hello all. I used to be a daily reader/occasional poster here at Edmunds, but after buying my 2001.5 Passat I haven't visited as often. But, I'm back!... from outer space and... Ooops. Wrong song. : )

    When purchasing my Passat I debated b/t Sedan and Wagon for a long time. I ended up deciding on a Sedan based on looks and lifestyle (married-no kids or pets).

    Well, with the new financing offers (1.9%) and plans to get a dog (and probably kids within the next few years) I'm back to wanting a Passat WAGON.

    If I were to sell the sedan I'd probably just about break even on the pay off, trade in might be a different story. I really need to call VW Credit to get the full pay off amount.

    I have learned too much from Edmunds to go by monthly payment price, but I could get into a Passat WAGON, with leather (cloth in my sedan- one regret was not getting leather-I know that's sad to have regrets), and 5 speed for a smaller monthly payment than I'm making now. Plus have the longer BTB warranty (although I bought a 2001.5 instead of a 2002 for the longer power train warranty (100/10yrs.)

    Any advice for me?

    If I were to do this it realistically wouldn't be for another couple months- wonder about financing then?

    Thanks. and good to be back on Edmunds. (sorry for such a long post!)
  • rbkrrbkr Member Posts: 3
    Radman12-
    Basically, I bought a GLS 1.8t from Paramount w/ all options for $24,706. The amount financed was a bit higher, they cut back a check to me for the amount over 24,706 that I will use when I pay the 3% tax in VA when I register vehicle. The 24706 was less than the invoice shown on Edmunds, don't know if a regional difference or what. Technically, I bought the car at below invoice, then they added doc + ad fee (the ad fee was carried over from the GA dealership) to equal invoice price. From what I've researched, I considered this fair, I believe they should make a reasonable amount of money. There were no port fees shown that I'm aware of, we simply negotiated total price of car.
  • radman12radman12 Member Posts: 15
    Looking on the site you provide I was only able to find data for 9-3s predating the 2003 model, hence I provided the EU info which has that data.
  • radman12radman12 Member Posts: 15
    Thanks rbkr.

    I've been told two different things by two different dealers regarding the financing incentives that are currently available. I'm considering ordering a Passat, one dealer lead me to believe that if I a car this month that the 1.9% financing would be in effect another said it wouldn't.

    I could see it either way. Any clarity? Thanks.

    Any forecast on whether financing incentives will be in the offing in the near future?
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    I understand that...
  • scottinfcscottinfc Member Posts: 1
    I'm wondering if someone can give me advice on pricing for a 2003 Passat GLX equipped as follows:

    GLX
    Tiptronic Automatic Transmission
    ESP
    6 CD Changer

    I'm looking for the target price I should be willing to pay before taxes, license, and documentation fee.

    Also, can someone give me advice on whether it makes any sense to buy a VW extended warranty (bumper to bumper) to bring the warranty to 72 months and 75,000 miles with a $50 deductible? If so, what should I be willing to pay for this?
  • mara2mara2 Member Posts: 3
    My new 2003 passat makes a Wheezing or whistling noise while accelerating. Has this happened to anyone?
  • mvcjonesmvcjones Member Posts: 14
    Your message sounds awfully familiar. No need to repost the message on many different boards in the same forum, unless you want the same answer three or four different times, which is not terribly interesting to read or informative.
  • das_passatdas_passat Member Posts: 2
    I'm in San Diego and looking to buy an '03 GLS 1.8t manual. Cloth interior with the only options being Monsoon and ESP.

    After walking out on the dealer last night, he called me up today as I figured he would.

    In our phone negotiations today, he advised that he has three fees over invoice that he can't budge on:
    1. San Diego VW Association $205
    2. Floor Plan Interest Reserve $142
    3. Port Prep Fee $ 25
                                    ----
    Total: $372

    Can someone tell me what these mean? Are they legit? vwguild mentioned #2 in an old post, but it wasn't very specific.

    I have bought two other new cars in the past--one from this same dealer (nothing on my old invoice except $45 doc fee)--and never saw any fees like 1,2,&3. (I also used Edmunds pricing guides for those purchases).

    As for financing, right now VW is offering 2.9% for 60 months. Pretty good.

    I'm not in a hurry to buy the car, and I'm looking for a great deal since our family is down to one income right now. I gave this dealer $1000 over invoice on the VR6 Jetta this car will replace, so I'm not too concerned about the dealer making any money off of the deal this time.

    Today I told him that I would be willing to pay $200 over invoice, but that I needed to investigate these extra fees.

    Now, after discovering this forum, and reading through some of the old posts here, I'm thinking that I shouldn't even give them the $200, but instead ask for straight invoice, or slightly below.

    We're also fighting over the trade-in...the '99 VR6 Jetta...that I paid 20,675 for. He's offering me $8,500 for it. What BS!! Screw that! I'll sell it myself. But it sure doesn't say much about the resell values of Volkswagens!!

    I ended today's conversation by telling him that the war would probably be starting soon, and that most people would be spending their evenings at home glued to their televisions once it starts--rather than browsing for cars. I told him to give me a call if the dealership starts to get a little lonely during that time.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi das_passat. Let me begin by saying that Volkswagen is currently offering 1.9% special financing on all of its models (excluding the Beetle Convertible and Eurovan Camper) for up to 60 months. If your dealer told you that their special rate is 2.9%, they are trying to mark it up in an effort to add additional profit to your deal. Furthermore, Volkswagen currently has $500 dealer cash available on the 2003 Passat that may be used in conjunction with this special financing program. If I were in your situation, I would offer this dealer $200 over invoice - total cost including any fees. It they want to charge you these fees, then just have them lower the price of the car until you hit that out-the-door price. Given the market for the Passat right now and the incentives that are available on it, you should not have any difficulty getting one for right around dealer invoice and finance it at 1.9% for 60 months.

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  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    These fees... Regional Ad Fees, Port Prep, & FloorPlan Interest Reserve are all legitimate.
    The only variance is the Ad Fee which IS Regional and will be different in a small community in Iowa where advertising costs less than in a major metro area like San Diego or LA...Ours in Silicon Valley is $177.00

    These are troubled times, and unless you sell gasoline profits are slim, and sales are down. And so Dealers are being forced to sell cheap, but are still trying to see some light in each and every deal.

    In your situation the 5 Speed Manual is the catch. These are not plentiful, nor are they easy to replace. If you were after a Tip; you would probably be driving your new Passat today.

    You are obviously dealing with a *Line Salesman*
    who is only following his marching orders from the *DESK*.

    As soft as the New Car Market is, the Used Market is even worse.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    If your '99 VR6 will not be an integral part of this Passat transaction...try selling it yourself by networking at your office or through friends.

    $200 over, and the Invoice is the Invoice...sorry about that, and 1.9% should be a deal.
  • cuengineercuengineer Member Posts: 8
    Hi,

    I was just quoted 28700 plus tax (29000 OTD) for a 03 variant (wagon) with ESP, Automatic, and GLX.

    Has anybody gotten a better quote?

    Basically, they quoted me invoice minus the $500 VCI deal. Any chance of getting a better deal? SHould I ask to share the $600+/- holdback?

    I am thinking with the economy and the poor auto sales lately that dealers would be more willing to deal!

    Any help appreciated!
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    That Dealership must be really hurtin'...
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Cuengineer, dealer invoice minus the $500 dealer incentive is a very good price for a new Passat. I doubt that you will be able to purchase one for much less than that. If you like the car, I personally don't see any reason not to go for it. Just make sure that your dealer doesn't tack all sorts of fees onto your deal, like doc fees or processing fees, that make it less attractive than it initially looks.

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  • cstabilecstabile Member Posts: 29
    Just thought I'd share the pricing I got on my new car (just picked it up this weekend); Here's the deal:

    2003 Passat GLX automatic w/ ESP
    MSRP - $30,600
    Price - $27,851
    VA Sales Tax - $891 (3.2%)
    DMV fees - $38

    All other processing fees, ad fees, etc. were waived (or included in above price depending on how you want to look at it). Bottom line, the numbers above are the whole package.

    It was not easy, but I took the advice from the members of this forum and stuck to my guns. Deals can be had, Stay tough!!!
  • msm0606msm0606 Member Posts: 1
    pskleung posted you purchased you gls (lux leather and tip in toronto area for $32824, can you tell me which dealer you purchased that from ?? thank you . or any body else can help me with some cdn pricing .
  • jdblairjdblair Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I'm a college student, getting ready to graduate and go on to work in Houston. I would like to purchase a new Passat (GL 4-dr sedan, 1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A, automatic). Unfortunately, some of the dealers have told me that there is 1.9% financing, and some have not. In addition, one dealership in Texas told me there is a college student rebate. No other dealership has verified this for me. Is this true, and if so, how much is the rebate? How can I prove to the dealership that this rebate exists?

    Thanks!!
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Volkswagen Credit has a Special College Graduate Program, but there are
    no *Student discounts*. You can go to www.VW.com for more information.

    All you need is either a copy of your degree or a letter from the Registrar's Office that indicates that you are in good standing and scheduled to graduate within the next six months. Even though you have a limited credit history that is OK, but it must be blemish free.

    The BIG adavanatge here is that you will be eligible for current
    subvented rates and you will NOT need a co-signer.

    The First Time Buyer Program...read No Degree...Automatically locks you into Tier *C*.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi jdblair. If you qualify for Volkswagen's top credit tier, they are indeed offering 1.9% special financing for up to 60 months nationally. In addition to this special rate, dealers are being given $500 dealer cash by VW. Make sure to use your knowledge of this cash to your advantage in negotiations. Even if you do not qualify for VW Credit's top tier, you can still finance this car at an attractive rate that they are offering for one of their other credit tiers.

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  • ifkristenifkristen Member Posts: 7
    One thing if you want a 2003 Passat (or anything with the 1.8T): make them tell you the build date, AND verify it doesn't have the defective "H" coils in it. The first Passat the dealer tried to give me was built in June 2002 and had the "H" coils. I flatly refused the car unless they replaced the coils or put me in a later-built car. They put me in a later-build car (November 2002, with "J" coils)

    Kinda scary, though, that they didn't say,"But we'll replace the coils before you drive off", and didn't disclose, and their level of shock at my demands (have a tech come out here and remove the engine cover, I want to see, give me your spec manual on these parts so I can see it myself, blah blah blah)

     The 1.9% is avaliable if you're in the top credit tier (+700) on purchases. But just until 3/31/03. I had a hard time wrangling the $500 dealer cash too- I had to pit the two local dealers aganist each other in order to sift the dirt from the gold.

    VW has a "first first first" time buyer thing, which means that you qualify if you've never had a car note before. It's basically VW's way of getting you into a car. Maybe not the car you want (Jetta, vs. Passat) but into a car.

    I also recommend that you check your FICO before you go in. The dealership where I got my car lied to me and told me my FICO was just +701, which I know for a clear fact is total garbage (I had checked it the previous day). I have no idea while they tried to play that game with me. +700 is all VW wants to see. Why jerk my chain? Phhht.

    Like I said, they weren't straightforward about the $500 kickback but they really do have all the floor fees, doc fees, advertising fees...blah blah blah.

    I absolutly adore my "Candy White" Passat, and I'm willing to risk some of the complaints I've heard about for it.
  • autobyfoxautobyfox Member Posts: 2
    Hi All:

    I am the Internet Sales Manager at Fox Volkswagen in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Have 20+ years Detroit Auto Sales Experience. The fees das_passat was asking about are legitimate. The only variable is the Advertising Association Fee. Here in Southeast Michigan every VW has the same $25.00 Port Prep Fee, the same $142.00 Wholesale Finance Reserve Fee, and here a $200.00 Advertising Association Fee the total $342.00. The variable Advertising Association Fee is just that. I have seen rural area's where there is no association and other markets where advertising varys from $75.00 to as high as $250.00.

    The theory behind having associations is to give the manufacturer some say in the content for a given area. These associations are actually corporations with elected officers one of whom is from the manufacturer. They meet to determing the advertising plans/expense/budget and back into what would be needed to accomplish that in terms of dollars. Most manufacturers also contribute matching funds to the association so where the dealer is charged $200 for example per car the actual expenditure is $400 per car with the manufacturers contribution.
  • cuengineercuengineer Member Posts: 8
    Is it true the $500 VCI financing incentive ends today?? Any news if it will be extended to next month? Has anybody heard of the April incentives?

    Thanks
  • bvj7mbvj7m Member Posts: 1
    I just received an offer of $30,125 for a 2003 AWD Passat with ESP. The dealer, however, attempted to pressure me into making a purchase today because the 1.9 APR is gone tomorrow. This raises 2 questions: Is the price fair and what are the April incentives?
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    will be out tomorrow/today... It would be rather incorrect for Rates to be puiblished or available to anyone before their actual release.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi Cuengineer. It is true that Volkswagen's March incentives are only scheduled to run through the 31st. I have not seen VW's April program yet and it is difficult to say exactly what it will be like. They have been offering the $500 dealer cash incentive for several months now, so I personally find it unlikely that it will all of a sudden disappear, but only time will tell for certain. Please feel free to check back with me in a day or two and I would be more than happy to let you know what I have been able to find out about VW's new program. Talk to you soon.

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  • cuengineercuengineer Member Posts: 8
    I am hearing today that VW has extended the $500 VCI incentive as well as 1.9% financing. Can you anyone please confirm? Any other incentives this month as well?

    Thanks
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi again cuengineer. Volkswagen actually continued the $500 dealer cash incentive on the 2003 Golf, Jetta GL / GLX, Passat, & Eurovan and enhanced it to $750 on the 2003 Beetle Coupe & Jetta GLS for the month of April. The aforementioned cash may be used in conjunction with 1.9% special financing for up to 60 months on all models and may be combined with the lease program on Jettas and Passats. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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  • kickmankickman Member Posts: 1
    I am curious to know if anyone has tried purchasing a Passat using Costco's Car Buying Program. Would I better served simply using the information from Edmund's and negotiating to the best possible price. Has anyone recently gotten a good deal for a Passat lease?
  • brave28brave28 Member Posts: 1
    Last week, I bought a 2003 Passat GL, 5 speed, no extras for $19,750 + 3.2% tax + $50 registration + interest expense (1.9% for 60 months) =~ $21,500

    Let me know if it's a good deal.
  • taotltaotl Member Posts: 3
    Hey everyone, I need some advice. I am looking to buy a 2003 Passat GLS Wagon 5sp manual leather interior. Other options can take or not.

    Being a smart shopper I tried to do as much research as possible. Here is how it went down:
    My invoice : 23,725 Dealer invoice : 23992
    I offered a 3% profit, which brought the price to 24,711 (from the dealer invoice price).
    The delivery charge is $675.
    Window tinting is $400 (I live in AZ, and brother do you need it in the summer)
    My offered price : 25,786 (not including tax, title, registration)
    Dealer came back with 26,750.
    My dealer was not switching cars with the other dealer, so my dealer says he gets no holdback.
    My dealer was unwilling to part with the $500 VCI.

    So I walked out, having not bought the car.

    My question is, was this in reality a good deal? I know that 5spd manual wagons with leather are
    a rare breed, but does it warrant that much of a markup?

    I thought 3% profit was fair, considering I was paying the delivery charges.

    Any help would be appreciated.
  • rivertownrivertown Member Posts: 928
    You went into the dealer and made what you thought was fair offer; and the salesguy wanted to haggle, right? Sounds right to me.

    I don't think it's possible to make any offer and have the salesguy take it without trying to get more money.

    So, if you're gonna do it the traditional, floor saleguy way, make an offer below what you're willing to pay and see if you can haggle out the price you're good with.
    Or . . .
    Go the internet route, and request price quotes using the dealer's website.
  • taotltaotl Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the reply Rivertown.

    The dealer was unwilling to haggle (believe me, I tried). His price was $26,750, and from there he would not budge.

    I cannot understand how the dealer incurs extra expenses when they get a car from another dealer. Hell, I am paying the delivery charges.
  • rivertownrivertown Member Posts: 928
    I don't get it, either. The car may be scarce or it just may be greed or the dealer may have no local competition or both dealers want a profit on your sale or. . . . whatever.

    My best thought is to net shop and drive to get the car yourself. Take a nice day trip and save yourself some bucks.
  • babybbabyb Member Posts: 18
    The dealer said that he was not getting any holdback since they were not getting it from another dealer??

    When we do dealer trades with other dealers, we always pay invoice minus holdback for the vehicle, no matter what.

    I would definetly go and check out a different dealer, or trying over the internet for a fair price.
  • mauislickmauislick Member Posts: 107
    400 for window tinting sounds steep. I had my wagon done here in Hawaii(= $$$$) and it was 194.00 with 3M film and lifetime warrenty (legal limit on tint) .....and a decent job... just thinking maybe they were making 200 bucks on the window tint and still wouldn't take your price....but the 5 speed is rare (especially the wagon)...no way around that
  • macsimonmacsimon Member Posts: 2
    I heard the Passat is beging redesigned. Can anyone confirm this? If so what model year?
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi Macsimon. I have not heard anything about a major redesign for the Volkswagen Passat in the near future. As far as I know any major revisions to this car wouldn't be until at least the 2006 model year. Of course, manufacturers do change their mind and do not always make the details of their future product plans available to the public. You may want to post this question in one of the Passat discussions over on the Sedans Message Board to see if anyone there has any more information.

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  • jpsmithjpsmith Member Posts: 44
    The next-generation Passat (called B6) is completely developed. VW has made no official anouncements about it, but the latest information is that the B6 will be introduced in the U.S. at the end of 2004 or beginning of 2005, i.e. as a 2005 model.

    It is an all-new car, larger than the current Passat in all dimensions, and apparently is being moved upscale in features and price. It looks like there will no longer be a Passat priced at under $25K.

    To learn all about the next Passat, go to the Passat B5 forum at www.vwvortex.com and search on "next generation Passat"
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    is scheduled to begin week #6 2005
  • patriciadsmithpatriciadsmith Member Posts: 8
    Shopping for a 2003 GLX 4motion Passat..have received several quotes in the $30,500 range, the lesser one being $30,358)bottom line, no other fees). I am wondering how this stacks up against current deals you folks are getting. I thought, after reading all the comments, that a good deal would be $29,400. given the current marketing incentive to dealers.......what do you all think? Thanks for your help. P.S. This was without ESP which I thought I wanted but can't find any cars locally that have it.....Do I really need it?
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Thanks for the good information, jpsmith and vwguild.

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  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    are never in abundance...These are good numbers...
  • mahler88mahler88 Member Posts: 1
    Just test drove a GLS, 1.8. Dealer quoted $23,393. After inquiring, dealer assured me there were no other "hidden" fees, outside of tax. Invoice price appears to be about $22,700. With the postings related to the $500 cash dealer incentive, would I be out of reach to come back with an offer a little above invoice?

    (Not to sound too naive, but my first time on Edmunds.)
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Hi mahler88. In most areas, Volkswagen Passats can be purchased for very close to dealer invoice. I personally think that there is still room left to negotiate in the price that you were quoted. You may want to hop on over to the Edmunds.com Sedans Message Board to see if anyone there can give you any more feedback on this deal. Specifically, make sure to check out the following discussion: Volkswagen Passat (Sedans Board).

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  • macsimonmacsimon Member Posts: 2
    Thanks so much for the feedback. I'm going to buy this weekend and trying to decide between 2003 Passat GLS with auto at $21,999 or 2003 V6 LX Honda accord coupe at $20,600. If Passat was about to change design then I would go with Honda. Got to weigh all the factors. Thanks again.
  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    B6 will go into production Week #6 2005...No design changes until then...And don't forget to compare the Warranties...
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