2013 and earlier Volkswagen Passat Prices Paid and Buying Experience

james_ca · August 2003

how is the rate $26,000 + taxes for a GLX V6 auto sounds like in bay area?Also would Labor day make good time to grab a 2003 GLX?

Also wondering wheather we can take Edmunds TMV as the true invoice rate?

tlr5 · August 2003

I'm in the market for a wagon and was sold on the 2003 Passat GLX AWD (@$32,000) when I found a 2000 iAt wagon with all the bells and whistles, 50,000 miles, almost perfect condition, with a 2 yr/50,000 mile warranty for $27,000. I loved that, too. Do you have any advice about what to consider as I make my choice? Any wise insights or enlightening experiences?

From all your messages, $32,000 sounds high for the GLX. As the risk of sounding dumb, is "invoice" or "TMW" the same as dealer cost?

Many thanks!

james_ca · August 2003

platinumrose,If you like would you share the dealer info??wondering wheather the prices have really come down for 03 passats as 04 will roll out in a couple of months??

james_ca · August 2003

I closed a deal with 26780 + taxes(bay area) on GLX 03 passat with ESP included.This was well below yesterdays TMV invoice 27071.And got a 1.9 financing as well.I even got better deals for a different color from other dealers but finally purchased by blue beauty!

bardo_state · August 2003

Congrats on the new purchase! Sounds like you got what you were looking for at a great price! Which Bay Area dealership did you wind up going with?

james_ca · August 2003

thanks!
i might break law here..anyways it was bob lewis.i had better offers from others as well..
meanwhile i used the Armoural wipes and it gave me new glazing to my leather and dashboard..I dont want it.It was a mistake!.don u know how i can revert this..????

bardo_state · August 2003

james_ca, ArmourAll is the worst! Not only does it leave surfaces greasy, but it'll attract dust and dirt like a magnet. I've found that Lexol products work very nicely with the leather and vinyl surfaces in my Passat without leaving excessive shine.
Not sure what's the best way of cleaning ArmourAll off of the surfaces you've applied it to (perhaps wiping with a clean damp cloth?), but visit the following websites for some great car-care advice:
www.autopia.com
www.properautocare.com
www.carcareonline.com

jthompson11 · August 2003

Hi all, I am new to the board as well as to VW and the Passat. I am looking for a car ASAP and I have driven the usual Camry, Accord and Altima. I liked those three, but the Passat really blew me away.
So, I am looking at base model cars because price is a big issue for me. I was quoted 20,500 for a GL with Monsoon and Auto. This is going to be about 2500 more than the other three cars similarly equipped. Is this a good deal?
Also, I live in a city with out a VW dealership, the closest is about 80 miles away. Does anyone think this will be an issue? Are these cars reliable? I have done my research on the other cars, but as I said I just stumbled on the Passat and I need quick answers. Thanks for the help

brozhnik · August 2003

I'm in kinda the same boat as jthompson11, and I have a related question.
In negotiating the price for base GL (with ESP added, though!) I wonder how I can use (a) the dealer holdback, which Consumer Reports say is $435, and (b) a current cash incentive VW is offering to dealers, "marketing support," which Edmunds says is $1000 throughout September 30. Can I subtract both to get a base price to negotiate from? Or not? And why?

Also, what is a fair addition above that wholesale price for (a) profit, (b) additional fees?

THanks!
(PS: The base invoice, says, CR is $20365, Edmunds says $20234. Add to that a $575 destination fee; add $247 for ESP; ... etc. And subtract the holdback and dealer cash incentive?)

jthompson11 · August 2003

We made the purchase yesterday. We ended up paying 20,500 before taxes. The way I decided that this was a good price is this... The invoice price on my vehicle was $21,725. Take off the cash to dealer of $1,000 and you are left with $20,725. The salesman presented me with $20,500 and I said, "I'll take it!" I do know that there is a hold back that the dealer gets, but I figured I took up an entire day and a half of their time and they have to eat too, they can keep whatever they have left in hold back. I feel like I got a really good deal and I guess that is all that matters. I have been told that this dealer I was dealing with usually does not give out deals that good, so if your dealer is being a little stubborn just stay on them! Best of luck!

vwguild · August 2003

Saddle Soap is best for leather...

fish8 · August 2003

Congrats on your new Passdat purchase......good luck

mishima8105 · August 2003

Got yourself a good deal! By the way did you get yourself an extended warranty?

jthompson11 · August 2003

No, I did not get an extended warranty. I asked the dealer about the coil pack problem that many have complained about and he said that it has not been an issue on 2003 models. This car will be used for commuting and I will put about 120 miles a day on it. If I begin to have trouble out of it before the warranty is up, I will have to trade it in. The main selling point for us on the car was the feeling of quality on the interior and the nice exterior styling. I decided to take a gamble on the somewhat questionable reliability. I hope it works out in my favor!

vwmanjimb · August 2003

Congrats on your new Passat. You will love it. If you decide you want to keep the car for a long time, you still can get an extended warranty as long as you are under your factory warranty. As far as the coil packs are concerned, the problem has been resolved and there haven't been any problems on '03's.

gbad · August 2003

I got 35720 on W8 6M. Can anyone tell me if it a good deal? Thanx.

jslama9 · September 2003

Bought a Passat GLX 4Motion, Tiptronic for $28,758 - $1,000 under invoice. (MSRP $32,150). Any comments? Good/Bad deal?

Thanks.

maulana · September 2003

dear friends...
I am a longtime Passat fan. I have recently seen a very clean Passat 2001 GLX sedan for sale, which is available with AWD. It has low miles, about 14K, and is selling for 20,000$.

Does this seem like a reasonable price to people?

would appreciate any words of wisdom.
maulana

rkirki · September 2003

This morning I received the following deal on a 2003 Passat GL with Cold Weather Package and Monsoon sound system:

     $24,050 = MSRP
     $22,375 = Invoice (according to dealer)
     $22,012 = Invoice (according to edmunds.com)
*** $20,879 = MY DEAL(with 0.9% financing)

As further info, the trade-in allowance offered for my used vehicle was $310 less than the TMV shown on edmunds.com.

To what extent was this a good deal? Might I have done better? Comments appreciated.

afryar · September 2003

I had a 01 Jetta GLX and just got rid of it (via VW's Pull-Ahead program) and picked up an 03' Passat GLX (manual) w/ESP. Got it for 25,603 which from everything I'm reading is well below invoice! Dealers seem to be really trying to make room for the 04's. It looks like you can really get great deals on 03's but it was tough to find the color combo I wanted. I got black on black and it was the last 03' in New England.

Inintially I was looking for an 03' GLS V6 5sp w/leather which was next to impossible to find (in black on black at least). There was one with velour and they told me they can have leather installed but it's all after-market. No thanks. I LOVE my car though! Just got it Saturday afternoon. I guess I just wanted to share my experience, the dealership was great, if anyone's interested, I'll give the name. Anybody have any experience with having leather installed? Just curious. Looking forward to contributing to this board.

fish8 · September 2003

What exactly is VW pull ahead program? I think we have a similiar program here in Atlanta. If you own a VW that has a lease that expires within a certain timeframe, VW will pay off the remaining 12 payments in order to get you into another VW. I am currently leasing a '02 Jetta thats lease will expire in May of '05. I will be interested in this program next summer if it is still available. I am getting a little high on my mileage, so I think this would be a good way of getting a new VW and not being affected by the excess mileage.

afryar · September 2003

From what I know about the pull ahead, VW will let you get out of your lease now without any penalty or whatever, basically it's like your lease ends now as opposed to next year... But I think it's only good on lease's that end between now and 7/04. Also, I was told that it's only running through the end of this year and it's only good on buying or leasing any 03. From my experience hunting down this Passat, it's getting tough to find the 03' that you want. I'd call a dealer (or a couple of dealers... I went thorugh 6 before I found one I liked). My lease was up in June of 04. I ended up buying this one, I wasn't happy with my Jetta and was relieved to be able to get out of the lease early. Good luck.

fish8 · September 2003

Thanks for the info. I did notice that it is only good for leases that expire before 7/04. That's why I am hoping that VW has the same sort of deal next summer to make way for the new '05s. Though it would be hard for me to get into a 2004 Passat when the 2005's will be redesigned. I guess I will have to see. Maybe there will be great deals on the 2004's because the new models are coming out......?????

afryar · September 2003

Maybe we're getting ahead of oursleves here but I'm willing to bet that you'll be able to get 04's well below invoice as the 05's roll out. When I got my 01 Jetta, it was literally the same week that the re-designed Passats were hitting the floors. They tried to sell me an 01 (old style) Passsat GLS V6 for like 19 grand or something. Whatever it was it was below invoice and I'm sure the dealer was sick of making interest paymets on it while it sat in the lot. From what I've seen the 05 looks pretty nice... Glad I bought this time though. If the temptation hits, I can always trade in/sell my car... I've only had my car 2 days though, I'm in no rush to get rid of it!

I'd think that they'll offer something similar to the pull ahead next year though, I'm sure they'll want to clear the lots of the 04's as the new styles roll out.

fish8 · September 2003

I agree...from what I have seen the new redesigned Golf is sweet. I am sure the Passat and Jetta will follow suit.

Thanks for all your input....

fish8 · September 2003

AFR: How were you on your mileage on your Jetta lease? I am wondering how this deal works. If I wait until my lease end, I will be over on miles. That's why I am hoping to get into a new VW prior to my lease end.

afryar · September 2003

I have no idea how the mileage works. They kept asking me if I was over my mileage and I wasn't... Now, I don't know if that means 'Am I over for the total allowable miles' or 'Am I over based on how much time I have left'. Regardless, I was under either way. If you're over when you terminate, I'd guess that you just pay the .30/mile or whatever it is as if you were at the end of your lease. I haven't found anything on line (even on vw.com) about this program.

pat · September 2003

Since this discussion is specifically dedicated to Prices Paid and Buying Experiences, let's take other conversation to our general discussion here: Volkswagen Jetta.

See you there!

captn · September 2003

Deal seems very good considering prices we have been quoted. Where is your dealer, we'd like to talk to him/her!! Thanks!

suka · September 2003

Hi,

I have been looking for a new, used car and have a Subaru Forrester. I like the AWD so I was looking for other cars that had it. I have found a 2000 passat GLX advertised for 13,900 (60K). This seems like an awfully low price for the car -- should I be skeptical? Wondering if this car has a history of repair issues.

Also -- how expensive are repairs to Passats as compared to a Subaru? Last but not least, do the online lemonchecks really give you worthwile info?

Tks for your help...

pat · September 2003

Hi suka, welcome.

Be sure to check our ongoing Volkswagen Passat discussion to research other folks' experiences with their Passats, and stop by our Smart Shopper board for all kinds of discussions about purchasing. You might also want to read the articles listed under the blue tab at the top of this page titled "Tips & Advice."

Good luck.

rkirki · September 2003

Captn . . . I purchased at The Autobarn VW in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Everyone there was courteous and helpful, and I took delivery tonight. I am so excited!

Initially I used carsdirect.com to "build" my new GL by checking off options and colors. With each option added, the quote is updated. The next day a dealer representative called me to arrange an appointment. When I arrived, I was quoted the carsdirect.com price for the exact vehicle. The quote was $3,171 below MSRP and also either $1,496 or $1,133 below invoice, depending on the source of the invoice figure (dealer vs. edmunds.com). When the salesman showed me the deal in writing, I was floored. In the finance office tonight, there were no gimmicks. In sum, the process went seamlessly, and the only thing I can compare it to is the "no-haggle" buying experience of Saturn.

Good luck in your search! Let us all know how it turns out.

fish8 · September 2003

Congrats on your new Passat GL!

tstettner1 · September 2003

Hey All -

I'm new to the board. Has anyone had any experience with the VW dealers in the greater Atlanta area? I am interested in purchasing either a GL or GLS, and I was hoping some of you might have recommendations for particular dealers.

Also, has anyone had any experience with the ESP option? I am having a hard time finding it, and I really don't know how hard I should push the issue.

Thanks!
Ted

fish8 · September 2003

I actually live in metro Atlanta. I have experience with 3 dealers in the ATL. I bought my Jetta from Jim Ellis VW on Cobb Parkway. I, personally, would steer clear of them. I also have gone to Jim Ellis on Peachtree Industrial Blvd. I just had an oil change done there and they seem to be fine. The dealer I would recommend would be Gossett VW. They are located up 400 off of Mansell Rd. I believe they are fairly new and they seem really competent. They are actually building an adjoining Bentley or Rolls Royce dealer next to the VW dealer. It was odd.....you look near their service department and you will see a $20,000 Jetta next to a $200,000 Rolls.

Anyway...those are my thoughts...good luck

rayainsw · September 2003

I have had no significant issues with the purchase or service on my '02 Passat W8 purchased there.
- Ray
Who is (as always) just one data point . . .

mcmoisei · September 2003

Today I have received this offer for a
2003 PASSAT GLX V6 SEDAN AUTO
DEMO
REFLEX SILVER/ GRAY
LEATHER
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
1AT ESP
LIST PRICE $30680.00
INVOICE $28,176

They will sell it to me for $26,176 .
Is this a good deal? Should I accept it? What does it means demo car and how does this affect the value of the car?( it has 5140 miles on it)

I will appreciate a quick answer!!!

maggiemagers · September 2003

What could I get for "trade-in" on my GLX with only 6k miles on it? Bought it in Oregon for 28K back in 12/02 & purchased the extended warranty thinking we were going to keep it. It was the dealers demo & they had already added tinted windows, sunroof visor, mud flaps. We also had them put the paint & leather sealant & rust undercoating on it. Its in excellant condition! Its that blue/grey color...can't remember the name of the color...but it looks really sharp! Thanks from Oregon!

maggiemagers · September 2003

I want to know what i'd get for the "trade-in" value for my GLX with only 6k miles on it. IT has tinted windows, mud flaps, sunroof visor, paint sealant, leather sealant, rust coat. Its in "excellant" shape & is that blue/gray color..I forgot what that color is called. Paid 28k for it...it was the dealerships demo & had 2k miles on it at the time of purchase. We purchased the extended warranty on it at the time thinking we were going to keep it.

afryar · September 2003

With that mileage, that price sounds a little steep. I just got the same exact car except it was a manual, not an automatic, for 25,603 with NO MILEAGE on it. 5,000 miles is a lot for a dealer to try and get away with selling the car as "new". I'd say that's essentially a used car and should be priced as such. Good luck.

huskydawg · September 2003

I just purchased a new 2003 Passat GLX in the Seattle area. The deal was okay, nothing spectacular, but got the car both me and my wife liked with little bit of discount. The sales person used some high pressure sales tactics, which made my wife really uncomfortable, but it was expected. But the worst part is after we took delivery and took it home, we found the paint in awful condition. There seemed to be three big spots left over from bird droppings. Some fine scratches, and swirl marks already. We took delivery at 7pm, so it was a little bit hard to see those things. But they are really obvious under garage lights. We took the car back to the dealer, and they detailed the car again. The spots only improved a little. If the dealer can't get the spots off, is there anyting I can do? What's my legal rights here? Oh I just found out that the front passenger side seat belt height adjustment is not working. Got the take the car back to the dealer again. Three trips in three days is not a good start?

mcmoisei · September 2003

Thank you for your answer! Which is the price difference betwen a manual and an automatic Passat? Yours is GLX? And how much should the price go down for those 5000 miles? I couldn't find a used 2003 Passat to get an ideea about the price...Only 2002. I think I will drop the demo and go for a new one (0 miles).

pat · September 2003

Try posting in Real-World Trade-In Values.

Sorry to be so late with this, by the way.

huskydawg · September 2003

I'm glad that I'm getting a happy ending. The manager of the dealership has agreed to give us another new car in exchange for our less-than-perfect car. He was really nice about it too. I'm glad that I can really enjoy my Passat now.

afryar · September 2003

No problem, don't want to see anybody get screwed... Mine is a GLX with ESP, black on black. I think there's about a 1,000 difference between the automatic and manual although I'm not sure. I do know that it's getting tough to find 03's, at least here in New England. Good luck with your search. I found mine using vehix.com. vehix searched every dealers inventory in the area and gives you a detailed list of what's available (color, model, options, etc...). I wanted black on black and found the last one in the area.

trhee1 · September 2003

Does anyone know what the residuals and money factors would be on the following Passats: W8, GLX, and GLS V6? Thanks.

TR

fish8 · September 2003

That would be a good question for the Lease thread.

pat · September 2003

Welcome to the TOwn Hall!

Try asking over on our Finance, Warranty & Insurance board. There may be an existing discussion in which your question would fit, but if not feel free to create a new one.

Good luck! Drop me an email if I can help you find your way around.

donutguy · September 2003

The internet team at Dirito Brothers VW in Walnut Creek were very fair, honest and helpful. After working a deal via email, I was able to go by and take the car out on a test drive without the salesman in the car with me. They had a non-pushy attitude. All of it made a difference. The offer of $1,500 under invoice for a Passat Wagon didn't hurt either! I would definitely recommend them.

antcas1 · September 2003

I'm in the process of buying and it's getting very confusing in talking to these dealers. I currently own an 11-year-old Mazda so I have been out of the market for a while. I live in the DC area and have been trying the internet shopping(difficult to narrow down price from dealers). I'm also using Edmunds TMV as a guide in trying to secure a price for a "04" Passat GLX. The problem I'm having is that the dealers are trying to add not only a destination charge (okay I'll give them that), but they want to add in something called a DC area Fee ($175) a floor fee? ($142) and a port fee ($25) are these things reasonable? Sounds like they are just add-ons to bump up their profit.

To add insult to injury they are trying to tell me that the Edmunds TMV is off by about $350-400. I know they arent going to give the car away but Im not willing to feel like Ive been taken to the cleaners either. Any recent purchasers of a 04 willing to share their price paid and where purchased?

2013 and earlier Volkswagen Passat Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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