I am very seriously considering buying one next week and would like some opinions if any of you own one Thanks BM
Are you buying the diesel version? Just about every car I rent in Europe is diesel powered yet give excellent performance and economy.
It's a Volkswagon, man... what are you thinking? Actually, I'm not as negative about it as I'm making it sound. I was mostly just making a joke... for effect. From what I've heard, it's a nice car. A friend of mine has a Saab 900S that he was gonna' give to his kid, but the kid got his eye on a Passat and lost interest in the Saab. Since I like Saabs, that impressed me. Purely anecdotal, I realize... and of little worth... but I thought I'd share it anyway. Umm... at least I think it was a Passat. Uh, oh. Maybe it's even more anecdotal than I originally thought! Good luck with your new car!
Uber alles BM, You can't beat German cars. I have a new VW Golf TDI and love it. The new turbo diesels are quieter and better, and sooooo economical, a pre-requisite in the UK where I live. I'm sorry I don't have detailed comment regarding the Passat, but I can certainly vouch for the new VW TDI engine. Peace, Dave C.
Awesome vehicle with German guarantee. Diesel lasts much longer than gasoline cars, and, as Ian pointed out, they are more efficient and economical. (TDI = Turbo Diesel Injection). Here it is one of the most popular cars, I think it has if memory serves well 275 hp. You could basically climb vertical walls with that! Just my two cents.
I don't know about this VW but diesel engines reach their mileage efficiency after warming up. For short hops they generally use more fuel than equivalent gasoline engines. Anyone have experience with short-trip versus long-trip fuel mileage?
Hi Blue Mason: Speaking about German cars, I own a 2002 C230 Sports Coupe Mercedes. The engine is supercharged 4 banger, and it kicks ass! I know this is unrelated, but I wanted to give you my perspective as far as German cars. They are well built! Abner
I love TDI's too bad they don't meet California emission requirements..Meaning they are no longer available in many US states!
It's bought! Thanks for the input - I searched on the web as well and found nothing but good things about it. I bought the 2005 Passat TDI Wagon ( loaded )... this is labour day w/e here so I won't be able to pick it up until next week but.. I can NOT wait!!! .my 2nd car is an '86 BMW 325e, but my wife can't drive a std - so I'm going to be trading it in for a 99 Jetti TDI as soon as I can find one... Maybe I should get Bruce to change my handle to VWpride ? ;-) Thanks again ..forgot to add: The VW I went to sold 10 passat wagons in the past week alone! I had to test drive one here but ended up buying from another dealership due to the fact that they only had 3 left and none with a sunroof & black in color - we found -1- at a dealership ~200km from where I live.... wicked, wicked I say!
Mason, I have a Passat coupe, been a pretty good car, athough been in the the shop twice with computer problems on two ocassions...I love the car, it has close too 120,000 miles and doesn't use a bit of oil...speaking of oil, keep it changed often and they say you will easily get 200,000 from an engine, likewise change the timing belt every 60,000 miles and the idler pulleys every other timing belt change...it's not to difficult if you are a do-it-yourselfer! You will save about 300 bucks in labor each time; belt is about 30 bucks and should you do the idler pulley too the whole cost in parts is about 175.00 bucks. Oh, almost forgot the engine size, it's a 4 cylinder turbo...great on gas but power when you need it! It is a very comfortable and noisy free ride! But seriously, keep that timing belt in top notch.... the gas engines have 5 valves per cylinder...if you throw or break a timing belt it will warp just about every valve and possibly damage the head; if it goes to the VW shop, you're looking at $2500.00- 3,000.00 worth of repairs! If you are going Diesel, all the above, I believe still applies! Good luck on your Passat...they will hook you for life! Gavin
Mason, Almost forgot, I have not broken a timing belt , but if did I would buy a new engine and put it in myself....they are out there still crated & strapped to the pallets from Germany! The reason why you may ask? If the aluminum head is also damaged it may be the upper end of that repair cost, however, you can buy a newly manufatured engine for 3500.00 bucks, ready to go from several parts suppliers across the U.S.( on the internet). The whole engine is complete...you just need your hobby shop ( garage) and two long days over a weekend and it's in! But you dont need to worry about that you still have at least 150,000 care free miles ahead of you...you lucky dog! Gavin PS That timing belt is so effortless to change, while you still remove the front cowling of the car and and unbolt the radiator panel, you simply slide the whole setup forward a few inches into "access mode" and unsnap a few covers and the belt is right in front of ya! None of that stuff like a water pump and all that mess to remove like on my other beast (Ford).
Hi Blue - If you decide against that Passat then I've got a '95 Cherokee that's ready to be junk...err...up for sale. Jack
That does not scare me in the least - I have friends whose TDI's have over 300k miles on them and still purr along... A close friend has a 99 1/2 Jetti TDI he bought new and, to date, has spent $0 on it. I think it is unfortunate but sometimes you do get a lemon ( I've had my fair share - but all were domestic vehicles ) - I'm a firm believer of time oil changes and dealer maintenance - it might cost me a bit more now, but dealer service will pay for itself down the road. One thing I know for certain is the value on my Passat will last - I bought a 2002 Ford Windstar Sport new in 2002, cost me $39k - want to know what I got for a tradein value? - 10k!! In 3 years I lost 29k.... and I was lucky to get 10k. My Van is in near mint condition with 76k km on it.. I was prepared for a loss on the vehicle but that one was stark. Total blame has to be given to the Ford on this one - their fantastic discounts to new buyers put those of us who already own a Ford at the mercy of the dealers come trade-in time. Apparently Chrylser has smartened up and is not releasing their new Crossfire to the car rental agencies - that should keep its value up in the future. ( ..Chrylser being bought out by Mercedes was obviously a step in the right direction! ) - oh, for those that are interested, did I mention that the Crossfire is a C230 in disguise? BM
Hi Blue Mason: Do they recommend you use synthetic oil in your new car? Very interesting, I did not know the crossfire was a C230 in disguise. I do know I love the 4 cylinder Kompressor engine. I get good gas mileage, but also good acceleration when I need it. Congrats on you new car!!! Did you say it was black?, thats my favorite color in car. If it is black, or whatever color for that matter, I would recommend a product known as Seaspotgo. Do a google search and you should come up with the website. I think the wed address might be www.seaspotgo.com If not, let me know and I will get it for you. Anyway, this stuff get water spots off, especially on black paint. Take care, Abner
Hey Abner! Well.. we had a look at the black one and my wife said "no" - so we've decided on the silver instead ( which, I must admit, is my favorite color in a car - you can't see dirt/dust/swirls, etc nearly as easily as in a black vehicle ) Can't wait until Friday!!!!
