I have a ’90 Toyota Camry that I have loved for many years. But it
looks like it’s time to get a new car. II am very Toyota-biased but
I’ve looked around and one of my car choice possibilities is the VW
Passat GL (5-speed). I really like the idea of the Passat; however, I
have read a lot about them and have a few concerns, mostly about cost
of parts, bad dealership service, and faulty coils. So I guess my main
questions might be:
1. I know that the coil problem is now under a recall as of earlier
this year, but if I bought a new 2003 Passat now, would it have the
bad coils or replaced ones? Is there a way to check, by date of
manufacture or some other way?
2. If I take the car to my own mechanic for everything, is the
warranty voided? Do I have to have the dealership perform all services
to the car?
3. Is cost of parts prohibitive? And how reliable are the Passats in
terms of having to have parts replaced often?
Any information is appreciated. Thanks so much.
Laura
"Laura" <l…@psu.edu> wrote in message
news:4ab26fe2.0305240636.35ede7e2@posting.google.com…
> I have a ’90 Toyota Camry that I have loved for many years. But it
> looks like it’s time to get a new car. II am very Toyota-biased but
> I’ve looked around and one of my car choice possibilities is the VW
> Passat GL (5-speed). I really like the idea of the Passat; however, I
> have read a lot about them and have a few concerns, mostly about cost
> of parts, bad dealership service, and faulty coils. So I guess my main
> questions might be:
> 1. I know that the coil problem is now under a recall as of earlier
> this year, but if I bought a new 2003 Passat now, would it have the
> bad coils or replaced ones? Is there a way to check, by date of
> manufacture or some other way?
–Yes the new coils have a "J" at the end of the part number!
> 2. If I take the car to my own mechanic for everything, is the
> warranty voided? Do I have to have the dealership perform all services
> to the car?
–No, just keep your reciepts for service done.
> 3. Is cost of parts prohibitive? And how reliable are the Passats in
> terms of having to have parts replaced often?
–All parts are expensive for all cars, but you do have a 4year/50,000(?)
mile warranty
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> Any information is appreciated. Thanks so much.
> Laura
Laura,
I had a 95 Camry which I think is a nearly perfect car. Comfortable,
quiet, reliable etc. At 8 years old and 120,000 miles, it still runs
and feels like it did when I bought it. Great car which I gave to my
daughter.
In 2000 we bought a Passat V6 wagon. It’s now three years old with
about 50,000 and I love the car. I just purchased a new car to replace
my Camry and decided on a new Honda Accord. I might have considered
another Passat, but frankly the idea of having two of the same cars
didn’t interest me much.
On whole here’s my take on the Passat versus your experiences with the
Camry.
1. The Passat has a very upscale, high quality feel. I’ve riden in the
more expensive Audi and frankly it is not much different than the
Passat. The Passat is very quiet, smooth and handles really well. I
dodged at 80 mph a couple of deer that leaped onto the freeway and was
very impressed with how well the Passat did that (and grateful!).
2. The car has been generally reliable, but not quite at the level I
came to expect with the Camry. Little stuff. The rear wiper and washer
is broken. The heated mirrors need to be replaced (no, I didn’t leave
them on all the time). Needed $400 worth of rear brake work at 40,000
and a few other minor complaints. My hope is that it will be reliable
as it ages, but my expectation (backed by Consumer Reports surveys) is
that it will not be as reliable as the Camry. Incidentally, the new
Camrys seem to be slipping in reliability.
3. My dealer has been great. I think I’ve gotten top notch service and
they always provide a loaner car if i call far enough ahead to
schedule the appointment. I had a problem with the brake light switch
(within the first couple of weeks) which they considered a safety
issue and they got me in to fix it the next day. On the other hand, my
experiences with Toyota dealers / service has been less than
satisfactory. I’ve had to take the car back to the Toyota dealer
several times (two different ones) to fix something after they
provided service. I’ve never had to take back the Passat.
4. It would appear that at least as of now, Toyotas depreciate less
than the Passat. I noticed when comparing leases recently that the
Passats showed a lower residual value compared to their initial cost
than did the Camry or Accord. Time will tell if that changes.
5. The Passat includes a lot of standard features; Toyota makes a lot
of things options. My 2000 came standard with ABS, traction control,
side airbags, integrated fog lights, and lots more. Then there are
less obvious engineering / amenities like speed sensitive variable
wipers, the trip computer and so forth. A relatively inexpensive
package added heated seats, heated washer nozzles and heated mirrors.
Things are different now, but I think you get more with the Passat
albeit at a slightly higher base. But if you add these to the Camry it
may even be more expensive.
6. Toyotas run well on regular gas. The Passat requires premium. Over
the life of the car, I figure that’ll cost me $1,000. It’s a couple of
bucks at each fill up which is not much but I find is a constant
irritation. That’s just me.
I don’t care for the new Camry. Too mushy, not attractive inside in my
opinion, and just kind of boring overall. The Passat is a whole lot
more car. You feel it the minute you get in and you know it the minute
you drive the car.
My nickel’s worth.
Tom
On 24 May 2003 07:36:41 -0700, l…@psu.edu (Laura) wrote:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
>I have a ’90 Toyota Camry that I have loved for many years. But it
>looks like it’s time to get a new car. II am very Toyota-biased but
>I’ve looked around and one of my car choice possibilities is the VW
>Passat GL (5-speed). I really like the idea of the Passat; however, I
>have read a lot about them and have a few concerns, mostly about cost
>of parts, bad dealership service, and faulty coils. So I guess my main
>questions might be:
>1. I know that the coil problem is now under a recall as of earlier
>this year, but if I bought a new 2003 Passat now, would it have the
>bad coils or replaced ones? Is there a way to check, by date of
>manufacture or some other way?
>2. If I take the car to my own mechanic for everything, is the
>warranty voided? Do I have to have the dealership perform all services
>to the car?
>3. Is cost of parts prohibitive? And how reliable are the Passats in
>terms of having to have parts replaced often?
>Any information is appreciated. Thanks so much.
>Laura
l…@psu.edu (Laura) wrote in message <news:4ab26fe2.0305240636.35ede7e2@posting.google.com>…
> I have a ’90 Toyota Camry that I have loved for many years. But it
> looks like it’s time to get a new car. II am very Toyota-biased but
> I’ve looked around and one of my car choice possibilities is the VW
> Passat GL (5-speed). I really like the idea of the Passat; however, I
> have read a lot about them and have a few concerns, mostly about cost
> of parts, bad dealership service, and faulty coils. So I guess my main
> questions might be:
Laura,
Given your concern for reliability and cost, I would stick with a car
which is rated to have above average reliability by Consumer Reports.
The Passat is not. I had many, many problems in years two and three
of my 2000 Passat and I had to sell it because VW would not stand
behind their product. If you work right next to a VW dealer and only
plan to own the car for the duration of the warranty, then get a
Passat. Otherwise, then get something else.
Good Luck!
Mark
Wondering, what were your problems?
"Mark" <chpos…@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:7eb569be.0305250754.313c39f1@posting.google.com…
> l…@psu.edu (Laura) wrote in message
<news:4ab26fe2.0305240636.35ede7e2@posting.google.com>…
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> > I have a ’90 Toyota Camry that I have loved for many years. But it
> > looks like it’s time to get a new car. II am very Toyota-biased but
> > I’ve looked around and one of my car choice possibilities is the VW
> > Passat GL (5-speed). I really like the idea of the Passat; however, I
> > have read a lot about them and have a few concerns, mostly about cost
> > of parts, bad dealership service, and faulty coils. So I guess my main
> > questions might be:
> Laura,
> Given your concern for reliability and cost, I would stick with a car
> which is rated to have above average reliability by Consumer Reports.
> The Passat is not. I had many, many problems in years two and three
> of my 2000 Passat and I had to sell it because VW would not stand
> behind their product. If you work right next to a VW dealer and only
> plan to own the car for the duration of the warranty, then get a
> Passat. Otherwise, then get something else.
> Good Luck!
> Mark
Thank you all for your input, every bit helps. My main concern is
worrying about being stranded somewhere because something on the car
breaks and it can’t be driven because of it. I’ve never had that
trouble with my Toyota and I don’t want to start having that trouble.
Laura
"Woodchuck" <stv_euro…@yahoo.comXXX> wrote in message <news:3ed15ed5$0$78565$4d5ecec7@reader.city-net.com>…
> Wondering, what were your problems?
Between 15K and 40K, had well over a dozen dealer dropoffs for a check
engine light and "EMISSIONS WORKSHOP!" message. VWoA and dealer were
completely and utterly worthless. Finally got sick of the whole thing
and bought a Subaru. It was a wonderful car, but reliability is a key
factor for me – moreso than a nice ride. I didn’t want to be a year
down the road with significant out of pocket expenses for problems
that VW never resolved (they basically kept saying "oh, just keep
bringing it in and we will try, try again"). There are other posts of
mine out there. I think you can click on the author on google.com and
pull them up, also see http://www.thepeters.org/vw_sucks.htm
M
Laura,
As per my earlier post, I’ve not have serious problems with my 2000
Passat V6 wagon with now about 50,000. While I’m sure there are others
here who will tell you about major difficulties, my experience and
impression is that the Passat is more likely to break in irritating
ways than disabling ways. I’ve driven it back and forth to California
from Minnesota as well as to and from Ohio a couple of times, and
never felt less sure of arrival than in my Camry. The last trip to
Ohio, I had the problem with the rear wiper / washer which was a pain
in the midst of winter slush, but it obviously wouldn’t have been
something that would have stranded me.
Remember, all cars break and I’ve seen all kinds of cars on the side
of the freeway including Camrys. The probability of being stranded by
a Passat may be very incrementally higher than a Camry, but let’s face
it. Either of these cars is far more likely to get you to your
destination than many other makes.
I think the reliability difference is more about your pocketbook over
the life of the car than about having to worry about reaching
destinations.
Just my two cents.
Tom
On 26 May 2003 18:04:07 -0700, l…@psu.edu (Laura) wrote:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
>Thank you all for your input, every bit helps. My main concern is
>worrying about being stranded somewhere because something on the car
>breaks and it can’t be driven because of it. I’ve never had that
>trouble with my Toyota and I don’t want to start having that trouble.
>:)
>Laura
Sounds like the problem was more the dealer than VW itself!
"Mark" <chpos…@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:7eb569be.0305261900.5fe9303f@posting.google.com…
> "Woodchuck" <stv_euro…@yahoo.comXXX> wrote in message
<news:3ed15ed5$0$78565$4d5ecec7@reader.city-net.com>…
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> > Wondering, what were your problems?
> Between 15K and 40K, had well over a dozen dealer dropoffs for a check
> engine light and "EMISSIONS WORKSHOP!" message. VWoA and dealer were
> completely and utterly worthless. Finally got sick of the whole thing
> and bought a Subaru. It was a wonderful car, but reliability is a key
> factor for me – moreso than a nice ride. I didn’t want to be a year
> down the road with significant out of pocket expenses for problems
> that VW never resolved (they basically kept saying "oh, just keep
> bringing it in and we will try, try again"). There are other posts of
> mine out there. I think you can click on the author on google.com and
> pull them up, also see http://www.thepeters.org/vw_sucks.htm
> M
Seems that most people have more issues with dealers then the actual car. We
(which means to say they run
have great dealers (for the two VW’s and the one Volvo) and all three cars
run like…. well German and Swedish cars
great).
"Woodchuck" <stv_euro…@yahoo.comXXX> wrote in message
news:3ed3cd7c$0$78574$4d5ecec7@reader.city-net.com…
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> Sounds like the problem was more the dealer than VW itself!
> "Mark" <chpos…@my-deja.com> wrote in message
> news:7eb569be.0305261900.5fe9303f@posting.google.com…
> > "Woodchuck" <stv_euro…@yahoo.comXXX> wrote in message
> <news:3ed15ed5$0$78565$4d5ecec7@reader.city-net.com>…
> > > Wondering, what were your problems?
> > Between 15K and 40K, had well over a dozen dealer dropoffs for a check
> > engine light and "EMISSIONS WORKSHOP!" message. VWoA and dealer were
> > completely and utterly worthless. Finally got sick of the whole thing
> > and bought a Subaru. It was a wonderful car, but reliability is a key
> > factor for me – moreso than a nice ride. I didn’t want to be a year
> > down the road with significant out of pocket expenses for problems
> > that VW never resolved (they basically kept saying "oh, just keep
> > bringing it in and we will try, try again"). There are other posts of
> > mine out there. I think you can click on the author on google.com and
> > pull them up, also see http://www.thepeters.org/vw_sucks.htm
> > M
I have a ’90 Toyota Camry that I have loved for many years. But it
looks like it’s time to get a new car. II am very Toyota-biased but
I’ve looked around and one of my car choice possibilities is the VW
Passat GL (5-speed). I really like the idea of the Passat; however, I
have read a lot about them and have a few concerns, mostly about cost
of parts, bad dealership service, and faulty coils. So I guess my main
questions might be:
1. I know that the coil problem is now under a recall as of earlier
this year, but if I bought a new 2003 Passat now, would it have the
bad coils or replaced ones? Is there a way to check, by date of
manufacture or some other way?
2. If I take the car to my own mechanic for everything, is the
warranty voided? Do I have to have the dealership perform all services
to the car?
3. Is cost of parts prohibitive? And how reliable are the Passats in
terms of having to have parts replaced often?
Any information is appreciated. Thanks so much.
Laura
As with any vehicle: lemons are available, and your mileage may
certainly vary:
We bought a 2001 Passat (6 cyl) in Oct 2000. Other than gas, our total
maintenance costs have been $560– this for the first service outside of
warranty (at 40K miles). The car has been near flawless: a single issue
with a headlight reflector part coming off was replaced at no cost even
though outside of warranty by a thousand miles. The purchase price was
more than a little beyond want I wanted to spend at the time…but the
car has been superb. My only gripe is so minor as to sound petty: black
velour upholstry shows pet hair/lint, etc…live and learn.
Thanks Tom. I really love the fit and feel and make of the Passat and
am trying to decide if I want to go for it. I test drove a new Camry
and it doesn’t "fit" me (I’m five feet tall), though the drive was
great, it’s not a practical consideration for me. The Corolla is more
my "size" in terms of seating, interior room, distance from steering
wheels/pedals, etc., but I am having a hard time "letting go" of the
Passat….I just really liked driving it. I’ve never liked a car so
much before, I’ve always been proud that I had a dependable car
regardless of how it looked or felt. The major reporting companies all
rate the Passat as "recommended" vehicle which seems to be at odds
with VW’s reputation for reliability, but I am starting to wonder if
it’s more the other models (Jetta, Beetle, etc.) that are less
reliable and not the new Passat? Or maybe the V6 is more reliable than
the 1.8T? Anyway, I welcome further discussion and appreciate all the
comments so far.
Thanks
Laura
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
TL <tleh…@visi.com> wrote in message <news:lbh7dvko724i8vme1kmminmpbj4gm50o9n@4ax.com>…
> Laura,
> As per my earlier post, I’ve not have serious problems with my 2000
> Passat V6 wagon with now about 50,000. While I’m sure there are others
> here who will tell you about major difficulties, my experience and
> impression is that the Passat is more likely to break in irritating
> ways than disabling ways. I’ve driven it back and forth to California
> from Minnesota as well as to and from Ohio a couple of times, and
> never felt less sure of arrival than in my Camry. The last trip to
> Ohio, I had the problem with the rear wiper / washer which was a pain
> in the midst of winter slush, but it obviously wouldn’t have been
> something that would have stranded me.
> Remember, all cars break and I’ve seen all kinds of cars on the side
> of the freeway including Camrys. The probability of being stranded by
> a Passat may be very incrementally higher than a Camry, but let’s face
> it. Either of these cars is far more likely to get you to your
> destination than many other makes.
> I think the reliability difference is more about your pocketbook over
> the life of the car than about having to worry about reaching
> destinations.
> Just my two cents.
> Tom
> On 26 May 2003 18:04:07 -0700, l…@psu.edu (Laura) wrote:
> >Thank you all for your input, every bit helps. My main concern is
> >worrying about being stranded somewhere because something on the car
> >breaks and it can’t be driven because of it. I’ve never had that
> >trouble with my Toyota and I don’t want to start having that trouble.
> >:)
> >Laura
Laura,
I suspect you’ve already made your decision : – ) …. you’re just
worried about it. So factor in an extended warranty and go for it. If
you’re really unsure, one option to look into is leasing. That way if
after three years the car is proving unreliable, you just walk away
from it.
You’ll love the car. Go for it.
Tom
On 30 May 2003 18:07:12 -0700, l…@psu.edu (Laura) wrote:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
>Thanks Tom. I really love the fit and feel and make of the Passat and
>am trying to decide if I want to go for it. I test drove a new Camry
>and it doesn’t "fit" me (I’m five feet tall), though the drive was
>great, it’s not a practical consideration for me. The Corolla is more
>my "size" in terms of seating, interior room, distance from steering
>wheels/pedals, etc., but I am having a hard time "letting go" of the
>Passat….I just really liked driving it. I’ve never liked a car so
>much before, I’ve always been proud that I had a dependable car
>regardless of how it looked or felt. The major reporting companies all
>rate the Passat as "recommended" vehicle which seems to be at odds
>with VW’s reputation for reliability, but I am starting to wonder if
>it’s more the other models (Jetta, Beetle, etc.) that are less
>reliable and not the new Passat? Or maybe the V6 is more reliable than
>the 1.8T? Anyway, I welcome further discussion and appreciate all the
>comments so far.
>Thanks
>Laura
>TL <tleh…@visi.com> wrote in message <news:lbh7dvko724i8vme1kmminmpbj4gm50o9n@4ax.com>…
>> Laura,
>> As per my earlier post, I’ve not have serious problems with my 2000
>> Passat V6 wagon with now about 50,000. While I’m sure there are others
>> here who will tell you about major difficulties, my experience and
>> impression is that the Passat is more likely to break in irritating
>> ways than disabling ways. I’ve driven it back and forth to California
>> from Minnesota as well as to and from Ohio a couple of times, and
>> never felt less sure of arrival than in my Camry. The last trip to
>> Ohio, I had the problem with the rear wiper / washer which was a pain
>> in the midst of winter slush, but it obviously wouldn’t have been
>> something that would have stranded me.
>> Remember, all cars break and I’ve seen all kinds of cars on the side
>> of the freeway including Camrys. The probability of being stranded by
>> a Passat may be very incrementally higher than a Camry, but let’s face
>> it. Either of these cars is far more likely to get you to your
>> destination than many other makes.
>> I think the reliability difference is more about your pocketbook over
>> the life of the car than about having to worry about reaching
>> destinations.
>> Just my two cents.
>> Tom
>> On 26 May 2003 18:04:07 -0700, l…@psu.edu (Laura) wrote:
>> >Thank you all for your input, every bit helps. My main concern is
>> >worrying about being stranded somewhere because something on the car
>> >breaks and it can’t be driven because of it. I’ve never had that
>> >trouble with my Toyota and I don’t want to start having that trouble.
>> >:)
>> >Laura
In article <4ab26fe2.0305240636.35ede…@posting.google.com>,
l…@psu.edu (Laura) wrote:
> 2. If I take the car to my own mechanic for everything, is the
> warranty voided? Do I have to have the dealership perform all services
> to the car?
The warranty will not be voided by taking the car to an independent
mechanic, unless they are incompetent. They just can’t do warranty work
for you.
> 3. Is cost of parts prohibitive? And how reliable are the Passats in
> terms of having to have parts replaced often?
We bought our ’01 Passat Wagon GLX in Dec ’00, have put nearly 55k miles
on it, and have had NO major problems. Brakes will probably be necessary
soon, and our local independent mechanic (New Dimensions) will get the
work. The minor issues on our car was a unbolted brace under the dash
(fixed by Sunnyvale VW under warranty), a dead automatic rearview mirror
(warranty, SV VW), and a vacuum hose recall (SV VW). Otherwise, the car
has been rock solid, both in day-to-day trips around the Bay Area,
monthly trips to the Sierras, and occasional trips to L.A., where it has
proved to be a very capable long distance cruiser.
–
Bob R. Kenyon
Beautiful Downtown San Jose, CA
<http://www.bobrk.com/>
I can attest to this. I drive up and down I-81 in Virginia between Northern
Virginia and Blacksburg VA once a month or so. My Passat GLX 4Motion sedan
can really move quickly; on open stretches of highway with little traffic I
have opened up to 80+mph and it is rock stable, quiet, and feels like it’s
doing 50. Also, very comfortable for me and my wife; 4 hour trip leaves us
feeling un-tired (if there is such a word).
"Bob R. Kenyon" <r…@email.rahul.net> wrote in message
news:rrk-4B776A.09091905062003@typhoon.sonic.net…
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> We bought our ’01 Passat Wagon GLX in Dec ’00,…
[deleted]
> it has
> proved to be a very capable long distance cruiser.
ditto, nice to cruise @ 120 and feel like 60…
"4Motion" <nob…@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:9OPDa.1128$fh.751@news2.east.cox.net…
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> I can attest to this. I drive up and down I-81 in Virginia between
Northern
> Virginia and Blacksburg VA once a month or so. My Passat GLX 4Motion sedan
> can really move quickly; on open stretches of highway with little traffic
I
> have opened up to 80+mph and it is rock stable, quiet, and feels like it’s
> doing 50. Also, very comfortable for me and my wife; 4 hour trip leaves us
> feeling un-tired (if there is such a word).
> "Bob R. Kenyon" <r…@email.rahul.net> wrote in message
> news:rrk-4B776A.09091905062003@typhoon.sonic.net…
> > We bought our ’01 Passat Wagon GLX in Dec ’00,…
> [deleted]
> > it has
> > proved to be a very capable long distance cruiser.