Passat TDI SEL, a breath of fresh aire, for those weary of *****'n

[rustycat]

Okay, I'm an avid reader of this forum. I learn a lot and am grateful to all the knowledgeable posters.
And, at times I've faced a certain level of angst regarding the Passat TDI after reading some of the posts.
So, for the record, I have to say I really really like the Passat TDI SEL that I bought. Yesterday I went in for a 3 month intial check over (not that I thought I needed one, as the car has been close to perfect), and while at the dealer took a close look at the Audi A6, and surprisingly enough, could see the similarities and had to look hard for SIGNIFICANT differences. I walked away from the the A6 thinking I had a better car.
So, for all of you that suffer a bit of anxiety over your decision to purchase the TDI (after reading posts on this and Vortex), buck up, and if you haven't experienced a serious malfunction, enjoy the ride.
It really is a wonderful car.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

How did you find the interior space in the A6 compared to the Passat? I haven't been in any of the new A6s.

 

[Salsaman06]

Okay, I'm an avid reader of this forum. I learn a lot and am grateful to all the knowledgeable posters.
And, at times I've faced a certain level of angst regarding the Passat TDI after reading some of the posts.
So, for the record, I have to say I really really like the Passat TDI SEL that I bought. Yesterday I went in for a 3 month intial check over (not that I thought I needed one, as the car has been close to perfect), and while at the dealer took a close look at the Audi A6, and surprisingly enough, could see the similarities and had to look hard for SIGNIFICANT differences. I walked away from the the A6 thinking I had a better car.
So, for all of you that suffer a bit of anxiety over your decision to purchase the TDI (after reading posts on this and Vortex), buck up, and if you haven't experienced a serious malfunction, enjoy the ride.
It really is a wonderful car.

Apart from the A6 comparison, which I've not done, this pretty much sums up my thoughts exactly. Grateful for this forum. And I too really, really like my TDI SEL. Brings a smile to my face every time I get behind the wheel.

 

[hhead]

An even bigger smile, is when I pass the fuel pumps at 1/2 tank, with 350 miles already down!!

 

[mnelsonx]

One of my co-workers recently purchased an A6. He's only had it a month or so and I haven't had a detailed look at the interior yet, but it really looks like a dressed-up version of our Passat. I've marveled at the similarities when parked alongside it. The A6 looks great, but of course it's in a totally different class for cost. I certainly wouldn't trade my Passat for it.

Plus, I'm sure he's not averaging over 40 mpg.

 

[phlfly]

Well the Passat is indeed a good car util you will drive A6, it's performance sedan and has handle as good as BMW 5-series, so it's a little wrong compressing between two sedans.

 

[Salsaman06]

An even bigger smile, is when I pass the fuel pumps at 1/2 tank, with 350 miles already down!!

Ain't it the truth? And to me the mileage is just like a big pile of delicious cream cheese icing on the cake. LOL

 

[rustycat]

How did you find the interior space in the A6 compared to the Passat? I haven't been in any of the new A6s.

Actually, I thought the center console was so massive it made the seating space seem small and the door/ pillar/front seat interrelationship to be inhibiting to ingress/ egress.
Of course I didn't drive it, but I"m sure it is a totally involving monster in the broad sweeps on major secondaries, sort of tailor made for northern California 101 roads. But, been there done that, and at this point like the 40 mpgs of the Passat more.... Just to emphasis, thought the pillar seat arrangement is really awkward.

 

[cevans]

Actually, I thought the center console was so massive it made the seating space seem small and the door/ pillar/front seat interrelationship to be inhibiting to ingress/ egress.
Of course I didn't drive it, but I"m sure it is a totally involving monster in the broad sweeps on major secondaries, sort of tailor made for northern California 101 roads. But, been there done that, and at this point like the 40 mpgs of the Passat more.... Just to emphasis, thought the pillar seat arrangement is really awkward.

I agree with this idea. The trend is to make these huge, sweeping, "luxurious" center consoles that take up TONS of space. I really liked that VW opted to go with the lightweight center console on the Passat. Gives the interior much more space.

As for the thread title: I couldn't agree more. I love this thing, for everything that it is and, actually for what it isn't. It IS NOT a stylish, sporty automobile, its frankly a very boring, sedan, but its clean looking and blends in, which can be a good thing. Interior is high quality but simple and uncomplicated. The 40-50 mpg thing is the icing on the cake.

 

[Nebelwerfer]

I agree with cevans.

I like the fact that its a simple, sleek design that won't be clearly dated in 10 years like the recent runs of Kias and Hyundais that are on the road right now will be.

Regards

 

[VWJayhawk]

I agree with most of the above, and am VERY happy with my TDI SEL so far, and expect to continue to be. Regarding the differences, I would say there is a significant difference between the interior of the newer Audis (B8 A4s and C7 A6s) and the Passat. It is more in the refinement, and while I AM NOT knocking the Passats, the fake wood and plastic all around do separate it from the Audis.

That being said, the Passat (or at least the SEL + TDI) is, in my opinion, the much better value by 2x. I see a lot better uses for (another) $20k-$25k right now than an A6 vs. Passat.

I know am I thrilled with this car, because I kicked myself for 3 hours today for shutting my car off during a regen haha (Scanguage is in the mail).

 

[asolo]

Seven months; about 6,000 miles. Oh, yes, the mpg is nice....but so is the rest of the car. My guests/passengers think so, too. I'd buy it again without hesitation.

Surely, there are other very nice cars out there. I hope their owners may be as pleased with theirs as I am with mine....but I WILL have 300 miles to go when they're stopping for gas.

 

[afarfalla]

Seven months; about 6,000 miles. Oh, yes, the mpg is nice....but so is the rest of the car. My guests/passengers think so, too. I'd buy it again without hesitation.

Surely, there are other very nice cars out there. I hope their owners may be as pleased with theirs as I am with mine....but I WILL have 300 miles to go when they're stopping for gas.

you make me laugh on the MPG's, since my 13 sel prem got crushed I had to drive my 2000 passat 1.8T wagon, fully loaded, to NJ, 1486.8 miles, I used 54.516 gals of fuel, (traveling 70+ mph) now fuel along the way ran from $3.50 to $3.90, diesel was $3.87 to $4.27, my fuel cost was $196.99, my 13 Passat got as low as 38mpg up to 42mpg, I used 42mpg to come up with 35.4 gal of diesel for the trip, x's $4.00 = $141.46, so for $32000 plus TT&l, I could have saved $110 on this trip? And surprisingly the ATW handled the mountains, (manual tranny)without ever having to downshift

 

[50pascals]

I like the fact that my coworkers compare my TDI SEL premium to their sedans like the Buick Lacrosse - which all cost several thousand more, get less mileage, and have the same fit and finish.

 

[Lightflyer1]

you make me laugh on the MPG's, since my 13 sel prem got crushed I had to drive my 2000 passat 1.8T wagon, fully loaded, to NJ, 1486.8 miles, I used 54.516 gals of fuel, (traveling 70+ mph) now fuel along the way ran from $3.50 to $3.90, diesel was $3.87 to $4.27, my fuel cost was $196.99, my 13 Passat got as low as 38mpg up to 42mpg, I used 42mpg to come up with 35.4 gal of diesel for the trip, x's $4.00 = $141.46, so for $32000 plus TT&l, I could have saved $110 on this trip? And surprisingly the ATW handled the mountains, (manual tranny)without ever having to downshift

Not everyone (probably no one) has had the unique experience you have had with your car. It has been said many times here not to buy the car thinking it will pay for itself in any way. But if you like the car and the diesel engine, why not enjoy the economy savings? In my soon to be 35 mile one way commute using your figures I would save that every month at $1320 a year. Drop that extra right into my 401k.

 

[50pascals]

you make me laugh on the MPG's, since my 13 sel prem got crushed I had to drive my 2000 passat 1.8T wagon, fully loaded, to NJ, 1486.8 miles, I used 54.516 gals of fuel, (traveling 70+ mph) now fuel along the way ran from $3.50 to $3.90, diesel was $3.87 to $4.27, my fuel cost was $196.99, my 13 Passat got as low as 38mpg up to 42mpg, I used 42mpg to come up with 35.4 gal of diesel for the trip, x's $4.00 = $141.46, so for $32000 plus TT&l, I could have saved $110 on this trip? And surprisingly the ATW handled the mountains, (manual tranny)without ever having to downshift

I think there's a few things you're overlooking:

1) First, what gas mpg did you use for comparison to "save" $110 on that trip?
2) A "fully loaded" gas powered sedan would have seen reduced mileage as well
3) "mountains" will typically adversely impact mileage


Perhaps my criteria for buying my Passat was different from the norm. I needed a sedan that could comfortably sit people 6'-3" tall in all positions at the same time. You would be surprised the number of "full sized" cars that cannot do this.

Then after this I needed a sedan that got the best mileage - diesel if available. I commute 100 miles per day. I have been averaging 40mpg for this commute. I also take several business trips a year. The last one was to Toronto; 400 mi round trip, 80+ mph peak speeds, a few hours of city driving in there. I got 44.9 mpg.

A guy at work keeps debating me on the value of my car - not that I care ( I also own a truck that is just fantastic but only gets 12mpg). Just yesterday I ran the numbers with the prices from the gas station accross the street from our plant.

To break even a large gas powered sedan (fitting four 6'-3" tall people at the same time) would have to get 38mpg. This car does not currently exist.

 

[asolo]

you make me laugh on the MPG's, since my 13 sel prem got crushed I had to drive my 2000 passat 1.8T wagon, fully loaded, to NJ, 1486.8 miles, I used 54.516 gals of fuel, (traveling 70+ mph) now fuel along the way ran from $3.50 to $3.90, diesel was $3.87 to $4.27, my fuel cost was $196.99, my 13 Passat got as low as 38mpg up to 42mpg, I used 42mpg to come up with 35.4 gal of diesel for the trip, x's $4.00 = $141.46, so for $32000 plus TT&l, I could have saved $110 on this trip? And surprisingly the ATW handled the mountains, (manual tranny)without ever having to downshift

Glad you're laughing. Hope it's OK with you if don't trade my '13 Passat DSG for a 2000 gas manual, though.

FWIW, I get mid-high forties at 70. However, I agree with others that "payback" isn't the reason to buy the TDI. There are MANY considerations in choosing a vehicle that one plans to live with every day for many years. Mpg is only one. For myself, I thought the Passat TDI was the best balance. Still think so.

 

[PaulB]

I really liked that VW opted to go with the lightweight center console on the Passat. Gives the interior much more space.

Huh? I guess everything is relative. I thought it was too large, and wondered why such a huge hump in the rear floor. But then I owned a Saab 96 years ago and understand how cool a really flat floor is.

But yeah, the Passat is almost the ideal car for me. I hate ostentation and appreciate "form follows function".

 

[hhead]

Now if ANY of the manufacturers can figure out, how to get the rear seat to lay FLAT when you fold them down, they would be selling their ENTIRE line of cars!!

 

[Yankinwaoz]

Okay, I'm an avid reader of this forum. I learn a lot and am grateful to all the knowledgeable posters.
And, at times I've faced a certain level of angst regarding the Passat TDI after reading some of the posts.
So, for the record, I have to say I really really like the Passat TDI SEL that I bought. Yesterday I went in for a 3 month intial check over (not that I thought I needed one, as the car has been close to perfect), and while at the dealer took a close look at the Audi A6, and surprisingly enough, could see the similarities and had to look hard for SIGNIFICANT differences. I walked away from the the A6 thinking I had a better car.
So, for all of you that suffer a bit of anxiety over your decision to purchase the TDI (after reading posts on this and Vortex), buck up, and if you haven't experienced a serious malfunction, enjoy the ride.
It really is a wonderful car.

Well the A6 cost him twice as much. So there is a HUGE difference right there.

 

[phlfly]

Well the A6 cost him twice as much. So there is a HUGE difference right there.

But it's almost twice a car, you should know if you had one of course.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Now if ANY of the manufacturers can figure out, how to get the rear seat to lay FLAT when you fold them down, they would be selling their ENTIRE line of cars!!

They do fold flat if you remove the bottom cushion.

 

[leicaman]

Now if ANY of the manufacturers can figure out, how to get the rear seat to lay FLAT when you fold them down, they would be selling their ENTIRE line of cars!!

There was a manufacturer who did in fact figure this out. Unfortunately Saab bit the dust after GM messed with this design fact in the early 900 series cars.

 

[Papachristou]

Not everyone (probably no one) has had the unique experience you (AFARFALLA) have had with your car. It has been said many times here not to buy the car thinking it will pay for itself in any way. But if you like the car and the diesel engine, why not enjoy the economy savings? In my soon to be 35 mile one way commute using your figures I would save that every month at $1320 a year. Drop that extra right into my 401k.

is afarfalla still complaining? good grief. he reminds me of grumpy cat...