Sad offerings from VW for 2009 and 2010.

[TomB]

Since the Passats are coming up on the end of their warranty's, I went car researching at the VW dealer.

I went and saw the new Jetta. Same interior size as the 2005 Passat, but they are just not as good riding. Felt and heard every pothole. It was a cheaper interior, plus assembled in Mexico instead of Germany where the 2 Passats were.

The new engine was super quiet and had excellent power. The 6 speed DSG was awesome too. Unfortunately I kept finding myself saying but it doesn't have what the Passat had.

So looked at the gasser Passat and wagon while there. What a shameful offering they have for 2010. The CC is a joke. 4 seater. I know it is a Passat CC, but it just isn't the same.

Checked out the Audi dealership right around the corner and the A3 was way too small and of course over priced.

Looks like VW doesn't want to pay the cost of certifying any more TDI engines because of the process.

The 3.0V6 TDI won't be on anything other than the SUV's because they need room for the BlueTec (urea tank). Higher than 2.0L and they have to go with the urea system.

Heard rumors of the Tiguan with the 2.0L TDI for 2011, but could not find any real news about this on the web.

Looks like I will be keeping the current cars, get the extended warranty and deal with any issues as they come up, all the time hoping and watching to see if VW can get their act together with TDI's in the US market.

 

[Muleman]

I was at VW yesterday as well. 160K on my Passat and I have been wondering what to do next. Unfortunately, I see no option at VW or otherwise but to keep what I have for now anyway. Wife has the gasser A3 and she loves the car but its definately smaller that what I could drive everyday. Nothing out there that gets the mileage the passat does with a decent ride for long trips. Plus I have dumped probably to much money in the car to sell for a while now. 5 grand this year alone, chainless plus other odds and ends. The car is running great currently but I am less optomistic about really being able to put 250-300K on the car without spending some more serious coin. We'll see I guess. Regards PJ

 

[Matthew_S]

The good news is that you save a lot of money. Even if you don't buy an extended warranty and end up paying to replace few things that may come up you are still better off finacially than you would be if you had bought a new car. The down payment and 1st year monthly payments would easily pay for a balance shaft upgrade and a new cam and lifters on the car you have. Nevermind that you would still have to keep paying for 3-4 more years on the new car. So there is a silver lining here.

 

[maktas]

There are no options fo VW in general (IMO). After this BS fiasco, I don't know if I want to trust them for anything!
I do agree that the Passat is way better than the A5 Jetta. I got my B5.5 in late 2005 so they had the first A5 already out and I had the opportunity to test drive both on the same visit. There was no comparison in ride, comfort and performance, the Passat is way ahead of even the A5, at least 2006 models.

I intead to keep my B5.5 until it dies or the cost of repair exceeds the value of the vehicle. I am hoping to give it to my son in 6 years so he can use it when he is in university!!

 

[TomB]

The good news is that you save a lot of money. Even if you don't buy an extended warranty and end up paying to replace few things that may come up you are still better off finacially than you would be if you had bought a new car. The down payment and 1st year monthly payments would easily pay for a balance shaft upgrade and a new cam and lifters on the car you have. Nevermind that you would still have to keep paying for 3-4 more years on the new car. So there is a silver lining here.

Yeah, could be the silver lining. Although I watch the vehicle continue to depreciate (not that I expect otherwise) as I keep it longer.

Definitely love the Passat and like any relationship you just learn to deal with the issues until they become too much.

I just hate unexpected events that cost money.

 

[Lug_Nut]

Good news!!! The balance shaft problem is becoming public knowledge! As more and more know of this problem, and shy away from these used B5.5 TDI, their value will drop faster than ever!
You were going to keep it until it cost more to repair than it was worth? Pretty soon filling the fuel tank will cost more than it's worth!

Actually this news of a lack of mid-full size new diesels doesn't entirely displease me. It will make me get off my duff and investigate other diesel brands (BMW, M-B, Audi)

 

[TomB]

Good news!!! The balance shaft problem is becoming public knowledge! As more and more know of this problem, and shy away from these used B5.5 TDI, their value will drop faster than ever!
You were going to keep it until it cost more to repair than it was worth? Pretty soon filling the fuel tank will cost more than it's worth!

Actually this news of a lack of mid-full size new diesels doesn't entirely displease me. It will make me get off my duff and investigate other diesel brands (BMW, M-B, Audi)

Audi is just offering the A3 with the same 2.0TDI and they have NO plans of bringing any other engine into the market. This is smaller than the Jetta.

BMW's offering in the 3 series is just too small of a car, especially with a 3.0L INLINE 6. Why did they not go with the 5 series? Even MB moved from an INLINE to V6 engine, so why do they stick to it. As well the BMW costs the same as a MB price to top it off.

For that money, I would go with the E series MB with the CRD. Unfortunately MB dropped the CRD as of now.

So what other diesels are you going to look at? Hence my disappointment.

 

[ta79pr]

an inline 6 is self balancing i think.

 

[DickSilver]

Plus I have dumped probably to much money in the car to sell for a while now. Regards PJ

I agree with your keeping your B5.5, but don't ever fall in love with money you have already spent, unless it has actually INCREASED the cash value of your car!

 

[abctdi]

Audi = VW, so that leaves MB and BMW, very high cost options for diesel.

 

[Diesel_Mikey]

an inline 6 is self balancing i think.

That's always been my understanding, too. I'm actually not sure why the shift has been AWAY from straight-6's to V6's other than possibly packaging, since the V6 block is obviously shorter. That was the idea behind the VR6, as they hoped to combine the best qualities of both layouts into one.

 

[ruking]

Since the Passats are coming up on the end of their warranty's, I went car researching at the VW dealer.

I went and saw the new Jetta. Same interior size as the 2005 Passat, but they are just not as good riding. Felt and heard every pothole. It was a cheaper interior, plus assembled in Mexico instead of Germany where the 2 Passats were.

The new engine was super quiet and had excellent power. The 6 speed DSG was awesome too. Unfortunately I kept finding myself saying but it doesn't have what the Passat had.

So looked at the gasser Passat and wagon while there. What a shameful offering they have for 2010. The CC is a joke. 4 seater. I know it is a Passat CC, but it just isn't the same.

Checked out the Audi dealership right around the corner and the A3 was way too small and of course over priced.

Looks like VW doesn't want to pay the cost of certifying any more TDI engines because of the process.

The 3.0V6 TDI won't be on anything other than the SUV's because they need room for the BlueTec (urea tank). Higher than 2.0L and they have to go with the urea system.

Heard rumors of the Tiguan with the 2.0L TDI for 2011, but could not find any real news about this on the web.

Looks like I will be keeping the current cars, get the extended warranty and deal with any issues as they come up, all the time hoping and watching to see if VW can get their act together with TDI's in the US market.

In hind sight, I would say it has always been a mixed bag. It would seem that selecting VW', MY's and options, etc. has been an exercise in dodging bullets.

UPSHOT:

1. The 2003 Jetta TDI has been probably "best of breed" in the MKIV. It (mine) with over 125,000 miles has been close to absolutely flawless as it gets (my .02 cent op/ed). If it would have been mated to a 01M automatic transmission.... maybe.... NOT !!

2. I waited (3/4 drivers wanted an "automatic") on the DSG till they got the MY (MK V) bugs out and got a DSG on a 2009 Jetta TDI. NOW?? The specific model year DSG may or may not be on the DSG recall list.... !!?? I have yet to get the VW official notification. However, the DSG drive train warranty has been extended to 10 years/100,000 miles regardless of whether or not the specific DSG was on the recall list !?

3. Almost categorically, the 2009 MY (MKV) is an improvement over the MKIV. The Passat TDI line will go through the same process !?

 

[abctdi]

Okay, the !? is confusing me. What do you mean with those?

 

[ruking]

Okay, the !? is confusing me. What do you mean with those?

! For sure, yes !! ? Maybe NOT? Same sentence.

 

[vw4life]

I had an 2009 passat 2.0T DSG as a loaner and just loved the handling and gearbox. To bad there is no diesel 4mo with towing package.

 

[Matthew_S]

That's always been my understanding, too. I'm actually not sure why the shift has been AWAY from straight-6's to V6's other than possibly packaging, since the V6 block is obviously shorter. That was the idea behind the VR6, as they hoped to combine the best qualities of both layouts into one.

The V6 is a compromise to allow a 6 cylinder engine to be used in smaller and FWD cars. BMW probably hasn't gone to the V6 because an in line 6 fits in all their cars and a V6 would be inferior. V engines are probably always more expensive to manufacture and more complicated to service but they give versatility that you can't get with a really long engine.

 

[PlaneCrazy]

I am starting to think about what to do at the end of my B6 wagon lease (Feb. 2011). The fate of our B5.5 is settled since the BS modification was done: we'll run it into the ground. It is paid for, and runs superbly. But the B6 is on lease. I'd love another TDI, and could probably stand to downsize now that 2/3 kids have left the nest. Ideally I'd like to see a B6 with TDI. I'd even buy it with DSG. It is such a practical and pleasant car. Who knows, the B5.5 TDI came out near the end of the B5.5's run. Maybe VW will do us a favor.

It looks however, to be coming down to a choice between a MkVI Golf TDI wagon, or buy out the B6 ($12.7k). I'd consider a 5-door Golf hatch but some weird packaging means ESP comes only with DSG on the comfortline. The Comfortline TDI wagon has ESP standard though.

I am however leaning more towards keeping the B6. It runs well minus a few niggling issues (like many 2.0Ts it burns some oil). It is super practical, and in summer at least, I can get 1000 km per fill in highway driving, 900 in mixed, with fuel consumption averaging in the 7-7.2 L/100 km range, down to about 6.5 in straight highway driving.

I read a local article that said that VW is discontinuing the Passat for N. America although there was a possibility that the Passat wagon, very popular up here, would still be imported alongside the Passat CC (cool looking car but I prefer the practicality of a wagon with FIVE seats).

 

[outthere]

There are great lease deals to be had on bmw's.
4500 toward lease or purch. 489/mo ish. I may have to go drive a few to make up my mind. 335d? 128 convertible? hmmm

 

[TomB]

Have we been infiltrated by BMW enthusiasts? I thought this was a VW site.

 

[Matthew_S]

Have we been infiltrated by BMW enthusiasts? I thought this was a VW site.

Some of us would probably be driving a 320d if we had the choice.

 

[PlaneCrazy]

I suspect many "VW enthusiasts" are like myself rather "German car enthusiasts". There are several products from VW, Audi and BMW on my "lotto wish list". Mercedes, not so much though.

 

[leobg]

I am tempted to get a Golf TDI 5 door hatchback to replace the shot 95 Passat as a commuter car. Jetta never managed to grow on me. The new Golf looks nice, especially the interior. But.... why the heck they keep the TDI engine away from the Passats? The new 2.0 TDI engine along with a DSG gearbox in a B6 is all I wanted (pardon my stick ignorance, but you will understand me if you have to drive in Toronto).
Oh well...

 

[PlaneCrazy]

I'm a "manual" sort of guy, even in Montreal traffic (which IMHO does a pretty good job of matching Toronto!) but I love the practicality of the full-sized Passat wagon so much I'd be a happy camper even with DSG. I'm a road biker. I haven't tried to get my bike into the back of a Jetta/Golf wagon but it's 9" shorter. As it is, with the seats folded, I can carefully fit in two bikes, or one without taking off wheels, into my B6 wagon. As my oldest son and I are both road bikers it's a very nice advantage to not have to use racks which kill fuel consumption.

 

[lrpavlo]

I'm a "manual" sort of guy, even in Montreal traffic (which IMHO does a pretty good job of matching Toronto!) but I love the practicality of the full-sized Passat wagon so much I'd be a happy camper even with DSG. I'm a road biker. I haven't tried to get my bike into the back of a Jetta/Golf wagon but it's 9" shorter. As it is, with the seats folded, I can carefully fit in two bikes, or one without taking off wheels, into my B6 wagon. As my oldest son and I are both road bikers it's a very nice advantage to not have to use racks which kill fuel consumption.

I ride a short wheel base recumbent but I measured (with rear seats folded down) and the JSW was slightly bigger in 2 dimensions than my Passat B4V!
I sure do wish the JSW had even an 18 gallon tank though!!!

 

[PlaneCrazy]

Well the B6 passat has an 18.46 gal. tank! So even on premium unleaded, the relatively efficient 2.0T gasser can get an easy 625 miles of highway driving with about 35 miles reserve. Imagine a TDI at roughly 50 mpg... it would have a killer 875 mile range!

 

[TomB]

Yep, I can not understand why the clean diesel is not available on the Passat line.

The CC is the Passat line replacement. Unfortunately I won't be buying that Mercedes look alike with blocked viewing such that you need parking assist to see what is behind you.

VW is blowing it by going with the CC instead of the B6. Lost me as customer on that one.

 

[leobg]

Yep, I can not understand why the clean diesel is not available on the Passat line.

The CC is the Passat line replacement. Unfortunately I won't be buying that Mercedes look alike with blocked viewing such that you need parking assist to see what is behind you.

VW is blowing it by going with the CC instead of the B6. Lost me as customer on that one.

Are you trying to say VW replaces the Passat with the CC? Those two cars can't even compare - are they nuts (VW)?? If that's the case, I hope at least they will dump that stupid 4 seater idea! Wow - when you think it can't get worse (no TDI in the Passat) it gets worser (no passat at all!!)

 

[abctdi]

leobg,
why not convert your 95 to a tdi?

 

[TomB]

Are you trying to say VW replaces the Passat with the CC? Those two cars can't even compare - are they nuts (VW)?? If that's the case, I hope at least they will dump that stupid 4 seater idea! Wow - when you think it can't get worse (no TDI in the Passat) it gets worser (no passat at all!!)

Hence my disappointment. Love my B5.5 Passat.

Technically the CC is the "Passat CC."

Rumor has the new plant in the US will produce a midsize, Passat like replacement for the US. Who knows what it will be like though.

 

[PlaneCrazy]

In Canada it is even named the "Passat CC". I've read about the new mid-sized. It's supposed to be a Cam/Cord beater, whereas the new compact Jetta replacement will be the Corolla beater. Supposedly. Which leaves me cold, i.e. let's cheapen them down to compete. Which leaves the Golf/GTI as maybe the true torch-bearers for affordable German cars in N. America. Which isn't bad but it isn't much choice. The only consolation for us here in Canada is that VW Canada is contemplating continuing the importation of the Passat wagon alongside the CC, as the wagon version of the Passat is quite popular.

We're already luckier than you on the Passats here, we can still get a manual across all 2.0T trims in addition to the DSG (starting with the 2010 m.y.). So my hope is that the wagon will still come. There's a market for it, and a Trendline Passat wagon is actually a very good deal when you compare its pricing to the Golf wagon's pricing:

Golf Wagon with TDI, mulitimedia package comfortline (includes MFD to make it equivalent to the Passat which has this standard): $29240 MSRP; Passat 2.0T trendline manual, $30640 (transport included in both cases).

If you need the extra room of the Passat, it's not such a bad deal. True you won't get the TDIs mileage but the 2.0T is quite efficient for a gasser.