Test Drove 2 2015's today

[agtcovert]

Hello all -- been lurking & researching for a long time. Want to say thanks to everyone for the great information here. It's been invaluable in helping make a decision on buying a new car.

So, the fun stuff: I drove an SE DSG because their stock system was messed up and they couldn't find one with the 6MT. As luck would have it, the guy who manages the lot happened to be walking around an knew right where one was so I got to drive that too.

I haven't been behind the wheel of a manual in probably 11-12 years (having grown up with them). Man did that feel good. I'm curious, for those of you who have the 6MT -- is it normal to feel some vibration/feedback in the clutch pedal as you shift? I can't really characterize the feeling any better then that.

 

[sdeck]

slight if any. I haven't really paid attention to it.

 

[ABS]

You can check out some comments on this Poll/Thread, as it relates to the pulsing of the clutch. http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=418582 It seems its about 50/50 split with folks who responded to the poll (although its a relatively small sample size). As far as my 14, I do not experience the pulsing feel.

Good luck with the search. This is a great resource if you choose to go with the TDI.

 

[agtcovert]

Thanks

I think my search is done. The only reason I didn't buy today is that I need to move the proposal through the appropriations committee. (i.e., my wife).

 

[psd1]

No pulse/vibration on my 13 6M. Hope the Boss approves!

 

[agtcovert]

Me too.

 

[atc98002]

I probably would have given serious thought to the manual if the SEL had it. I like my bells and whistles too much.

 

[agtcovert]

It's interesting how you get attached to the stuff -- the other vehicles I have are decked out with gadgets. The SE is really a perfect fit for what I need in a daily driver. I drive 400-500 miles a week. I never use sunroofs anyway. It's got heated seats, a backup camera, and bluetooth (an upgrade for me). All I need. Although I need to see if I can get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, as I've gotten really fond of those.

 

[big_ole_truck]

Sounds like a new 2015 is in your immediate future. If you don't want the extra bells and whistles, why pay for them? Enjoy your new SE.

 

[ABS]

All I need. Although I need to see if I can get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, as I've gotten really fond of those.

Is the auto dimming rear view not available in the 15 SE? My 14 has that feature... Interesting.

The SE is a great option. Enjoy the new ride (assuming your Bride gives the thumbs-up!)

Cheers!

 

[agtcovert]

I'm sure I can get the mirror I want, but the sales individual yesterday told me it was "only available on higher trim lines." I find that hard to believe.

 

[ABS]

You know, thats a problem I have with most dealers, the salespeople know less about the cars than the folks buying them, at least for those of us who do the research before setting foot on a dealers lot (especially those of us that consider ourselves "enthusiasts"..)... I think your sales gal/guy may be misinformed. According to VW's site, the Auto-Dimming Rear View mirror is standard equipment on the SE TDI. http://www.vw.com/models/passat/

 

[agtcovert]

The SE I drove yesterday had a standard mirror--actually, both the DSG and 6MT models did. Considering power is already run up there for the lights and new SOS stuff, I can't imagine swapping it out would be a big deal. I'm going to find out soon enough I think.

 

[tdiatlast]

You know, thats a problem I have with most dealers, the salespeople know less about the cars than the folks buying them, at least for those of us who do the research before setting foot on a dealers lot (especially those of us that consider ourselves "enthusiasts"..)... I think your sales gal/guy may be misinformed. According to VW's site, the Auto-Dimming Rear View mirror is standard equipment on the SE TDI. http://www.vw.com/models/passat/

ABS: What you say is hardly a news flash. It's been that way for, gee, more than 50 years? My dad (now 91) was always grumbling about the "idiots" selling cars.
I've been lucky, at Stohlman VW in No. VA. The guy that has sold me 3 cars is well-informed, but also has the character to say, "I don't know, but I'll find out!"
In defense of the sales guys/gals, though, you have to understand that manufacturers CHANGE vehicle content on a dime, w/o adequate updating.

 

[ABS]

ABS: What you say is hardly a news flash. It's been that way for, gee, more than 50 years? My dad (now 91) was always grumbling about the "idiots" selling cars.
I've been lucky, at Stohlman VW in No. VA. The guy that has sold me 3 cars is well-informed, but also has the character to say, "I don't know, but I'll find out!"
In defense of the sales guys/gals, though, you have to understand that manufacturers CHANGE vehicle content on a dime, w/o adequate updating.

Yeah, your absolutely right. Just a bee in my bonnet. I work in durable goods manufacturing and understand content change very well. Knowing that I would still expect the dealers to do there homework, or to your point, be honest enough to say "I don't know, but I'll find out", as opposed to attempting to BS their way through it....

 

[BPofMD]

I think my search is done. The only reason I didn't buy today is that I need to move the proposal through the appropriations committee. (i.e., my wife).

You don't wanna buy-pass the committee...I make the mistake of bringing my '12 home by-passing the committee and for 3 1/2 YEARS I still haven't heard the end of it!

 

[collector_edi]

Hilarious but I could see how true that is BPofMD.

 

[agtcovert]

So here's an interesting twist. I've been looking for some time and have a saved search on CarMax's site to meet my criteria. Got a hit today (two actually). Both 2013 TDI SE's with a 6MT. One has 18K miles for $24K, one has 22K for $22,600. The 18K one has a Carfax record of some accident, but Carmax is pretty serious about what they put on their floor--if you believe what they say, and I haven't had any reason not to. The record says the car was involved in a "right rear impact with another vehicle."

I've bought from CarMax before. Even took them up on their 5 day no questions asked return policy because I had a car chew up a turbo the day after I took it home. They were great about it and I ended up getting something from them I drove for 3 years that had minimal problems after that.

I always end up wondering though: why trade a car you bought a year ago? And, especially with the TDI, was the maintenance (10 & 20K) done properly and documented? Did some tech at CarMax think he was doing a future buyer a favor and throw some fresh oil in just because that's what they always do? For a 2013, based on what I've read, did the previous owner experience a turbo failure?

Thoughts?

 

[mishkaya]

Why buy a used one when you can get a new one for almost the same price with current discounts? I know that I would rather have a new one for an extra $1k.

 

[Justinw303]

Yeah, if you're willing to consider paying in the low to mid 20s for a TDI Passat, might as well just go for a new one.

 

[PassatSE4me]

... why trade a car you bought a year ago?

Because you read some threads on an enthusiast forum and jumped to conclusions?

What do I win?

 

[czeetah]

I paid 22.5 for a new 2014 6MT

 

[cheoah]

I paid 22.5 for a new 2014 6MT

Wow. Haven't heard of one going for that low. Do they even make an S trim level? Are you the guy that picked this up in central NC?

Ya, OP, you're too close to retail there


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Please forgive typos and commas

 

[czeetah]

Standard SE only trim 6MT sold in. Had to get alarm kit and delivery for Opera Red. Silver and Blacks on lot were going for 21.8

Drove down to Charlotte from AVL area

 

[cheoah]

Ok I was thinking comprehensive price. I shopped those CLT dealers too and ended up out the door at 24 something in Greenville. That Leslie there is good to work with, at Carolina I think. Don't know what harmonys prob is, they lose a lot of business.

 

[agtcovert]

czeetah, I don't think I'd get near that price on a new one, although I agree it's close enough I would just go ahead with the new. I do have access to the supplier discount which means I can get one for $500 under invoice. I'm thinking of waiting a month or so to see if they have any holiday incentives. Right now there's not much on 2015's.

Also, understanding there may be an early adopter tax, I'd rather have the EA288. I've read most of the docs that are available on it.

 

[czeetah]

See you're in Indiana. Was just visiting Evansville.

Stopped at a Countrymark and got a tank of their Diesel-R 50 cetane stuff. Car idle is amazing.

You're lucky lol

 

[r11]

Cetane# is all over the place here in NJ. Sometimes (luck'o'draw) u do get a really nice tank and car purrs happily, feels extra torqy and crunchy and then u get a tank of p1ss again

 

[inthered]

Cetane# is all over the place here in NJ. Sometimes (luck'o'draw) u do get a really nice tank and car purrs happily, feels extra torqy and crunchy and then u get a tank of p1ss again

Where do you normally fuel up in New Jersey?

 

[agtcovert]

Back to my original topic...

I'm sure it's been mentioned elsewhere, but I'm astounded at how little knowledge salespeople have of the products they're selling.

I've been emailing back and forth with a salesperson after I did this test drive last week and now they may have a new 2014 they're willing to make a really good deal on. That's fine -- I'd go for it if the price is right.

What's maddening is the BS I'm being told about the differences with the engine. Like claiming the 2014 has 265 lb-ft and it was reduced to 235 in 2015 to get better fuel mileage.

I realize not everyone reads the details on changes or researches purchases. But if you're selling it, I can't imagine not being aware of the changes.

Now to see what they're offering on a 2014....