The "What the Passat is lacking at 32K" thread.

[TDICT]

touch a nerve did I by calling the passat ugly?? yep...guess I better not offend anyones ugly boring impalaesque passat....this is a forum sir...which means I have a right to my opinion as do you. if you dont like my car....I accept that but please dont criticize me for calling your new wheels one of the least inspired VW designs in 20 years....sorry bud....IMHO opinion and a lot of Jetta/Golf owners the new Passat is a total and absolute styling disaster....and the low rent interior is not much better. but...it's a diesel and I do appreciate that.

Well looks like you just won't rest until you have the last word. This is a form and I am sure the whole world is happy you love your Volvo and will be moving on to the Volvo forms with your words of wisdom and your sense of design and style. I think it is rude and out of place for you to come on to this VW diesel form and post your un-asked for negative opinion. Who cares what you, a Volvo owner, think about the 2012 Passat. Did I miss the post asking TDI90HP for their opinion? IMHO Life is too short to drive an ugly car so you won't see a Volvo in my driveway. Good luck

 

[gergg]

To each his own, that is why they make different flavors of everything in this wonderful world.....There are cars that I think are cooler than my Passat, but I really do like the looks of the Passat, and to me it is a heck of a vehicle with great value for $26,000.

 

[740GLE]

We love our new 250HP/266ft/lb 2012 S60 T5 Premium pack with City safety and 18" wheels and the mileage is surprising for a non diesel.

whats the price of that sweet Volvo? the volvos geared more at targeting upper level cars (BMW Audi, Merc) that VW is not. It's silly to think the VW thats cheapers going to compete to that Volvo.

BTW what are all the autorags comparing the Passat too? BMWs and Volvos? why not? cause it's not designed, marketed, built to compete with them.

 

[madhun]

holy smokes...waht does an S60 cost there? sorry we are a bit off topic....

No idea sorry, not a fan of Volvo's so never paid any attention to their pricing. Might be a different story if I was in the market for a truck or a bus.

 

[Oberkanone]

Passat TDI SEL $33K

holy smokes...waht does an S60 cost there? sorry we are a bit off topic....

Here an S60 cost is $32K, very, very comparable in price to the $32K in this topic "What the Passat is lacking at 32k" thread.

No need to hate on Volvo, or any other make, in order to justify the Passat. It is a very nice Camry, Accord, Malibu, Fusion, Sonata, Altima competitor as it is. Would be nice if VW offered features such as back up camera, Xenon headlights, blind spot monitoring, rain sensing wipers that are available on Mazda6.

In a couple of years the 6 may even be comparable to the Passat in it's powertrain when (if) diesel is offered.

 

[20IndigoBlue02]

CC is getting option of adaptive bi-xenon headlights for 2012.
Hopefully more options become available on the Passat.

adaptive bixenons have always been available on higher end CC's since it's introduction

 

[20IndigoBlue02]

just checked toronto auto trader....2006 models

passats range from 10K to 15.5K
Volvo s60....12k to 17K

where is the BIG VW resale value.....????

By the way the Bimmers were in the same range....

those who live in glass houses.....

have you considered the S60 starts out at a higher price than the passat?

probably not, considering your conclusion

and no....no one has a vcds equivalent for volvo's

so enjoy your expensive Geely

 

[madhun]

Here an S60 cost is $32K, very, very comparable in price to the $32K in this topic "What the Passat is lacking at 32k" thread.

No need to hate on Volvo, or any other make, in order to justify the Passat. It is a very nice Camry, Accord, Malibu, Fusion, Sonata, Altima competitor as it is. Would be nice if VW offered features such as back up camera, Xenon headlights, blind spot monitoring, rain sensing wipers that are available on Mazda6.

In a couple of years the 6 may even be comparable to the Passat in it's powertrain when (if) diesel is offered.

All of those features are available options on the 2012 Passat.

 

[abctdi]

Guys, just stop feeding the dog at the table with this S60 stuff.
That poster said 'my bad' and promised to find another appropirate forum, so just let it be...

 

[redheadshred]

I wasn't specifically drawn to the Passat by the looks as past models, IMHO, have had better. However, in the past 5 days since I took delivery of my 2012 passat TDI SE 6 - speed, the first comments on the car from others have consistently been how much they like the design, outside and in. Handsome, but not overstated I say. All diesel discussion aside (love the 47 mpg on my commute) I think the Passat gets design kudos for timeless simple elegance, considering it is not a luxury brand. Much better than the aesthetic treatment to the 2012 Jetta.

 

[TwoTone]

whats the price of that sweet Volvo? the volvos geared more at targeting upper level cars (BMW Audi, Merc) that VW is not. It's silly to think the VW thats cheapers going to compete to that Volvo.

BTW what are all the autorags comparing the Passat too? BMWs and Volvos? why not? cause it's not designed, marketed, built to compete with them.

Its the point he was trying to make. It boils down to 32k car vs. 32k car.

 

[Oberkanone]

Options

All of those features are available options on the 2012 Passat.

Blind Spot Monitoring
Xenon Headlights
Back up camera
Rain sensing wipers

I don't know how I missed finding these options on the 2012 Passat TDI.

VW shows the headlights to be halogen, has no listing for blind spot monitoring system, quote VW "No backup camera is available. VW says midsize-sedan buyers aren't clamoring for it, and not offering it keeps things simpler at Chattanooga, cutting costs and boosting quality", and lists the wipers as variable intermittent, not rain sensing.

 

[tdi90hp]

Its the point he was trying to make. It boils down to 32k car vs. 32k car.

that was my point....lots of great product at the 32K price point...volvo included and i think that Passat with it's staid styling and kind of boat like size will appeal to the hard core diesel heads(nobody else has one) BUT we all know they need to see lots of volume to cover the cost of the diesel sales....will they? maybe but I hope they can keep that plant busy in Tenessee cause if you price out loaded passats they are in mid lux territory with tonnes of competition ...i.e they sell cheapies and tonnes of diesels....we can only hope. VW should have dreamed and pushed a bit bigger on the styling side. Sexy sells . Boring does not. The #1 selling car in Canada today is the new Elantra. Why ? cause the Civic is a total SNOOZE.

 

[20IndigoBlue02]

that was my point....lots of great product at the 32K price point...volvo included and i think that Passat with it's staid styling and kind of boat like size will appeal to the hard core diesel heads(nobody else has one) BUT we all know they need to see lots of volume to cover the cost of the diesel sales....will they? maybe but I hope they can keep that plant busy in Tenessee cause if you price out loaded passats they are in mid lux territory with tonnes of competition ...i.e they sell cheapies and tonnes of diesels....we can only hope. VW should have dreamed and pushed a bit bigger on the styling side. Sexy sells . Boring does not. The #1 selling car in Canada today is the new Elantra. Why ? cause the Civic is a total SNOOZE.

So? What's the best selling passenger car in the country south of yours?

It ain't the Sonata.

 

[Oberkanone]

Have they been reading this forum?

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/08/review-2012-volkswagen-passat-tdi-sel-premium/

The Passat TDI SEL Premium looks and feels like a more expensive car than the 2.5 SE, but might nevertheless struggle to support its mid-thirties price tag. Even with the upgraded interior many of the cheap bits remain, and the rear seat, though very roomy, doesn’t get its own air vents. The TDI-DSG powertrain performs well and gets exceptional fuel economy given the size of the car. But the ride, though quieter and smoother than that in the SE, is still average at best. Most disappointing: the steering system that made the 2.5 SE fun and engaging on a curvy road isn’t included in the TDI. Instead, the TDI’s electric power steering cuts off communication with the front wheels and makes the car feel much larger and heavier.

Air vents, they are nitpicking about the details.

 

[tdi90hp]

So? What's the best selling passenger car in the country south of yours?

It ain't the Sonata.

and it wont be the passat either kids.....

 

[Jbdesigns]

I didn't buy a passat, bought the Jetta. but one thing that kept me out of the Passat was the no option for manual in a premium diesel. I wanted manual, not the DSG.

so, Jetta it was and I am happy with the choice. Passat bigger for sure, but not huge.

what I liked on the Passat was the bigger fuel tank, and a bit fancier interior. didn't like the extra 5K price though and for driving when 90% of the time, I am the only one in the car, bigger wasn't needed too much.

and, btw, in previous posts to this thread, I agree that a Rear wheel drive car, fitted with winter rubber, is easier to drive in the snow. provided that you have some understanding of how to control a car. I could get around corners better in my bmw than I can with a fwd car. if the fwd car spins the wheel, then you cannot turn at all and must back down on the throttle. with rear wheel drive, you can drift around the turn and use power to get you going with some wheel spin while still maintaining control. now the person behind you might think you have loss control, but it really isn't out of control if you know how to modulate the throttle correctly and counter steer in the drift.

now back to: is the passat worth 32K? only to those that buy it!

 

[20IndigoBlue02]

and it wont be the passat either kids.....

however it is a nice and boring styled car.... the Camry

i thought, according to you, sexy styling sells...

 

[eparker202]

i scanned through all the posting quickly and didnt see a link to this so here it is... camry, vs sonata vs tdi passat.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...2_volkswagen_passat_tdi_comparison/specs.html

I think motor trend is on the right track with this. They compare the tdi to hybrids because diesels are VWs high mpg offering, currently (rumors of hybrids). In this comparison they test the mid level passat tdi and it is cheaper than both the other cars.

 

[Oberkanone]

i scanned through all the posting quickly and didnt see a link to this so here it is... camry, vs sonata vs tdi passat.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...2_volkswagen_passat_tdi_comparison/specs.html

I think motor trend is on the right track with this. They compare the tdi to hybrids because diesels are VWs high mpg offering, currently (rumors of hybrids). In this comparison they test the mid level passat tdi and it is cheaper than both the other cars.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=333685 Discussion of the MT comparo is here.

 

[eparker202]

I would have to say the only thing it is lacking are options and rear vents (including but not limited to adaptive cruise, premium headlights, manual tranny, rear view camera, and all that ridiculous stuff). However, options are a moot point because if you add them the price will no longer be 32k. So, i challenge anyone to find a "top of the line model" from any other manufacture that is 32k plus or minus 2k that has these options and if you think these shouldnt be options and should be standard on a 32k car find a car that has them standard.

 

[Oberkanone]

I would have to say the only thing it is lacking are options and rear vents (including but not limited to adaptive cruise, premium headlights, manual tranny, rear view camera, and all that ridiculous stuff). However, options are a moot point because if you add them the price will no longer be 32k. So, i challenge anyone to find a "top of the line model" from any other manufacture that is 32k plus or minus 2k that has these options and if you think these shouldnt be options and should be standard on a 32k car find a car that has them standard.

Mazda6 i Grand Touring
Has all the features and more with exception of adaptive cruise control for under $30K.

 

[TDICT]

Mazda6 i Grand Touring
Has all the features and more with exception of adaptive cruise control for under $30K.

You are missing the point...The point is "DIESEL"..This is a DIESEL Form!
I also think the Mazda 6 is a much smaller car, more in size with a Jetta

 

[eparker202]

Mazda6 i Grand Touring
Has all the features and more with exception of adaptive cruise control for under $30K.

Incorrect, 31650 with all those features, but it still has partial leather seats, no manual option, a traditional 5 speed auto, also no free maintenance, same warranty, but not a 144 month corrosion warranty.

The size is also very similar with a even larger 16.6 cuft trunk. But the interior is cheaper looking, and from my experience cheaper feeling. So, every car at this price point has its plus and minuses, i think what the OP is complaining about is either personal preference or he just thinks all cars at 32k are "decontented". Also, we should be comparing the passat with the 2.5 engine to a 4 banger mazda 6, $30665.

 

[20IndigoBlue02]

Could we play "What is the Volvo S60 is lacking at 32K"?

 

[740GLE]

a diesel power plant that gets 43MPG, instead of a turbo 5 banger that gets 3ompg and requires premium.

Ohh the Volvo safe and secure warranty is amazing, 5 years 60,000 miles and all you have to buy is tires.

BTW I couldn't price a S60 for under 32K with Nav, heated seats, rain sensors, heated nozzles, and 18"s, it was more like 37K. Also it's missing a 6spd manual on all lines.

 

[eparker202]

"what is the passat lacking at 32k"

apparently nothing. Motor Trend car of the year!

 

[Oberkanone]

"what is the passat lacking at 32k"

apparently nothing. Motor Trend car of the year!

other MT Car of the Year Winners

Chevrolet Vega

Dodge Aspen

Chrysler PT Cruiser

AMC/Renault Alliance

Dodge Aries K-Car

Chevrolet Citation

Plymouth Horizon

 

[Texas Realtor]

One word "QUALITY"

Only reason I bought the car is this is the only choice we have in affordable diesel. But in today's day and age QUALITY is not too much to ask.

Hopefully VW will work out all the bugs and 2012 Passat TDI will be the best car made by VW to date.

 

[Oberkanone]

hair splitting

Incorrect, 31650 with all those features, but it still has partial leather seats, no manual option, a traditional 5 speed auto, also no free maintenance, same warranty, but not a 144 month corrosion warranty.

Passat = Dinamica = partial leather seats

Passat SEL TDI = no manual option

The corrosion warranty is a "perforation" warranty. Negligible value, at least to me.

And if you want to split hairs, the Passat TDI SEL is $33K plus, not $32K.