Thinking about getting rid of the Jeep. What to get?

[Djstorm100]

I've never owned VW before even through all my years of switches cars I drive around. Most have been domestic of Asian. Why I'm considering the TDI Passat is purely MPG. I've read and looked over the sticky's and FAQ's etc.

My only concern is reliability and how reliable are these?

I am a mechanic by trade but like I said I have never owned a VW. Matter of fact I have to do rear wheel bearings on 99 jetta tomorrow.

Anyway. Just seeing what the concerns are/issue at all with these motors. I'm looking at maybe a 09-12 year. I do like the new body style over the old.

I know some of you guys mod them as I do all my cars how has your MPG increased?

What are the "must have " features?

Thanks for you time!

 

[TomB]

Welcome!

So do you have the Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel?

You will find that many people modify the Jettas more than the Passat and since this Passat is the first since 05, chances are that kits and products will be a little while in the coming. It just takes time to get up to speed on the new product.

I would suggest you get one that is out of warranty since any modifications do void the warranty and with the new model Passat, you want the warranty just in case something major occurs.

As to mod'ing the emissions, making the car illegal, I abhor when people do this. This is my opinion and I am entitled to it. Changing it is ILLEGAL and a violation of the law.

Besides you are already getting 45-48 MPG with the 6MT and it meets all the emissions keeping the air cleaner for all of us to breath. If VW could get better performance and MPG while meeting the standards, don't we seriously believe they would do it?

Many people do NOT understand that the Particulate matter from diesel is WORSE than anything from gasoline. It is so small that it gets DEEP into the lungs and does more long term permanent damage.

I know this discussion is blahblahblah to most who arrogantly don't care until they develop breathing issues, but it is serious regardless of what some would like to convince themselves of. Until you know someone with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or any other developed lung issues you will not understand how significant clean air is.

 

[Derik]

I went from a Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4 to a 2012 Passat. It's my first "car" in years since I have had an SUV since 1999. Wow what a difference, the FJ was slow compared to the Passat in that you really had to romp on it to make it go and it was always downshifting going up steep hills. None of that with the Passat and you don't have to slow much when you corner either. Ok so maybe a lot of cars are like this as far as ride but no other full size care will have the MPG which is awesome.

I have a diesel F-250 and the Passat's power is much the same, tractor like on steep hills, never shifts down when your going above 60. I live at sea level but have a place at 3,300 feet and it's all freeway hills all the way there, the Passat just cruses up them no problem.

My advice is to pay a little more and get the SEL version, since you will probably own the car for many many years.

 

[Djstorm100]

Why the SEL?

 

[RoadRunnerTR21]

I traded a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland in on my Passat and I've been very happy with that move. I will not mod this vehicle like I did my 2005 3500 Duramax. I'm happy with it just the way it is. Just look at the specs between the SE and SEL and decide which one you like. I think you will be happy with either one. Good luck.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Many people do NOT understand that the Particulate matter from diesel is WORSE than anything from gasoline. It is so small that it gets DEEP into the lungs and does more long term permanent damage.

GDI emissions are worse than diesel.

Also, the OP said nothing about modifying emissions...

I know some of you guys mod them as I do all my cars how has your MPG increased?

 

[Derik]

Why the SEL?

In my opinion the SEL is a bargain for what you get in extras. The TDI SE with Sunroof and Navigation comes with a lot of options as it is, but with the SEL you get the real leather, pass through, bigger navigation screen, better stereo with CD changer... key less entry. Seems like a lot for two thousand dollars to me but that's just my opinion.

 

[truman]

Downside to the SEL is no 6MT.

 

[Djstorm100]

All my sports cars have been MT and honestly sometimes I wish they were auto.

What are the MPG MT vs Auto?

Leather I honestly don't care for, I'm 24. I do like/want keyless entery/ push start.

Whats Pass through? (Post from Derik)

 

[VeeDubTDI]

All my sports cars have been MT and honestly sometimes I wish they were auto.

What are the MPG MT vs Auto?

Leather I honestly don't care for, I'm 24. I do like/want keyless entery/ push start.

Whats Pass through? (Post from Derik)

Mpg for both transmissions is about the same.

Pass-through is the fold down rear seat.

 

[RoadRunnerTR21]

The pass-through is also on the SE model

 

[Djstorm100]

I'm still tossing the idea around.

Do you guys know if you can add foglights for the models that don't come with them?


The thing that sucks is I go to the beach/mountains alot and love my jeep for that. But I honestly don't drive it. I've drove it more in the past three days than I have in 6 months other than a mountain trip in Nov. lol

 

[SelectiveRecall]

I thought the pass through was just for the back seat armrest. I am pretty sure you can either put the rear seats down, or just the armrest space (for skis, etc.)

 

[Djstorm100]

are the 12's diesel's jetta and passat the same motor?

 

[Niner]

are the 12's diesel's jetta and passat the same motor?

Go to a dealership, pop the engine covers and tell us what you find.

 

[Djstorm100]

Go to a dealership, pop the engine covers and tell us what you find.

Or you can simple tell me and save me the money and time going to the dealership.

A member told they were different but looking at the "engine" under the specs both saying the same thing. I would think they are the same.

 

[Cogen Man]

I went from a Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4 to a 2012 Passat. It's my first "car" in years since I have had an SUV since 1999. Wow what a difference, the FJ was slow compared to the Passat in that you really had to romp on it to make it go and it was always downshifting going up steep hills. None of that with the Passat and you don't have to slow much when you corner either. Ok so maybe a lot of cars are like this as far as ride but no other full size care will have the MPG which is awesome.

I have a diesel F-250 and the Passat's power is much the same, tractor like on steep hills, never shifts down when your going above 60. I live at sea level but have a place at 3,300 feet and it's all freeway hills all the way there, the Passat just cruses up them no problem.

My advice is to pay a little more and get the SEL version, since you will probably own the car for many many years.

I got rid of a 2007 FJCruiser for the 2011 Golf. Comparing these two is apples and oranges. The FJ was great for what I had it for, offroading. The Golf is great for what I have it for, mpg. If you need the cargo space for hauling stuff a wagon of any VW model might be something to consider.

 

[Djstorm100]

why a golf over a passat?

 

[Cogen Man]

why a golf over a passat?

Not saying a Golf over a Passat. Just saying a wagon version of any model. For the hauling stuff to the beach/mountains capability.

 

[APT]

The Golf, Jetta, and Passat share the same basic engine design. The Passat has a few differences to the engine and exhaust system such as DEF/Urea/AdBlue.

 

[Djstorm100]

Not saying a Golf over a Passat. Just saying a wagon version of any model. For the hauling stuff to the beach/mountains capability.

Sorry for the confusion I was asking if why you went with Golf over a Passat. I you said you traded in your FJ for a Golf. I was just curious that is all.

Reason I was asking about the jetta is I can get a fully loaded one but I know its not as roomy.

Thanks for the helps guys/gals

 

[vwtdi4ever]

Traded my jeep wrangler(17mpg combined) for passat. First car I've owned since 98. Concerned about the winters, thrilled about the fuel savings. For the mileage I drive I'm saving t 340 per month in fuel costs and pay 230 less per month for car payment. Loving the extra cash

 

[Cogen Man]

Traded my jeep wrangler(17mpg combined) for passat. First car I've owned since 98. Concerned about the winters, thrilled about the fuel savings. For the mileage I drive I'm saving t 340 per month in fuel costs and pay 230 less per month for car payment. Loving the extra cash

About 17 mpg is what I got with the FJ. Went from $320/month with that to $120/month with the Golf. Wife traded her Nissan Frontier SE 4X4 for a Golf also. She went from $160/month to $50/month. She doesn't drive far. So on average a fuel savings of $310/month for both.
If I were Djstorm100 I'd go with the Passat trim that gets him what he needs.

 

[Djstorm100]

Thats the thing. I don't need to get rid of it but the gas mileage ans saving money would be awesome. Still looking up the upkeep cost. Insurance is 100 a more per 6 months as well. Fuel here is 4.12-.19

Jeep is getting 15.2 which is actually 16.2 as my tires and speedo is not calibrated.

 

[Niner]

Thats the thing. I don't need to get rid of it but the gas mileage ans saving money would be awesome. Still looking up the upkeep cost. Insurance is 100 a more per 6 months as well. Fuel here is 4.12-.19
Jeep is getting 15.2 which is actually 16.2 as my tires and speedo is not calibrated.

Maybe you can get all those goodies you want on a Golf? VW figures a 6 man configuration into an entry level car, without the bells and whistles. You want all the goodies, then you also get their prize goody too, the DSG transmission $1000 upgrade.
So your choices are get an entry level tdi with the 6 man, and add the sunroof and Nav yourself, or get all the bells and whistles and with it comes the DSG.
Figure it out.

 

[Djstorm100]

I'm not cutting in to the roof of the car nor having some joe shoe shop do it. The reason for the sunroof and navi is the extras that comes with it. ( not the navi because honestly I'll take it out and sell it and put a kenwod or something 100x better)

 

[kjclow]

Mpg for both transmissions is about the same.

Look at the march mileage thread. http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=345397

Even though the EPA rates the tranmissions the same, real world numbers are generally giving a slight nudge to the manual over the DSG.

are the 12's diesel's jetta and passat the same motor?

They are similar but not exactly the same. The Passat uses Urea for exauhst treatment and there are other fine details that seperate the two engines.

 

[Niner]

Look at the march mileage thread. http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=345397

Even though the EPA rates the tranmissions the same, real world numbers are generally giving a slight nudge to the manual over the DSG.



They are similar but not exactly the same. The Passat uses Urea for exauhst treatment and there are other fine details that seperate the two engines.

Different fuel filter and canister, different oil filter, different injectors, they are solenoid injectors on the CKRA, cheap technology, versus piezo injectors on the CJAA golf/jetta/jsw version.

Glow plugs run much longer on the passat also.

The OP seems to be under 30 in age... and his sport needs may very well point to the need for a JSW for space and room for all his toys.

 

[Djstorm100]

JSW? What is this exactly?

 

[vwtdi4ever]

JSW? What is this exactly?

Jetta sport wagon.