Topic: CTC Review: 2007 VW Passat Wagon 3.6L 4Motion

[Jaeger]

 However, it seems that the majority of anti-VW comments are relatively biased, as they are largely based on (possibly exaggerated) experiences of current/former VW owners.  

Why would you suspect the negative comments to be exaggerated?  My expereince has been that people - car nuts in particular - WANT to like the cars they have just spent thousands of dollars on, WANT to feel that they have made a good purchase decision and thus WANT to see the bright side where possible.  When you have a bunch of owners coming out and saying "Never again!", to me, that is quite telling.  I certainly would not cast doubt on the legitimacy of owner responses on this board, positive or negtive.  But human nature suggests that ownership bias would tend to operate in favour of the vehicle, not against it.

Jaeger

[2latecrew]

I have had the cance to look insidfe and out and Passat Wagons and its a lovley car inside and out. The interior might even be CLOSe to a 50K interior. The 3.6 is simply too expensive though. Past that magic 50K mark you simply expect something extra over the same 30K model. A different look or interior. A TL shares alot with an Accord but it doesn't look like an Accord.

A 3.6 sitll LOOKS like a Pasat.

My first car was a VW an 86 GLI (made in Germany unlike the Rabittsof tyhat year). The engine eventually spewed oil out the tailpipe but it wasn't that bad. My borother had a 1`998 passat that looked great but didn't last/

I love the New GTI and GLI. I'm very tempted but whenever anyone asks if I'll buy one I always say "I'd lease one..but NEVER buy one.

[AVToller]

However, it seems that the majority of anti-VW comments are relatively biased, as they are largely based on (possibly exaggerated) experiences of current/former VW owners. 

Why would you suspect the negative comments to be exaggerated?  My expereince has been that people - car nuts in particular - WANT to like the cars they have just spent thousands of dollars on, WANT to feel that they have made a good purchase decision and thus WANT to see the bright side where possible.  When you have a bunch of owners coming out and saying "Never again!", to me, that is quite telling.  I certainly would not cast doubt on the legitimacy of owner responses on this board, positive or negtive.  But human nature suggests that ownership bias would tend to operate in favour of the vehicle, not against it.

Jaeger

  as that pretty much sums up my feelings about VW. I tried to stay focused on all of the positives (and there were quite a few), but at the end of the day, I have better things to do - even in retirement - then to sit in a service department waiting room yet again and again. I MIGHT possibly have considered another one IF there were a local dealer, but having to drive 90 km for frequent service - no thanks. 

[Eric Green]

A friend took me car shopping this week- she finds her 05 Accord coupe a little big, and wants a change. She is physically short. We looked at/test drove Yaris; Rabbit; Fit; B200 and Mini. I warned her that she is getting out of one of the most reliable and durable cars built- she agreed. I don't care how good a car's warranty is, per se- I never want to have to make use of it. Or get to know my dealer's service manager on a first name basis.

On my express recommendation, the Rabbit was immediately ruled out- appalling reliability and lousy dealer/VW Canada attitude. To Jaeger's point above, people posting here have considerable influence on new car purchases. And, because VW Canada f*ed me over twenty years ago, coupled with the current, appalling JD Power ratings, VW lost a sale due to my input.

(My friend bought the B200).

[sirAQUAMAN64]

(My friend bought the B200).

I really like the B-Class myself, but would have to opt for the B200 Turbo, which is pricey. Was she looking for space (visibility like an SUV, but smaller), 4 doors, or just something compact but safe/features/etc? Still surprised how much I like it, so recommend others have a look if I think it would fit the bill.

Any issues or comments about it from her yet?

Did she like the Mini or what were the strikes against it?

[JamesP]

Just another voice joining in the VW reliability "survey".  As in another post we have a 06 2.0T Passat sedan, with an auto, with a new valve body after 8000 Kms.  Now that the new transmission valve body is in the car is great, but getting VW to replace it was not easy.  It is a really great car to drive, and very luxurious for the price, but I hate to see it be so tainted by reliability.

Our Passat 2.0T seems to have decent residual on our lease, unlike what others are saying.

Pricing on the Canadian 3.6L 4motion is also "off" as in too high.  In the states the car is 33,100 USD, which if converted directly is 38,000, which is a much more reasonable price. Canadians pay the same for a 2.0T with leather.

[RC]

What about the crash worthiness of VWs and other vehicles?  I like VWs for the great driving dynamics and for their safely in severe car crashes. VW has a very good track record on building safe cars when it counts the most.  I wonder is readers are thinking about crashes?  It is true that all cars are getting safer because of customer demand and government regulation and that is great.  As I followed VW of the many years, they try to build safe cars.  Reliability is important too and VW should try to be the best.

I have a 2003 VW Passat GLX 4-Motion with 74,000 and no major faults so far.  The AWD traction is unbeatable.  I also have a 2005 GOLF TDI with no problems at all and the resale value is the best around.

VW is trying and we do deserve better.  I think VW can be the best in the future.  Hey, they just got new leaders at the head of the company and they are making new plans for future models.

[Allen]

crash worthinesss has no bearing on my vechile selection.. not sure it would be a major factor for most folks IMO 

[Mitlov]

What about the crash worthiness of VWs and other vehicles?  I like VWs for the great driving dynamics and for their safely in severe car crashes. VW has a very good track record on building safe cars when it counts the most.  I wonder is readers are thinking about crashes?  

Crash worthiness is very important to me, and factored heavily into my last car purchase.  HOWEVER, Subarus are at least as good as VWs on that front.  With all comparisons between the Legacy GT and the Passat, I think it's fair to point out that the 2006 Passat got a silver medal from the IIHS and the Legacy got a gold.

Frankly, between the Legacy and the Passat, interior quality is the only clear Passat advantage that I see.

[Cord]

Wow. I can't remember a car being savaged like this poor VW. The fact that so many first time posters have come aboard to register their displeasure is very telling. Obviously VW has some very real problems on its hands. I've always been pretty much indifferent to VW's offerings but the mass of negative opinion here is very compelling.

[JSCC]

IIHS is going to re-do the rear tests on the Rabbit/Jetta/Passat in 2007.
I think VW might have tweaked the rear bumper a bit and is trying to aim for gold.

[JSCC]

Regarding the auto transmission:

For North America the 3.6L 280HP V6 is mated to the 6AT with Tiptronic but "not" DSG.
In Europe and Asia, the V6 Passat is the 3.2L with 250PS but has DSG with it.

I forgot what transmission the 300HP Passat R36 gets. Maybe stick only?

[scottmcphee]

VW is pushing in its advertisements Passat as "luxury".  Probably because they ditched the very popular Phaeton and now have to call (and price) something in their line "luxury".  Here's a sample: "Drive a Luxury Passat wagon (just a regular one, not even the hideously expensive one in this article) for 2 years for $15,500."   Does this make sense?  The only positive is that you're not stuck with the car in the end.  Drop it off at the dealer every time it breaks and ask them to repair it if they want, it's their car.. and grab a loaner. 

[PeterS]

We purchased a new 2006 VW Jetta 2.5. We have had a great customer service experinece.
After driving a 1991 VW Jetta for 10 years, and putting 385K on the car (tranny and engine were never replaced) we felt it was time for a VW again.
We love the compliant ride, trunk space, and confidence you gain driving it.
Reliability has been exceptional so far. We understand that Japanese cars might be more reliable. but they have no personality whatsoever. We are looking for another car this year,and our choice will be a Passat Wagon.

[Benhaze]

Wing, how would you characterize the 3.6L FSI engine sound? The few 4 cyl. FSI engines available today sound a little like diesel engines when idling. I was wondering if a V6 FSI engine sounds any better?

[Joshua]

My first car was a VW. I will NEVER buy another. I'm a performance guy, unfortunately at the time of my VW purchase I was a car newbie. Which meant that I didn't know enough about performance cars to realize that what VW's marketing of the 99 GTI VR6 as a sporty car was utter BS. Honestly, I still feel like VW personally ripped me off. Here's a tip to manufacturers; don't market a vanilla car to performance enthusiasts, if you successfully sell them a piece of crap (performance wise) they will never forgive you for it.

[Mitlov]

Regarding the auto transmission:

For North America the 3.6L 280HP V6 is mated to the 6AT with Tiptronic but "not" DSG.
In Europe and Asia, the V6 Passat is the 3.2L with 250PS but has DSG with it.

I forgot what transmission the 300HP Passat R36 gets. Maybe stick only?

Six-speed DSG only.

http://www.netcarshow.com/volkswagen/2007-passat_r36/

[Mitlov]

Reliability has been exceptional so far. We understand that Japanese cars might be more reliable. but they have no personality whatsoever. We are looking for another car this year,and our choice will be a Passat Wagon.

Have you experienced a turbocharged Subaru, or a performance-oriented Nissan/Infiniti with the VQ?  Just curious.  I wouldn't raise an eyebrow if you said "I don't like the personality of the Japanese cars I've driven," but to state that Japanese cars lack personality is a bit hard for me to swallow.

[scottmcphee]

Mazdaspeed 6, made in Japan, now there is some kick-your-ass personality!

[scottmcphee]

We purchased a new 2006 VW Jetta 2.5. We have had a great customer service experinece.
After driving a 1991 VW Jetta for 10 years, and putting 385K on the car (tranny and engine were never replaced) we felt it was time for a VW again.
We love the compliant ride, trunk space, and confidence you gain driving it.
Reliability has been exceptional so far. We understand that Japanese cars might be more reliable. but they have no personality whatsoever. We are looking for another car this year,and our choice will be a Passat Wagon.

Dude, you're still honeymoonin' so everything is just fine!!
 
Why are you even having service experiences already that you are satisfied with?  Sure, it's OK when it's "free" this time on warranty, or whatever, but when it's questionable or after warranty is what VW is all about.  The car may as well be free.  You're going to pay for it again in about 6 years. 

I nearly vomitted when I added up the service bills on my Passat in its 7th year.  My only aching question was: "what the hell lulled me along that far!?"

My 06 Subaru hasn't required any service experience in it's first year - change the oil myself, that's it.

Put 18 months on your new Jetta.  Then decide about a Passat.