We currently have a 2010 Passat (regular, non CC) with the 2.0T and 6-speed manual, for which we paid about 30k$. Well, we leased it for 36 months, will low interest and 50% residual, to protect against its dismal resale value. The car has been trouble-free and is fun to drive.
The CC is now the only way to get the 2.0T engine in a larger VW sedan, as the new, bigger Passat has gone mainstream and doesn't offer this engine anymore.
But at 35k$, it's hard to find the value in a base CC with a 2.0T with manual, despite the car pleasing looks. And as soon as one starts adding to that, the price bumps against a base Audi A4 Quattro, with a stronger 2.0T (and still offering a 6-speed manual).
Our 2010 model is our third Passat in a row, after a 2002 and 2006, and will be our last, because VW no longer wants to sell us the car we would like to buy.