Should I Buy A Passat?
 

So, I'm in the early stages of divorce and I'm looking around at vehicles because I can't very well haul my kids around on the back of my Kawasaki. :-)

I have been looking at cars and SUVs of all makes and models and will be buying used. I've never owned a VW, however people I know that have speak well of them. I've been trying to find out more about the Jetta and the Passat. Anyone with any thoughts, positive or negative, please feel free to educate a brutha! LOL

I found this on the web and had to laugh...

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/7...thatpassat.png

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

I am in the market as well.... I was considering a Passat TDI. They are well made and in Tennessee too in a state of the art facility. Visit tdiclub.com for a more comprehensive analysis. What is shying me away from it is the concern with the fuel pump. Under warranty, it's not an issue of course. But outside of the warranty it becomes an expensive repair which can occur as a result of bad diesel. Newer diesel engines are a bit more sensitive to quality fuel. The other concern if the operation and sluggishness of the radio head unit. I may still get it. Although the new Avalon intrigues me a bit too. You'll have a hard time finding a pre-owned Passat diesel, however.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Definitely not seeing much for used diesels, but I'm okay with that really. When I need great mileage I'll ride the bike. :-)

I've read tons of reviews and 99% of them are stellar, but I do see a repeating theme which is the cost of maintenance and that's not something I want to get involved in.

Then again, are they truly more expensive to keep up than other cars in the same class like, say, the Nissan Altima? I don't know. They certainly seem to come with more features. I'm just not a 'car guy'. I do very basic things like oil changes and that's it. I won't be tearing into stuff under the hood on a domestic so no way I'll be doing much under the hood of a VW other than looking. :-)

I'm just afraid. I'm very afraid. But I really like the Passat and the Jetta too for that matter. My kids are 7 and 3 so heck a Jetta would probably work too. But I'm skeered...

:couch:

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Jetta is big enough. My current company car is the Prius.... which I have to return real soon. I have to buy my own now .. in about a month. You might like the Prius... and it is very reliable and I know tons of people with high mileage ones. They are not comfy for very long trips.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Sorry to hear that man... well wait, should I be happy for you instead? :annoy:

Either get a minivan(soccer dad + soccor mom's=profit!!!) or go the mid life crisis route and get a sports car. :p

I just recently bought a Camry and was happy with my decision. The new ones are easy on the eyes and it's very cost effective. No complaints except I should have gotten the V6.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

With the cost of diesel these days it doesn't make as much economical sense to go diesel for a commuter. Yes the motor it self will last longer than a gas motor in most cases but the wear and tare on the rest of the vehicle may leave you with a running motor and no AC, transmission, power locks, power windows, etc...

Vehicle parts are generally designed to last about as long as the warranty period. Drive train 100k and everything else 4y-40k.


I looked at the chart and 2k a year on just maintenance? Thats about $170/month I would seriously look at adding that 170 to what your budget is and see if you can find something with a warranty.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

BTW, what market are you in Saintfan? Or where will you be looking?

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Either Cali or Dallas. Just depends on when work puts me back in God's country...

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

If you can, wait and shop Dallas or Houston. Huge markets with out Cali emissions. Less crap you will need to maintain.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

My friend bought a Passat.

Had his 6 month old car in the shop for SIX MONTHS waiting for a warranty part on back order.

That is not a typo. It wasn't 6 weeks, it was six friggin months.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Yes indeed.. :stupid:

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

See Danno, that's what scares me about VW - well, it's not specific to VW, just that it's very much unknown to me.

And good point about the CA EMI stuff TheOak. I'm looking out here and in and around Dallas - hadn't checked Houston but I rekon I should.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Just bought my daughter a Jetta TDI. Unbelievable performance from a diesel engine. Good pickup and gets better than 55 mpg on the highway. The Diesel engine adds about $3k to the cost. So, you have to plan on keeping it for a while to recoup the price.

I'm seriously considering a Passat for my family. It has the same engine as the Jetta but with a larger tank. I live in Cincinnati OH and make the 950 mile drive to south west LA once or twice per year. The Passat TDI could almost make it on one tank of diesel. That said I've heard that the Passat will have a new diesel engine next year.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Hit eBay motors. Put in zip and search radius. For Houston that's the best way, all the dealers list. Even the major carlots list their used cars.

I found my H2 and my CTS-V through eBay search. Don't buy off eBay just use it to locate.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Straight from the mouth of a German BMW engineer when I once considered buying a Volkswagen ... "If you're going to buy a German car, buy an Audi".

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

I'd need access to a bank account I don't current have access to for a Audi I'm afraid. I work for a living. LOL

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Personally, I'd look at the Optima or Fusion in that class for the good performance/reliability/mileage packages they offer. Mazda 6 is fun but not as equipped for the price, and every other car it seems is an Altima. I simply dont like the looks of Sonata. All are good cars, though. A Jetta wasn't on my radar after a good 3 months of serious research.

I was also looking into lowering my cost of ownership, yet ended up trading my 09 Maxima SV for a '12. :rolleyes:

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Yeah, which is why I settled for a Saturn Vue, :lol:. Good luck!

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Fun? German? Cheap?

Beatle

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Luckily ... I found some other fine examples for your consideration. I hope this helps :razz:

Hooptie Ride

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

ebay motors search results for VW Passat 1998-2005

Dallas Metro Search - 75 mile radius
Cars Trucks | eBay

Houston Search - 75 Mi radius
Cars Trucks | eBay


I did a little research that may help you get the most bang for your buck
The 100 most reliable cars of the last decade (in order)
30 Most reliable cars of the last two decades | Diminished Value Car Appraisers
Decade’s 10 most reliable cars | Craze for cars | Crazy Cars | Expensive Cars Wallpapers| Fastest Cars| Funny Cars| Car Riddles | Magazines
Consumer Reports names most reliable cars - (1) - CNNMoney

Both sites are from different years: Consistent top 4 value
Honda Accord
Subaru Forester
Mazda MX-5 (Miata)
Toyota Yaris


If your not too concerned with cost i would go with this :-)
Arab worlds first car and Worlds most expensive SuperCar was unveiled in Kuwait

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

My advise, wait until the divorce is final and see what you can afford. Divorce never favors men.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Ah HAH! The Mystery Mobile! Now that'd be excellent. ZOINKS!

Damn homie - Ima hafta put you on the payroll! Of course, and I apologize in advance, but due to Obamacare I will not be able to offer health care at this time and you will be limited to 25 hours per week...

It's getting better, but yeah, men get screwed. Thankfully my soon-to-be-ex is not motivated by money, which is a good thing, 'cause I don't have any. :-)

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

I think I'm down to one of the following when I finally do pull the trigger:

1) Passat
2) Altima
3) Camry
4) Jetta

I'm sure it'll be a matter of a combination of price, features, and miles - definitely want low miles and 'certified' if possible. Found a few that have been in accidents for low prices...a bent frame is just what I need...

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

No Sir you will not. I can not afford to be on another payroll. I will however accept your tax ID so I can claim the charitable time ;-).

I always help my brothers from other mothers... !
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...IGi3l1ee_n5eog

I would go Camry out of that list. I am not a fan of Nissan, and your going to pay more for a German water pump than you will for a Japanese water pump...

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

I found a few more fine "pre-owned" examples ...

Citroen 2CV ... a Classic for sure.

http://www.slowcarclub.com/santapod-06/2cv-lights.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3eOI5vPahr...e-1280x960.jpg

http://www.bruckmann.com/Images/2cv_13.jpg

http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-co...rance-1958.jpg

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Or what about this here Volvo?

http://i2.cdnds.net/13/03/618x407/zoeey_deschanel.jpg

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Cars, cats & Zoey ... this thread has it all, eh? :lol:.

In regards to your list, I don't think you can go wrong with a Camry & I knew a young lady once who had a Jetta and was really happy with it, but I'd lean toward the Camry, if the Volvo deal falls through, :mrgreen:.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Oh! He is buying the Volvo? I thought she was driving him around.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Who's the lady in the background with the cat on her head?

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Buy America ! Ford Fusion. Just Kidding

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Man now that I've started paying attention you're right. Every third car is a Nissan Altima. The other two are Honda and Toyota. Of course I'm in California so that might have something to do with it, but jeesh...

What about the Tourig? Anybody know anything about it?

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

The Touareg is really nice. I want one. However the cost of ownership is up there also. Tires and brakes are ridiculous. But it is one sweet ride, particularly with the diesel. If you want a SUV... take a looksee at the CRV and RAV4. The new Escape isn't all that bad either.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Yeah, and it drinks high octane too - but me likey for sure. I've looked at the others you mentioned too. Frankly I've been in a big SUV for years (Jeep Grand Cherokee) that the soon-to-be-ex will be keeping and I want something smaller. That's why I started looking at the Passat and the Jetta etc.

But I saw that Tourig and Touareg or whatever it's called and I really like it.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

If you get out of your car, walk away, and do not turn around at least once to look back at it.... it isn't the car for you. :-)

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

I like the Camry SE model (is the sportier looking one) and its a fine car.

http://www.acarplace.com/reviews/pho...camry-2010.jpg

I'm a huge Honda fan as well. Love the 2-door accords and civics.

http://wallppaer.com/wp-content/uplo...cord-coupe.jpg

I'm really liking the Hyundais now a lot.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...-20-2012_1.jpg

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...16029.1-lg.jpg

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Nice to be sure, but I'm definitely going to need 4 doors. I'm soothing my mid-life crisis with Kawasaki. LOL

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

Good luck to you.

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

hmmmmmm... here's a four door.

http://www.chinacartimes.com/wp-cont...y-aveo-red.jpg

Re: Should I Buy A Passat?
 

This thread didn't work out the way I had hoped.

:moon: