Calling all mechanics–any history or knowledge of VW Passats, 2004-2006 range, mechanically sound or not? daughter is interested in one…could be sedan, but baby on way and wagon probably better…..too exotic? or able to keep on road with reasonable repair costs?
any car will last long if taken care of like oil changes,sparkplugs,coil,rotor,filter,plugs…but in a VW these cars are wonderfull and fast,and economic,they are very nicely done…but every car has its problems like any other but as long as you take care of the motor that car will be running like a champ….i recommend thse type of car b/c the make says it all…..the bad obout these is that they are very hard to work on because everything is in one place and you have to take other stuff out to take a alternator or simple stuff….man but weve gotoon cars in our shop that come in and some of them sre difective.
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any car will last long if taken care of like oil changes,sparkplugs,coil,rotor,filter,plugs…but in a VW these cars are wonderfull and fast,and economic,they are very nicely done…but every car has its problems like any other but as long as you take care of the motor that car will be running like a champ….i recommend thse type of car b/c the make says it all…..the bad obout these is that they are very hard to work on because everything is in one place and you have to take other stuff out to take a alternator or simple stuff….man but weve gotoon cars in our shop that come in and some of them sre difective.
References :
After spending many years working on and/or with Volkswagens at the dealership level (USA), I can tell you that in my opinion at least, the Jetta Sport wagon is the better choice. The Passat is a fine road car, no doubts about it. However, its had its share and more of mechanical issues; engines that have had sluge problems (1.8 turbo 4 cylinders), heating and a/c control control issues (climatronic), ABS computer issues, some transmission/drive train issues with 4motion set up (all wheel drive), weak steering linkage and front suspension (bushings), which make it an expensive proposition to maintain. It is very safe and an excellent road vehicle, but costly to keep going. Repair costs are probably slightly higher than average, parts somewhat expensive and in some places in the US, skilled VW techs are hard to find. The old ball W-8 is hardly ever seen and I cannot comment on the overall reliability of the drivetrain, but it shares many of the same issues with its more common models.
The Jetta Wagon is less expensive to maintain, yet is roomer than most compact wagons. Is safe and less expensive to maintain. Nearly everything that is available for the Passat is available for the Jetta, except for some powertrain modes. The 2.0 liter cylinder is a bit gutless with a automatic, but is reasonable with a manual transmission. The 2004 old style automatic was at its best here, with all the updates and improved reliability in it. In some ways I like it better than its Japanese replacement in 2005+. The 2005 5 cylinder is somewhat rough, especially above 3000 rpm and some people say even at idle its less smooth than the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder, but at least it does have more power. Fuel economy isn’t a strong point in any VW regardless of engine/transmission combination, low to mid-twenties overall at best. Given its price point, the Jetta also deprecates less than a Passat, besides being overall less expensive to maintain. Its small size also means it easier to park and as of late, has been a top safety pick among most compacts.
I’d suggest avoiding the 1.8 turbo unless you have a complete service history for it; its famous for its sluge problems and related issues and is probably the least reliable motor in this the time period. The VR6 is good motor overall, but replacing the chain drive and tensioners for the cam drive is very expensive, power is decent, fuel economy only fair. Manual transmissions are highly perfered over any VW automatic, regardless of year or engine. The Jetta is also far more "sporty" than the Passat, especially the GLI versions of the Jetta sedan, but even the wagon is a better drive than the Passat wagon. The 2.0 NON turbo four and 2.5 5 cylinders are the only engines than can run on regular gas; all other engines require premium fuel.
Well, I hope this helps you out a little bit, a car nut.
References :
spent many of the last twenty-five years+ in Volkswagen dealership service departments; 30+ years in automotive service…