"Stewart, Donna" <DStewart@REEDSMITH.COM> wrote:

 > Time for a new commute car (maybe) - I'd like to hear experiences with
Passats - looking at used ones, say 1999-2002. I'd particularly like to hear
about automatic vs. stick, the 4-cyl vs. a 6 cylinder, and wagons. A friend's
Passat gets over 30mpg (4cyl, 5spd). 
> 
> I'd like to stick with my Vanagon but family members don't want me to wear
it out in a commute, and of course mpg is not the greatest. 
> 
> Thanks 
> Donna, 1987 Wolfsburg 

My wife has a 2001 4 Motion Automatic six cylinder Passat (we call it the Piss
Ant).

In about 25,000 miles of easy driving it has been to the VW Dealer at least
five times with the same difficulty - it wouldn't start. It would turn over
just fine all day long but would never catch - time to call AAA.

These are all of the parts that have been replaced under warranty:
1. All the coils - twice! (there are two cylinders per coil).
2. Spark plug wires.
3. Fuel pump.
4. Computer.

This non-starting occurs without any pattern that we can discern, and
sometimes it will start after several attempts, run really roughly for about
thirty seconds and then everything is fine.

The last time this happened (about six months ago) VW asked my wife what
gasoline she typically uses - she answered Chevron. The VW guy went "Aha -
that's your problem, Chevron gas leaves deposits on the valves (seats or
guides? he did not say)that prevents them from closing, thus no compression
and no running, this happens with Chevy's too". I think this is completely
bogus but we have since switched gasoline brands (anything other than Chevron)
and this difficulty has not re-occurred?!?!?!?!?!

Anyway - my overall impressions of the car:
1. Not reliable (less so then my "87 Westy, she always starts!)
2. Average handling.
3. Below average acceleration.
4. Comfortable.
5. Looks pretty good.
6. Gets about 25mpg city and freeway driving combined.

Unfortunately my wife and I drive our cars until they die so we may have the
Passat for a long time, I would not buy one again.

Markus