I would tend to agree what the VW guy said about Chevron is BOGUS.  Correct
me if I'm wrong, daft or just out of touch (well, it is Friday :-), but
isn't Techron/Techroline, Chevron's gasoline additive approved by BMW for
use *against* valve/valve seat deposits for the past several years?
Granted, you don't often find an automotive manufacturer that endorses an
additive, but it seems I read this somewhere (maybe in a dream?).

When I was was living in Redding, NorCalif in the last decade we didn't have
much in the way of Chevron Stations nearby (lotsa Arcos, BPs, Shells,
Unocal76s, USAs, UltraMars [Beacon]), etc., so I always bought and used a
bottle of Techron from the FLAPS every 10k on the recommendation of my VW
mechanic friend Chuck who operates a local authorized Audi/VW Service
Facility (they don't have a dealer in Redding)(Oasis Motors).  Never had any
kinda problem with the stuff.

Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
oldvolkshome@earthlink.net
jim@karmannghia.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************
----- Original Message -----
From: "Markus Mumper" <mumper@USA.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 11:41 AM
Subject: Re: LVC: Passat feedback

"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