New to VW: 2003 Passat wagon

[namdoogttam]

Introductory post on Passat World's forum. Here's where I'm coming from.

My last two wagons have been Subaru Legacys. I'll be trading the NASIOC (North America Subaru Impreza Owner's Club) forum for this one. I have loved my Subaru's but good used ones seem to be more and more expensive lately. I have always admired VW's solid and smart engineering above Subaru's and thought it would be nice to try owning one.

We found a 2003 Passat GLS wagon with 71,000 miles for 6,900. It met all of the used car criteria we had set, except the manual transmission (it's an auto).

The seller also included what remained of the extended warranty (about a year). This proved to be invaluable! We brought the car in to our local VW dealer to have a broken heat seater fixed (covered under the warranty) and their general maintenance inspection found a number of other things that needed service. In the end, we had the timing belt replaced, cam tensioner, blower motor, water pump, as well as the seat heater switch fixed: a bill of about $2,400 - all under warranty!

1999 Subaru Legacy (2.2L) wagon vs. our 2003 Passat GLS wagon (1.8T) comparison: Here are my impressions...differences I have noticed:

• The Passat is luxurious, especially compared to our 'feature-less' Subaru.
• The Subaru was much better in the snow (seems obvious).
• Both cars get nearly equal gas mileage. This was surprising because the Subaru is driving four wheels and has a larger engine. I supposed the Passat's increased weight accounts for its fuel economy.
• VW's engineering is, hands-down, far more refined than the Subaru. Parts are quality-made, smartly designed, of better materials, etc.
• The Passat is much safer: a real family wagon. More safety features.
• The two are similiar in size/space. We have noticed slightly more room in the Passat, but not by much.
• I miss the old Subaru's 'raw' feeling behind the wheel. The Passat, being so refined, makes the driving experience feel so much more disonnected from the vehicle (drivetrain).

[danielletdi130]

welcome, im just new myself x

[shabby46]

Welcome!

I personally drive a Legacy outback, but the GF has a passat. I won't post my opinions since I am slightly biased, but I love them both for now.

[Josh_crosson]

Welcome to the world of the vw. I too am a new passat owner and new to this forum.

[B5!]

Welcome im new myself

[eVoM]

Im new myself too! Welcome to the Forums!

[nho]

Welcome. Im am new to this forum.