And just how would you get into these 3rd seats?.....seems more of a headache than it is worth....you may just have to get a mini-van if you want the versatility (ouch!...I feel your pain)

 

The trunk of the Passat was not designed as a passenger compartment. It is a crumple zone. So, whoever you're planning on sticking in that fecacta third row, hope you're ok with them getting crumpled as well in a heavy rear collision.

Sorry to be so blunt, but sticking seats where they weren't planned to be in the first place is generally a bad idea.

If it's factory, or was a factory option, then that's somewhat more reasonable. To the best of my knowledge, the B5 Passats never had a third row, nor was it ever an option. The rear floor pan was not designed to accomodate it, or the associated seatbelts.

 

I hate to add more of a damper, but I have to agree with everyone else.

Not only would it be completely unsafe for your children, but they would hate you every time they had to get back there.

If you truly need more seats (how many kids do you have?), this sounds like a good excuse to find a wagon with built in 3 rows.

If anything were to happen and someone was hurt, you would never forgive yourself. You have to think of many things - the crumple zone, the heat that might come up through the floor from the exhaust (feel back there after a long drive - the trunk floor in my sedan gets quite warm), the possibility that the seat would come "undone" in an accident and throw your children forward into the second row, etc. These are not the type of things to just ignore when taking on a project.

I know it sounds silly or extreme now, but if something bad were to happen you'd never forgive yourself.

 

In two words; Death Trap. No third seats were ever available.

 

^^^^^^^ Fully Agree with ALL commentary given!

You're better off looking into a Honda Odyssey as all 3rd seat authorized wagons are for short kids (legroom and headroom issues later on). Good just for a few years vs the Odyssey which can accommodate 6-7 ADULT passengers!

 

if you do decide to do it make sure you mount the seat facing the rear of the car
that way they can use the tailgate to enter AND if the rear end accident every one fears does happen they can see it coming and have a chance o brace themselves

 

What good is that? So they can see what's going to kill them?

I'm not kidding about this. It's a terrible idea.

 

I saw this on another forum...OVD

http://www.littleseats.com/

 

WTF man??? These are for SUV's it clearly states that....:crazy: anyhow...you get an A for effort!!

moving on...

you have two options avail. one of which is:Getting a new/new to you vehicle with the factory third row that is OEM.

Second optionr sell your kids for a nominal fee... me personally I like mine and wouldnt sell him...besides I am going to enjoy putting his little ass to work when the time comes but hey diffrent strokes for diffrent folks..

have a good day Sir!

 

OK, I got it
I had the same impression but I thought of asking for other opinions.
It was intended only for occasional use anyway.
I'll be looking to sell this Passat soon but I know from experience that the "rebuilt" brand is going to hurt its value a lot. By half
thanks to everybody for your input!

 

Didn't some Volvo station wagons have 2 fold down seats on either side of the truck compartment?

They were only for little people as there isn't that much leg room....

Just strap them to the roof!

 

Audi A6 wagons had a rear-facing third row seat option. (My sister had one with it installed). Weren't they built on the B5 chassis? Maybe a retrofit would be possible.

 

X2 yes yes that could be a possible but why go through the headache.

 

Another Odyssey vote here. Ours was great, except for the power door and transmission issues peculiar to 1999 year. If it wasn't for the six vehicle accident, we'd probably still have it.

Sidebar: It's amazing how much damage a Ford F-350 pulling a gooseneck trailer can do when it hits a line of stopped cars at 50 mph. The three cars behind the Odyssey were smushed and everyone off in ambulances, the car in front sustained heavy damage to the rear. My wife, driving alone, was fine except for a bumped knee thank you. The van survived with $5K of repairs but time for something newer.

 

I have had 2 Odysseys, a 2000, and currently a 2006. Th gas mileage on the 2006 sucks, at roughly 16-17 city, 22-23 highway (the 2000 was 18-19/25-26). Compare this to my 98 1.8t at 25 city, 34 hwy. I would much rather drive a wagon with a third row than a minivan or SUV. Our current minivan will likely be our last, since our 2 oldest children will be gone for college in 4 years, leaving only 3 kids at home, and no need for a more-than-5-passenger vehicle. I just hope the Honda lasts 4 more years.

 

dispite the discussion how save it would be, I believe the below listed cars wouldn't be be saver. Here are some cars what had the third row seating as I know of. Facing rearwards

Best luck but I believe the row would be to wide for your Passat:
Audi A6 wagon 99-05
Allroad

Others:
Volvo
And I believe some really old Mercedes Wagons in Germany.

Good luck,
Tom