Advice sought on Passat trade in value

I don't mean to offend but I am curious why you want to trade in your 02 V6 for a 4cyl 04? I see your location is in San Diego, do you really need 4 Motion? I live in an area where we see snow covered roads 4-5 months a year and my 03 Variant FWD does just fine. I have always wondered why 4wd was suddenly a requirement on so many cars. Especially on a car with less than 200HP. For me the 3 days a year where 4 motion would really be useful was not worth the tradeoff for the rest of the year. The negatives of 4 motion are increased weight, increased driveline losses, more potential wear items as car ages, decreased fuel economy and performance, decreased trunk capacity.



Question #2: Is the 1.8T 4 motion a slug? I find my stock 1.8T Variant 5 speed wagon has adequate power but not lots. I would think saddling that low torque engine with hundreds of extra pounds in driveline weight plus friction losses would add up to a slow car. How does the 1.8T 4 motion drive? Is it slow?


Again not intended these ?'s are not intended to bash just curious why 4 motion is desireable in San Diego? Aside from the 4 motion the 2004 isn't giving you a whole lot over your 02. If it was me I would drive your 02 into the ground (sounds like it is a nice ride) and spend all that extra dough that the dealer is going to take from you on a nice motorcycle. Another idea might be to drive the 02 another year or two until the new B6 debuts.

thanks for the replies guys.

1. I thought about a AWD model because I've had my eyes on Audi for a while, and if they have AWD on their higher end models, why not treat myself to it.

2. Probably not beneficial in San Diego, but I want it just for the cool factor.

3. I know the motor is smaller, but I plan to chip it. According to my research, weight difference is 200lb heavier for AWD, but with the chip upgrade, the power levels would bring it back to "normal". I'm sure that the extra torque would move it around just fine.

4. first years a car debuts, there is generally some bugs, and recalls associated with it. from what I understand, especially German cars. 04 passat, i would think woudl be reliable, just like my 02 has been.

5. I did not believe the east vs west coast reasoning, but there can't also be "lowered interest" in my market area for teh car, becuase even KBB lists in at 17000.

6. I'm also letting them keep their brand new wheels and rims, becuase i'm keeping mine on the potential new car. that in itself should get me more value on my trade.

7. antoher question I had: do you guys think that it's worthwhile to try to sell the car on my own, and get near 14000 or above? I'm also weighing in time and inconvenience of that.

thanks again.