The 1.8t is a good, light, has reasonably priced maintenance, and is fun to drive. Just make sure you get the manual if you can drive manual cars, the auto sucks and is real slow.

 

If one was clearly the better engine under all circumstances, VW wouldn't offer both. I just bought a second 1.8T; for me the deciding factor was gas mileage. Premium isn't going to be under $3.00 forever.

 

So the mobil one filter lets you stuff and extra qt in over the standard oversize filter? Interesting. Those things you mentioned about the TB and WP, get them changed and you won't have the problem. same could happen on the 2.8L. I still say 1.8T. I have 2 of them and wouldn't give them a second thought.

 

imho it depends on how willing/capable you are mechanically. chances are you will have more issues with the 1.8T compared to the v6. if you prefer to stay away from the engine bay, i recommend the v6

 

car for your family? GLX 2.8 V6

car for you to play with? GLS 1.8T

car to cruise in? GLS or GLX 2.8 V6

 

I would normally concur, but for the ~$200 charge for changing the thermostat in the V6...

This is basically a game of Russian Roulette. No matter how good the service records are, you're always taking a chance, with this as well as ANY car. But you're spot on the money with your choice. It's the same one I made, and I chose the 'needier' car over the maintenance-free (relatively) Honda or Toyota. That '04 would be fine given a good price or getting them to do the timing belt and all pulleys, etc. service before giving it to you.

 

Just bought and 04 gls my self, if performance is a problem with the 1.8t for you just chip it, you'll be surprised. =) Hope I didn't steal your car mine sounds sounds suspiciously similar.

Make sure you take it to a good mechanic first at that mileage it may have some oil leaks or need the timing belt and such

 

I have a 2000 VW Passat GLX 2.8L and just rounded 245,000 miles and going strong. Only general maintenance has been required and I have been very happy with it for the most part. Currently replacing the vaccum hoses with silicone hoses which is minor. Only problem I have really ran into currently is the brackets that hold up the Rear PS window and Front DS window have broken, got to love plastic parts.

 

I had a '99 1.8T for 7 years before it was totalled in an accident last year and I loved it. I replaced it with a 04 V6 and I don't regret it at all. V6 seems more solid and robust. As long as car has been well maintaned and taken care of you should be fine. I've owned VWs since 1981 and they are great cars.

 

Thanks for the replies! I am getting it for $8k. Not too bad given the year, mileage, 1-owner with all service records. I talked to the dealers where it was serviced & they said that it was a well-maintained car & whenever a repair was recommended, the previous owners did it. Not too worried about "performance" of the car. Just needing a good commuter.