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2002-2003 Passat W8 Reliability?

6 messages,  Last post on Mar 23, 2009 at 1:40 PM

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#1 of 6 2002-2003 Passat W8 Reliability? by benjam42 Feb 13, 2008 (1:57 pm)
I'm interested in purchasing a used 2002-2003 Passat W8, and was wondernig if anyone had any thoughts/comments/words of wisdom? Is the model relatively reliable, or would another model/year of the Passat be a better option?   thanks- Replies to this message: shipo (Feb 13, 2008 2:39 pm) safford1977 (Feb 13, 2008 9:10 pm) sean35 (Feb 16, 2009 1:33 pm)
#2 of 6 Re: 2002-2003 Passat W8 Reliability? [benjam42] by shipo Feb 13, 2008 (2:39 pm)
Replying to: benjam42 (Feb 13, 2008 1:57 pm) My brother has a 6-Speed W8 Passat Wagon (one of the very few), and according to him, the brakes seem to be the weakest point of the car. Not that the brakes don't work well (they do, I've driven the car a few times), it's just that the rotors have a tendency to warp causing the brake pedal to pulse when braking.   Best Regards, Shipo Replies to this message: safford1977 (Feb 13, 2008 9:10 pm)
#3 of 6 Re: 2002-2003 Passat W8 Reliability? [shipo] by safford1977 Feb 13, 2008 (9:10 pm)
Replying to: shipo (Feb 13, 2008 2:39 pm) I just purchased a 2003 W8 6speed last Friday. I LOVE this car. The exhaust sound the smooth ride (that seems a very good balance between sport and touring) and the price make it a good value. Remember these cars started out just a hair under $40K (before dealer fees and taxes). NADA value is now well under $20K in fact mine was $16K and I was able worked a deal for cash for $12K so even if the car needs a few minor repairs, what car after 5 or 6 years of driving doesn't, it's a good VALUE for a daily driver. Even after 5 years of use the car has as good a ride as my mom's '07 ES350. It has all the same options plus all wheel drive, electrocromatic side mirrors, auto folding side mirrors. It doesn't have smart key or GPS but like I said it's still a good value. The brakes work fine. I'm sure since it's a heavy sedan if you drive fast and break hard the rotors are going to warp. I did exactly that on my 06 lexus IS350 but that had 30 hp more and weighed 800 lbs less so I had a heavy foot and warped the rotars within 5K miles.
#4 of 6 Re: 2002-2003 Passat W8 Reliability? [benjam42] by sean35 Feb 16, 2009 (1:33 pm)
Replying to: benjam42 (Feb 13, 2008 1:57 pm) Recently got a 2003 Passat W8 sedan with a 5 spd. auto, and it is a great car! Its really nice for a Passat. It gives a really sporty ride, and is pretty quick. There are really no issues, just the passenger heated seat. The switch had a recall. This is definitely a nice car, just like an Audi S4. It has a really loud exhaust stock, and has more features than you could ever imagine. If you want a perfect blend of true performance and luxury, this is the car for you.
#5 of 6 Passat starting problems by possum5 Mar 15, 2009 (5:22 pm)
I recently acquired a 2002 V6. The only issue I have is if I do short journeys, the car is very hard to start. I am told it is caused by the computer sensing the engine has not reached operating temp & floods the motor. Can anyone help? Replies to this message: sean35 (Mar 23, 2009 1:40 pm)
#6 of 6 Re: Passat starting problems [possum5] by sean35 Mar 23, 2009 (1:40 pm)
Replying to: possum5 (Mar 15, 2009 5:22 pm) Volkswagens in general tend to have many electrical/computer issues. Try going to your VW dealer and see if they can repair/replace the computer. If not, maybe some engine work...?

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