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2012 Volkswagen Passat

34 messages,  Last post on May 04, 2013 at 4:11 AM

You are in the Volkswagen Passat Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Passat, Car Buying, Audio, Entertainment System, Interior, Sedan, Wagon

    

Messages Page 3 of 5

#12 of 34 Odd there aren't more posts by bug4

Jun 06, 2012 (8:30 am)

I'm surprised there aren't more posts on this 2012 Passat thread. After buying Hondas (like I've done in the past), I've always enjoyed discussing my new car with fellow purchasers. Often, there were dozens of posts per day. Having purchased a VW, there seem not to be any fellow purchasers. I'd think we might all be in this forum complaining about the corners that were cut with the new Passat or how awesome the new price is. Perhaps VW truly has created the ultimate family sedan, neither inspiring nor offensive. The car is so damn neutral there isn't much to talk about.
 
For the record, which sparsely exists, I believe that I got exactly what I paid for. Nothing more, nothing less. I'm not sure that's a good thing, but neither is it a bad thing. It is something that likely didn't need to be written.

#13 of 34 Re: Odd there aren't more posts [bug4] by kirstie_h HOST

Jun 06, 2012 (9:27 am)

Replying to: bug4 (Jun 06, 2012 8:30 am)
Sometimes it takes a post to get more posts. You know... everyone stops by and sees there are no posts, so they don't post, then no one's posting, but they thought about it...
 
Thanks for taking the time to post. I love the Passat. Did you buy a base model? It seems VW's lower-level models are kinda corner-cutted, but some of their higher trim levels have been traditionally pretty cool. I had an early 2000's VW, and want it back for the seat support (I like firm), but not for the electrical issues.

#14 of 34 New Passat Owner by belaircarguy

Jun 06, 2012 (5:35 pm)

Interesting to see the comments about no posts for the Passat. I have a 2012 Passat SE Manual with an aftermarket sunroof. Traded my 2009 Jetta SE (automatic with sunroof). I most enjoyed my Jetta, and in fact purchased one for my daughter for college (a used 2007 SE, automatic with sunroof). We also own a 2008 Beetle Convertible (automatic). First, all VW's are great driving cars, with excellent seating and comfortable for long drives without fatigue. The 2012 Passat is especially great on the highway, being very quiet, comfortable seats and medium firm ride (I would call the Jettas and Bug a firm ride). Build quality is excellent, with no squeaks or rattles, perfect paint, tight body panels. Interestingly all our VW's have the 2.5 liter 5 cylinder gas engine. It seems that each year newer, VW has refined this engine and the 2012 Passat is as smooth and quiet as any engine out there.
 
While the 2012 Passat is somewhat smoother and softer than my other VW's it is miles ahead of the Toyota Camry ( I owned two which I hated thoroughly), due to the Toyota feel of "driving a toaster" associated with all their vehicles. Also - my two Camry's were not all that reliable and going to a Toyota dealer was painful, as the attitude is "Toyotas are perfect - you must be driving / doing something wrong!"
 
VW's are great cars, and while VW did make some compromises to get the Passat's price down to be competitive, I think they succeeded in their goal. The previous Passat was an excellent car, but probably $8000-$9000 out of the price range of their competitive set (Camry, Malibu, Fusion, Altima, etc). In fact, when I purchased my 2009 Jetta, I wanted a Passat, but it was out of my price range. With the new 2012 Passat, I now am able to afford this vehicle, and VW kept me in their VW family.
 
Bel Air Car Guy

#15 of 34 Breaks Squeak by srcoom10

Jun 06, 2012 (6:47 pm)

I have a 2012 Passat SE with about 200 miles on it. I noticed, recently, that while braking at low speeds in traffic that the breaks squeak. I also noticed a significant amount of break dust that has accumulated on the rims, making them look dirty. I've leased Hondas and Subarus in the past, and have never had this problem. My brand new car sounds like a NYC cab. Is this a common issue with the new Passat, or should I bring it into the dealer? This is very disappointing for an otherwise gorgeous car. For what it's worth, I noticed that the breaks seem to grab for a second too long when you begin to accelerate from a stop, giving a slightly noticeable jerk-- perhaps they're too tight?

#16 of 34 Re: Breaks Squeak [srcoom10] by rhetts

Jun 08, 2012 (9:13 am)

Replying to: srcoom10 (Jun 06, 2012 6:47 pm)
I had same brake dust, I cleaned it off and seems find how.
I believe that the 'grab' is from a anti-roll back that I read about. With a manual, if you are sitting on a hill and let off the brake while holding the clutch in, the brake should hold for a second or two allowing you to get on the gas.
Since I already know how to drive a stick, I don't like this very much. I have had a couple of times in which when I press the brake to slow and release to continue, in stop and go traffic, the brake doesn't let go and I stall out.
 
THIS STINKS, I'll be asking my dealership about this one.
 
Has anybody else had this problem?

#17 of 34 My first LOOK by coontie66

Jun 08, 2012 (4:42 pm)

Took my first look at a Passat TDI 2012 today. I was quite impressed! I will be back and watching this blog...
 
I have looked at KIA's, Buicks, Chevys and Ford and this was the first one that made me take notice.

#18 of 34 Hill Hold Brakes by belaircarguy

Jun 09, 2012 (4:21 am)

I have a 2012 Passat with manual transmission. These cars do have a hill hold feature, and like you stated, the brake holds for a couple of seconds so that you can get the car into gear without rolling backward. Perhaps yours is not working correctly, as I have noted that my hill hold only works if the car is actually on an inclined hill, and also it does not work going forward. I have not had any trouble with the brakes holding when you did not want them to hold, resulting in a stall out. Probably best to have the dealer check it.
 
Bel Air Car Guy

#20 of 34 My 2012 VW Passat by manomes

Jun 10, 2012 (6:23 pm)

Bought my car in April (SE version), and I could not be happier with it. It wasn't even a car I'd considered, but a relative suggested it when I told her I was looking. Until this year, I felt that the Passat was a bit overpriced for its class. I'm sure that there must have been compromises to get to the lower price, but since I don't know what they are I don't care!
 
Since it's still new I can only talk about about my short-term experience of course, but will tell you what I think so far. Trusing that VW got it right for the long haul!
 - Solid "European feel", great handling, good gas mileage, great standard features, comfortable seats, tons of back-seat leg room, lots of trunk space. Acceleration is fine (not super-great), but for a 4 cylinder in a mid-sized car it's at least what I would expect.
 
I'll also add that I actually like the exterior styling! It's not so very exciting or flashy, but more on the classic side. Have read some negative reviews on the body style, but depends on taste is I suppose. I happen to like the classic lines and chose white (with tan interior) because it best accentuated them. It looks longer/leaner -- not as boxy as the other colors for some reason.
 
I also like not having a a carbon-copy car like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. I haven't see a lot of Passats on the road so far -- maybe bad for VW, but good for me!! Probably will take some time for people to catch on and look beyond the Japanese offerings.
 
Happy car shopping, you people!

#21 of 34 Re: My 2012 VW Passat [manomes] by colin_l

Jun 11, 2012 (8:02 am)

Replying to: manomes (Jun 10, 2012 6:23 pm)
"Acceleration is fine (not super-great), but for a 4 cylinder in a mid-sized car it's at least what I would expect."
 
the stock engine is actually a 5 cylinder.
 
I'm drawing nearer to negotiating for a Passat V6 SE. I have a few more competitors to test drive, but on paper the Passat is the best car for my needs/wants.

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