[VT Passat]

Overall I'm totally jacked with my 2001.5 Passat. Everything about the car exudes quality and I haven't experienced any of the gremlins others have mentioned in this forum. My fiance' keeps saying that it looks just as good as a 3 Series and I'm inclined to agree. However, the suspension setup, while suiting her tastes, is lacking IMO. Having crawled around these threads for the last six months I have concluded that there is no upgarde currently available for the 4Motion equipped models. Am I wrong? Minor criticisms include lack of a mute button on the stereo, lack of an ignition light to aid in locating it in the dark, lack of an appropriate/useful grab handle to close the trunk lid and that the accesory plug stays on after turninng the vehicle off. (I'm forever returning to the car to find my V-1 is still on.) Lastly, my dealer offers a 100% refundable extended service warranty through Masterguard. Has anyone else heard of this? For $760 I can get a 2yrs/24mos extension of the B2B warranty. Within 30 days or 1500 miles of the expiration of the policy I can then apply for a full refund of the selling price if the poolicy is unused. I think I'd be foolish not to purchase it. What do you think? Anyway, glad to be part of the family.
Later.

 

[keithhr]

Re: Compliments, minor criticisms and a don't use it, you won't lose it Masterguard Plan (VT Passat)

this is a reprint of an earlier post of mine, but I think it's worth repeating. I got an 8 year extended warranty PAST the original 2 year b to b warranty:
my bumper to bumper warranty was running out for my 99 Passat, so I called the dealer to find out (curiosity) how much their extended warranty was. They had a new product called MAJOR VALUE and they were selling it for $1195 .Their new exclusionary warranty(they list items that are NOT covered such as batteries tires, brakes, regular wear items mentioned in the manual not covered in the regular bumper to bumper warranty) was pretty good and my dealer mentioned that vw was offering a companion bumper to bumper warranty to match the 10 year 100,000 mile power train warranty. It was also administered by Interstate which has an excellent rating. The warranty in effect adds 8 years after the original warranty ends.

Warranty direct also sells a wrap around to add to the factory power train warranty for
approx $850 that is the equal of the above warranty. I bought the major value but if the warranty direct policy both insured through interstate would have been available I probably would have bought it.

 

[pipes]

Re: Compliments, minor criticisms and a don't use it, you won't lose it Masterguard Plan (VT Passat)

Here are my solutions for you:
1) There are useful handles for the trunk, in sedan version. You just need to practice using the grab handles on the inside of the trunk and flick your wrist out of the way upon bringing it down. Never failed for me. You'd be surprised that other cars out there in the B5's price range has either no handles or the crappy S-hinges.
2) You can hardwire the radar detector into an empty fuse slot. That is what I did. Now, then I have the key in the On position, it is turned on.
3) You can power off the radio instead of the mute button. What is the difference between a mute button or power button other than the obvious?
4) Leave your interior lights in the door open position. I find this to be a more safe option. I've never missed the key slot, and I find those stupid key light locators to be cheesy.
Advice, take the car on a long drive and enjoy!
P.S. yes the suspension sucks, but it is for the general public here. You can always get the coil overs, I believe.

 

[VAB52]

Re: Compliments, minor criticisms and a don't use it, you won't lose it Masterguard Plan (VT Passat)

quote:[HR][/HR] Minor criticisms include....lack of an ignition light to aid in locating it in the dark <snip>[HR][/HR]​

Put hair around it and you'll have no problems.
Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[pipes]

Re: Compliments, minor criticisms and a don't use it, you won't lose it Masterguard Plan (VAB52)

hehe... I was joking with my friend as we were putting up with his X-mas fake tree, the limbs didn't want to go in...
Nice one though..
How about shaving [the plastic around] it?

[Modified by pipes, 10:22 AM 12-3-2001]