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considering a 1.8 stick, need advice

1070 Views 14 Replies 15 Participants Last post by  atomicalex, 
F
Does the 1.8 stick really have noticably improved speed and feel vs. tipping the tiptronic? I'll probably keep the car for 4 or 5 years. Will resale of a passat stick really be that hard?
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L
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

Whether or not it has a better feel is probably something you'll have to decide for yourself by testdriving both. I did and went with the manual, but I've always driven a manual. But here's something you might want to consider: The tiptronic works sequentially--up or down one at a time. If you want to be able to enter a turn in 5th and catch the power band on exit in 3rd or 2nd, you have to go manual. Judging by the frequent posts about electronic glitches, I'd say the computer on board has enough to concern itself with, without having to decide when to downshift.
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S
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

Don't know about resale value.
But I can say is for maximum driving enjoyment on a daily basis, go with the manual -- unless you're the type who hates driving stick in traffic (it doesn't bother me whatsoever).
I've drove a friend's tiptronic around for awhile, and it's noticeably slower to react as lieslsdaddy touched on above.
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Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (spclagent7)

Go with a stick unless you have traffic issues. There will always be time for an automatic later in life.
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B
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

I tried both and stayed with the stick. It isn't as snick-snick tight as the 6 speed in my previous car (miata), but it does the job. Being able to downshift 2-3 gears comes in handier than it should for day to day driving
As for resale- no idear. I'm willing to give the next owner a discount for all the fun I'm going to have while I have it.
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B
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

I tried both versions of the 1.8T, though I went into the situation biased in favor of the stick -- for both power and consumption reasons. There is a noticeable difference in first gear off the start. The manual flies while the auto hesitates ever so slightly. I'm comfortable with my choice to go with manual -- much more fun to drive (except in traffic) and easier on the pocket book. But then I've been driving a manual for 10 years now, so like I said, I'm biased. I see no reason to go automatic anytime in the future.
Tom
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P
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

supposedly there is a lag when shifting in manual mode on the triptronic, giac sells a chip that drops the shift time from womrewher around 3/4 seconds to .2 or something around there.
drive them both and see what you like. i would generally recomend getting a manual though for a 4 cylander car from any manufacturer just to get more power out of it.
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A
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (profbooty)

I agree with everyone here. We had an automatic when we had our 95 Jetta because I did not know how to drive stick and I graduated and would never go back. I think there is a difference and I love it. As far as resale, that's a tough one.It's hard because it is more of a family sedan and when we went to sell our 98 we found that people were happy to find one or they wanted an automatic. But, I never purchased my car thinking about that. Get what you really want. Maybe go to the dealer and drive both and see for yourself.
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K
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

According to VW the speed difference is half a second or so, 0-60. I really like the Tip, it is the best automatic transmission I have ever used, and it Tip mode it is quite fun to drive. Make no mistake though, I got it cause the wife won't drive a stick. Otherwise, I'd go with the manual. I wouldn't worry about what the next guy wants but I think there is a good market for a used stick shift Passat. If we were talking Camry, maybe not.
"If you want to be able to enter a turn in 5th and catch the power band on exit in 3rd or 2nd, you have to go manual."
This isn't really a problem, just bump the shifter two or three times. No it is not as fast as a direct shift in a manual but once you learn to adapt and anticipate it works very well. The Tiptronic is like no other transmission, you can't judge it from a test drive. It takes a couple of weeks to learn to use it well.
So if you have to have an automatic, you will love the Tip. If you don't, go with the manual.
Ken
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G
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

The resale value is better on the automatic. More people buy automatics so the resale value is a little higher. Having said that I prefer the stick.
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R
2
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

the resale of the automatic adds the amount that you originally paid for the automatic option (if not less)... as for using stick in traffic, I welcome it http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif


[Modified by rcaton1, 8:47 AM 2-20-2002]
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Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (rcaton1)

I have a tip, but I borrowed a 5sp manual from the dealer over the weekend when I was having some work done. It is more fun, iMHO especially if you are used to manual sporty cars, but I like the tip in my wagon, better than the 4sp auto in my other german car, so don't think you are making a significant trade off if you go for the auto
Regards
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J
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

My wife had never driven a stick until we met. Now she loves it.
I've always hated the lag with an auto. I'm sure that a Tip is better than a standard auto, but its still an auto.
I've heard others complain about the slow pull away with the 1.8T and the auto - the 1.8T pull poorly at low RPM before the Turbo kicks in (not a problem with the manual, just bring the engine up to 2000 before you drop the clutch).
Having said the above, a Tip would be better if you spend you day sitting in stop-and-go traffic!
Jeff
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M
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

5 sp is faster, much faster. As far as resale value. I had a 98 B5 1.8T with Sunroof as the only additional option. I paid $20,800 for it brand new. I just sold it in December after almost 4 years , 61K miles , The Boston Area VW Dealer gave me $12000 for it and I saved 500 on Tax. The car cost me $8300 for almost 4 years, thats $172/month with 0 down, try beating that with any other car, I dont think so, The Passats hold their value really good. and its even eazier to sell a 5sp, cause most buyers are young.
Good Luck
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atomicalex
Re: considering a 1.8 stick, need advice (flash pro)

I'm trying to teach my husband how to drive stick so he can get one, too. It's just better. Death to torque converters!

-alex
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