Thanks for the reply. I'm also thinking about the Passat I4-turbo but also have reservations about maintenance costs (higher than average) and I also don't care to buy premium fuel. What did you have to do to your Passat repair-wise and what did it end-up costing?

 

fyi - gas will probably cost $8-$12/gal in a few years

 

really?

how ya figure?

 

Please don't hijack my thread... I would like to hear from some other owners

 

i like your other forum names relating to the sky, it's silly.

 

The new Passats are a completely different car from the 98-05 model which was based on an Audi A4. There are reports from people on PassatWorld saying that the new 06-08 model is worse relaibility-wise.
I was pretty lucky with the 02. It was a 1.8 Turbo 4.
Maintenance was expensive because 100% synthetic oil is required and because the local dealer charges $110/hr for labor. All parts are expensive.
As far as repairs:
Ignition coil packs (under warranty)
Turn signal relay ($25 + $55 to install)
Glove box latch broke and you have to repalce the entire glove box assembly (got one on eBay for $90; dealer wanted $340)
Homelink transmitter shorted out (Got one on eBay for $50; dealer wanted $320)
Battery (Couldn't find aftermarket battery that fits; had to go to dealer and pay $250 including installation and resetting codes)

That's it. Many Passat owners have horror stories about the car breaking down all the time.
It's a real quality piece but, you pay for it.
I think the Accord is much better value for the money.

 

I have a one month old '08 EX-L coupe 4cyl auto. I'm getting about 30mpg doing mostly highway driving. I am impressed with how this car moves through the snow!

I really like my new Accord[sm=groupwave.gif]!!!

 

we are now getting hammered with snow here.

i parked my accord, and am driving the truck...so no snow feedback.

 

Thanks for the feedback all. I wonder about VCM long-term (like after 100,000 miles or so). Too bad there isn't much data on it since it was only introduced back in 2005-6.

 

I believe the VCM was used on previous year V6 Odyssey's. The "ECO" mode usually kicks in when you cruise, brake or decelerate only.