Used 2014 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
4 Time Passat Offender
I have many years and miles of Volkswagen ownership under my belt. I simply like the feel behind the wheel of the Volkswagens; firm ride, tight cornering and firm comfortable seats. My experience with the brand is nearly 100% positive. I do take an interest understanding key maintenance issues as recommended by my independent VW mechanic. Keys to successful ownership include using synthetic oil, Top Tier gas brands and ethanol free fuel if you are really committed. The Passat 1.8 TSI engine coupled with the smooth shifting 6 speed automatic transmission is an impressive combination. The engines ability to hit pick torque at very low RPM's got me over my believe I would never settle for anything less than a V6 engine. The 1.8 TSI engine delivers brisk acceleration and excellent gas mileage. The option to manually shift plus the sport mode give the extra driver engagement I enjoy in the brand. In suburban driving I average around 28 MPG. I have gone as high as 39 MPG on an 800 mile freeway trip with cruise set between 70 and 80 MPH. One observation is that at 45 miles per hour the transmission goes into 6th gear taking the engine down to 1200 RPM. This low engine speed can cause the engine to lug. I generally do not worry about it. An option to avoid the lugging is to run in sport mode if you are spending a good deal of time at 45 MPH. I love the subtle look of the spacious interior. I like the classy exterior but I find it a little boring. I am not the type who craves extra attention. The Wolfsburg addition is the second least equipped version of the Passat but it has the modern essentials including heated faux leather driver and passenger seats (power seat for the driver) and steering wheel controls for the radio. I love Volkswagen's trip computer system. Those who desire more electronic engagement in their cars will find the radio system inadequate at least in Wolfsburg addition. Stepping up to the SE level solves some of the short coming with the electronics like a navigation option and backup camera. Had I been able to find a nice deal on an SE, I would have stepped up to the next level. One other note, the Hankook tires that came from the factory are a poor option. I expect when I switch to my preferred brand (Toyo), the ride, handling and cabin noise will be even better.
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Still Going Great!
I purchased my 2014 Passat Wolfsburg (Reflex Silver) with the 1.8L turbo, in December 2014, as a CPO with 9,000 miles on the clock. I still have it with just over 160,000 miles. So far, it has held up well with only a few of issues. I changed the alternator at 125k miles and the radiator at 135k miles, both of which I did myself. I'm on my third battery, and I had to change the low beams mounting sockets with OEM parts. The car was on for a couple of recalls concerning the Takata airbag, the airbag inflator, and for a reprogram of the transmission to prevent stalling while in gear at idle (I did not experience this issue). New Pirelli tires were mounted at 159k miles and they helped to reduce the amount of road noise coming into the cabin. I have been changing the engine oil every 5k miles. This car has a conventional automatic transmission, with a torque converter (not a DSG), and the fluid and filter have been changed every 40k miles. The car still it's original struts and shocks . I changed the original front brakes at 145k miles. A couple of lights needed to be replaced and the headlight low beams (halogen) are weak out in the country. The seat warmers recently stopped working, but I haven't missed them. The 1.8 turbo has good pickup and returns about 33 MPG, which consists of a mix of highway, rural and suburban driving. Under these conditions I can get almost 600 miles from one tank of gas. if I get caught in heavy traffic, my mileage will go down to about 25 MPG. My Passat has 17" wheels, rides and handles well, and allows me to get a little frisky when I'm in the mountains. Just bear in mind this is no large size GTI in stock form, so when pushed hard, it loses its composure in the turns. There is not a lot of feedback though the steering wheel and the brakes are good, but not great. Road noise on rough pavement is annoying, but otherwise, its fairly quiet. The driver's seat is comfortable, but it took me a lot of adjustment before I found the sweet spot. The driver's seat is slightly offset from the steering wheel, but it doesn't bother me. The stock stereo sounds good for being a base unit. My Passat is basic; no nav, backup camera, touchscreen, or any of the latest safety features. Less things to break, I figure. Back seat room is great and the trunk is large, but the hinges for the trunk lid eat into the cargo space. Overall, I have had a good experience with my Passat and intend to drive as long as possible. As previously mentioned, my issues with it have been minor. I have been able to do most of the maintenance myself (except changing the transmission fluid; it's a pain). Some recommendations: -Find a mechanic who specializes in VWs and avoid the dealership for service, if possible. Bear in mind, quotes for even minor repairs are high. -Change the engine oil at 5k miles/6 months, no matter what VW says. The combination of direct injection, a turbo, automatic transmission, A/C, and in my case, hot, humid weather are a lot for the engine oil to deal with. -Change the transmission fluid & filter no later than 50k miles, otherwise shift issues may appear. -Use Top Tier gas, when feasible, and add fuel injection cleaner every oil change. -Wash this car by hand, or use a touchless car wash, as the gas filler door and the mirrors are a little weak. -Buy seat covers for a Passat with the gray or beige leatherette, because dye from jeans or leather jackets will transfer onto them.
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- SE SedanMSRP: $6,95014 mi away
- TDI SE Diesel Sedan w/Sunroof, NavigationMSRP: $9,4955 mi away
- SEL Premium PZEV SedanMSRP: $9,99010 mi away
Room to spare in a quality affordable Sedan.
My '14 Passat is a real nice car that actually is quite simple to operate. Interior design is classic and the exterior may seam a bit boring at first, but at different angles the cars exterior lines show the true elegance of the car. I paid 18,700 for the 21,900 sticker car and got 0% financing to boot. So for the price of a focus or corolla I was able to get a sweet Passat that is extremely roomy and just as efficient as those two cars.
Loving my passat
Just purchased the Wolfsburg edition and I am absolutely loving it. Great handling and good power. I am also averaging about 28 mpg in mix driving. I'm sure it will improve as it breaks in. I love the interior. It simple but elegant. Fantastic value as I purchased it during the $1000 turbo rebate promo.
S to Wolfsburg Edition
Had an S in Blue, damaged, not convinced fixed right, traded for this. Opera Red, Cornsilk leatherette interior. Beautiful car. Very much a Volkswagen. Elegant, but tough. Understated. A machine. Awesome on the highway. Like the new 1.8l turbo. Had a 2.5l inline five on a 2010 Golf. I thought it was more than enough engine for that car, decent gas milage, but this is better.
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