2000 being returned to dealer...Need advise....and FAST!!!!!

[Lcar1909]

I think I've reached my limit with this car.....not to mention the dealership and VW dealer itself......ugh!

About 6 weeks ago I purchased a 2000 Passat GLX V6 sedan. The car had 73K, fully-loaded, sunroof, Tiptronic transmission....the whole 9 yards. We loved the feel of the car, the guts when you pushed the pedal and it only got better while in manual mode...aaaahhhh!!!! Then 1 DAY after we bought it, it had to go back to the dealer because the manual option decided not to work. They, in turn, had to send it into the VW dealer because they don't deal with Tiptronic trans. We were given a loaner (Buick Century) and patiently awaited our cars return. Little did we know, the return would take two weeks! It took so long, we felt like we had purchased the Century instead.

Well, when it finally returned after having a sensor replaced in the tranny (or so they said), we took it on a road trip to MI for the weekend. This was a beautiful ride with plenty of space, and again, the speed to drive the Chicago highways without being ran over. When we returned and I attempted to drive the car to work on Monday morning, it decided that 1st gear was a great place to stay for awhile (in auto mode). Now it goes back to the dealer again....ugh! We are again given a loaner, this time an Olds Intrigue. The dealers verdict???? Back to the VW dealer for more work. This time after the long Memorial Day weekend we are told that something else needs replaced in the tranny and they had to order it. No idea when the part will arrive or anything of that nature. Of course, we are then told that VW dealers are notorious for taking their own sweet time repairing a vehicle.

So if we count it out, we've owned the car for about 6 weeks and 3 of those weeks have belonged to the dealer. The dealer is kind enough to allow us to return it to them and instead choose another car. Of course, we have to choose from their inventory OR they will only give us the market value on the car, if we decide to go elsewhere, which doesn't include the taxes, title, ins. or warranty that we purchased....we would have to eat those costs. Now how is that fair? They give us a broken down car and we are stuck choosing another car from their lot in order to have the previous loan paid in full, rather than take a big loss. And who knows how much they'll give for the car? After all, it does seem to have transmission issues, ya know?

Our neighbor asked if I had decided to switch jobs and become a used car salesman since there have been so many cars in the drive recently.....lol

Currently we are looking into getting a '97 BMW 740i with 85K on it. This makes the wife VERY unhappy. She said that she doesn't want a '97 and that a BMW is just not her style. She said she chose the Passat because of the sporty look and such to it. However, we did test drive a Sonata and that didn't have enough power, or much else for that matter. We want an import because we previously owned a Lexus LS400 that was great, not to mention the resale is better for imports. She doesn't want another LS400 because she's "been there, done that". In her defense, she is very easy going about things, but this whole car issue has her spitting fire. In fact, I feel sorry for the car salesman if she manages to get ahold of him (she's been known to cuss out lawyers and scare them when angry....lol)

Has anyone else had these kinds of issues, or am I just a very unlucky person? Should I maybe stick with the VW or is switching a good idea? Any help would be greatly appreciated....especially since we have very little time to make out decision (about 2-3 days). Thanks!!

[00Psst]

Generally the Tip tranny isn't all that problematic - not sure why yours is giving you so much trouble.

As far as the VW dealer taking their time, my guess is that its because they don't really have all that much incentive to move quickly. They're probably charging a discounted rate to the dealer that sold you the car and since they didn't sell you the car directly and don't have contact with you, there isn't much in it for them. I'd start by contacting the VW dealer and trying to form a relationship with them. If the feel like they'll get your service business going forward, they might be more accomodating.

I wouldn't give up on the Passat if your wife likes it (aside from the tranny issues). They're great cars, although a bit quirky and probably not as bulletproof as say a Honda Accord but they do have that something about them that makes them a pleasure to drive.

Hang in there - check out some other forums for good info (and busier activity) like www.B5ONE.com, www.passatworld.com and www.dubberzine.com. All should be good sources of info for you on your Passat.

[turtlecrxsi]

Keep the Passat but avoid the dealership at all costs if you can...

[veedubmechanic]

You didnt really give any problems with this car in this thread... other than there is transmission problems... and it sucks that you have this car.. and need a loaner car all this time..

sounds like it might be the triptronic sensor in the shifter. THe sensor that knows if you are trying to shift up or down..

[JRG-cruzin]

Triptronic Trans is controled by a computer. IF it loses power, the codes in the trans are also lost. Sounds like the Trans Computer. Inform Dealer.

[Will12]

Keep the passat, although I have manual transmission, I have heard that europe does not produce good auto transmission cars. Get a VAG-COM or some kind of diagnose tool and check the car's computer for codes. And life is good.

[veedubmechanic]

06-1-2005

[JARMEN]

I have the same problem. I have a 2000 passat tdi. I first happened 2 days ago after ago rain. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this?

[veedubmechanic]

If the floor is wet on the passenger front than you need a tranmission control module, wiring repair, and fix the water leak at the pollen filter rain tray seal.