Think about buying a Passat W8
 

Need a second car for the wife.

The W 8 (2003) cost over $30,000 new and sell for about $18,000 today.

What do you think?

It's an awesome car!!!! Go for it!

I had a loaded W8 loaner for about a week when our old Touareg was having one of it's many dealer visits. Fast, great handling. Can pass anything but a gas station. Smart to buy used, but get a warranty.

Do you think its a gas hog?

It sure seemed that way.

if you already own an x...with gas prices these days....i dont see why a 4 banger wouldnt be a neccessity =x

An E39 530i would get far better mileage and possibly the same or better performance. I don't remember the specs on the Passat W8, but I don't recall it being exactly a road burner. Wasn't reliability also an issue on the early models?

My understanding is that reliability was an issue for model years 1937 through 2006, with the exception of years '67 through '72, when the customer base was too stoned to notice.

The real issue with VW is their complete lack of customer service that seems to pervade the US dealer networks. They are to customer service what Members Only is to bespoke menswear. If you really enjoy camping out in the VW dealer's waiting room, wait a few months and for a few more dollars, you may be able to get a Phaeton.

Did not want to tinkle in anybody's fiord, but I totally agree. An E39 has a bulletproof motor, better safety features and will not be an albatross when it comes to trade or sell.

A family member has had 4 passats. As far as relaibility it is total trash. they are only nice when new. Most of the pasats they had feel apart around 50k. If you get a passat leaqse it new and give it back while still under warranty. And as far as the W8 its nothing special except higher maintanence and use costs and more to go wrong. Its probably the most underperforming 8 cylinder out there

It's always good to have a good shop manual for your new VW.