You could put that on the lot today with a "2025" sticker on the windshield, and unless you got someone looking up close, I don't think many people would realize it's actually 11 years old. The design has aged so well.
you are absolutely correct, my son has a 2016 Passat with the 1.7 Turbo. It is an upscale version with leather etc. It has 18" wheels and a beautiful gray/green color. It looks the same as the one Zach just tested. He would have preferred the 5 cylinder as his 4 has an oil issue and since he has 86k on it, they engine replacement would not be covered by VW. He is trading it in and leaning toward a new Jetta which is almost as big as his Passat.
Zack, this is what makes your channel special over the typical automotive reviewers. You are not only reviewing the car, but you are telling a story about it and a very compelling one at that. I think you really got this formula nailed down just right and wish even more success in the upcoming new year!
Had a black 2012 TDI Passat with the 6 speed manual. Sold back to VW after diesel gate. I wish I hadn’t but life goes on. I drove from Central Virginia to Disney world in that car on one tank of fuel! Incredible. This video is cinematically beautiful, and the piano notes at the end are a beautiful touch. Nicely done brother! -Jonathan
Zack, man, I gotta be very very honest with you, I absolutely love your channel and love that you can tell you really enjoy what you do. Also you have tons of character and personality. But your over all sum ups of the cars and outros, are absolutely top notch. The best. And you have a beautiful ability to say all the right words. Man this was absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much
i own a mk6 golf 2.5 and it really shines in that chasis and also the jetta S if u can find one. all it needs is an intake and exshaust and u can keep up with modern sports cars on the street
@@CarWavExe I 100% agree even my Passat is pretty light and very agile for such a big car and mine especially feels quick with the intake, exhaust and 93 octane tune
Great video. Beautiful VW design. Back in 2014 I leased a 2014 Passat S for $84 a month with $2500 down and 10k miles a year. It was in the middle of Dieselgate and they were giving them away. Cheaper than an iPhone at the time. Incredible value and a great highway cruiser.
I had one of these, 2017-2023. I really, really liked it. It cruised very well on a long trip. Back seat passengers were very, very happy back there. The trunk was enormous. Mine came with the same wheels as on the one you tested. If I needed a used car, I'd have another, as long as I could tell it was well maintained. I look back on my Passat very fondly.
Hey Zach! I currently have a 2014 VW Passat S, but with the 1.8, 4 cylinder. Just as basic as this one. I bought it used in 2017 with 19,000 miles on it, and I still drive it every day, but now with 107,000 miles on the clock. It's been rock solid for me, no issues whatsoever. It was my first car I bought when I was going off to college, and I have moved countless times with it, thanks to the huge trunk/ backseat. I moved out to Utah and back from the east coast with it. Countless memories, and I'm the same way, always thinking about getting something new, but just can't part with it.
I owned a 2002 V6 Passat from about 2008-2016. I loved that car for a while. It was my first car after college and I was coming from a '92 Geo Prizm so it was a huge upgrade. However, the key words here are "for a while". I bought it with 66k miles on it and it was great for a while, but after a few years stuff just started to break pretty regularly and, being a German car, it was never cheap to fix. Once or twice a year there would be a $1000-$1500 repair that was needed. These German cars are really not built to last into the higher mile range. They are designed to make it to the warranty and then be traded in. Also the repairs are not cheap because the Germans overengineer things so much that to repair any one thing 5 other things have to be taken off to get to it. They look nice, but DO NOT buy any German car of this age. You WILL regret it.
See, that’s what I explain to my old man. He’s gung ho over classic Americana automotive, but he Harkens to his German heritage in engineering worship. Even in his 60’s, the idea even that the TIGER TANK was unstoppable peaks in his mind. Granted, 70’s german cars are easy to figure out and are reliable. BMW 2002, Diesel Mercedes come to mind, the first two gens of Golf Rabbits. However… those are exceptions to the rule of thumb. The thing is… old boomers think the overcomplicated and hard to fix stigmata doesn’t affect german cars. Rather Volvo’s since they conflate them with SAABs. In garages, if there’s a Volvo, a young apprentice like myself is called to help out the 20 year veterans. But when I explain Modular engines, and they see it under the hood… they realize it’s just 90’s tech akin to the Japanese I4’s, but usually with 1 or 2 extra cylinders. Very simple to fix in the modern sense, but expensive and a long wait for parts.
Senm-retired life-long VW owner. Passats, Golfs and Jettas. Love the brand. However, this is a company that has lost its way and has abandoned its roots. Gone are the Beetle, Passat and the non-GTI Golf. Gone are cars that were engaging, fun to drive (especially in manual form) had character and personality. In their place are boxy appliance-looking SUVs, high-priced EVs and a $60k van???? I always wanted VW to import the Polo to the US. I miss my classic VWs. Hope VW can turn things around. At my age and with VW's financial woes, sadly my current VW might be my last. VW, PLEASE don't make a Camry, Accord or K5 my last vehicle. If so, at least I'll have awesome memories of all of my VWs and their quirky, fun-loving personalities.
I have a 2012 Jetta with the same five cylinder. It’s been a phenomenal car and so reliable that someday when I do finally but a new car, I’ll keep it just for the hell of it. It’s very nice to drive and very cheap to run.
Thank you for the unexpected final thoughts. I couldn’t agree more. My first car was a little four cylinder mustang that had been previously owned by my grandfather. Sometimes people wouldn’t have given it a second glance, but it meant everything to me because it had belonged to him and we had shared so many memories that were tied back to it. I hope the new owner (John’s son) finds peace knowing that he gets to hold onto something that his father had cherished for so many years.
I had a 2012 Passat SE. 5 cylinder with a 5-spd manual. I loved that car! I drive the auto once and hated it in a coworkers Passat SEL with the 5 cylinder. The transmission was just all over the place. I couldn't stand it. I still wish I didn't trade it in. Someone got a great car! I didn't realize how rare the manual Passats were in America.
I had one of these as a loaner once. The ride quality was great but that was about it. The seats were so firm they were uncomfortable and the 5 cylinder was pointless. It had the power of a 4 cylinder with the fuel economy of a 6 cylinder.
I have 2015 Jetta TDI now and had a bunch of VWs from this era. That top of the line navigation radio is so strange. The buttons on it are small and the entire screen is smaller than the mid tier radio, which was larger but no navigation and much bigger radio buttons. The S trim had a narrow long display with just station numbers.
Yes, those are optional wheels for that trim. I have the wolfsburg and those are the wheels for that trim. I love mine. Has heated seats, tints, and vinyl seats. Has tons of space. Gets me 31 mpg to work and back. Plus it looks good and has been 100% reliable.
I literally have to change the fuel pump and drain and clean the fuel tank in this freaking exact car! Lady broke up with her boyfriend and he put water in her gas tank
It’s really strange, this 2013 American Passat looks like a 2013 European Passat, but only from the front to the front doors. After that, it’s different starting with the rear doors and the shape of the taillights. However, the interior seems to be the same. I don’t understand these differences since it appears to be the same size.
I have a 2014 S with a 5 speed manual with 130K miles that drives like a dream. When it drives. Unfortunately it has an electrical bug that eats the battery 😔
It's better specced than the basic model Passat we got in the UK at the time. I believe it was a 1.6 diesel, 5 speed stick shift, manual rear windows, no cruise control. I wish we had the 2.5 litre here as i had a Seat Toledo V5, an earlier VAG group car which was based on the Jetta. The engine sounded great, especially with a stick shift.
I had a 2010 Passat withthe 2.0t, the last model year of the previous generation (they skipped 2011). This generation offered the base engine or the newly introduced for the Passat 3.6 v6 as the upgraded engine.
Awesome review Zack, great story for finale. I drive a 2016 golf that I got from my wife when she bought a Tesla. We’ve had it since new and I too find it hard to get rid of. It’s over 95k on the clock. Great car, much better then the Tesla 😂
I owned a 2014 the base model as well. It was not a good car to own. So many little issues popped up around the 50k mark. First was the AC compressor crapped out. Then close to the 60k mark the power steering pump went bad, started burning oil, under powered as will. If you want it to have a lil more zip; drive it in sport mode. But it was very spacious and comfortable, reliability wasn’t so great.
Zack I’m new but I love your vids, I would love for you to review the 2.5T from the Mexican stratus engine or the death trap of the tsuru, I really like how deep are yours
Nice cars owned one for 12yrs but did cost a lot to maintain failed most yearly MOT on some kind of ball joint boot that just seemed to split all the time, needed a new turbo and a fly wheel but loved it so was ok to me only sold it due to company car mine was an 05 built like a tank!
I had one of these, the blank switches are funny because even on the fully loaded ones they’re mostly blank. No idea why they did that 😂 I had the turbo one and it was an unreliable POS but I loved the car other than it not working
My daughter has a Passat from that era (TSI?) , with all the bells and whistles. Its one of the nicest, comfortable and fun cars to drive. Basically the luxury and sport of an Audi at a better price.
I have a 2001 sport trac and i just purchased a 2004 ram, i dont want to sell the sport trac so many fun memories but then again i cant have 2 trucks, or can I?
You're doing a fantastic job! A bit off-topic, but I wanted to ask: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?
Shame on VW for trashing the Passat name with this dumbed-down Americanized model that was nowhere near as interesting as the preceding three generations of the model.
2024 and the Proles have to endure tiny turbocharged motors in order to save the planet I'll stick to my large displacement understressed six cylinder and squeeze another 20 years out of it
Thank you Zack for the kind words and reviewing my dad’s car. It made a bad day wonderful. I enjoyed having you out and reviewing the fleet. 😊
Totally agree!
Great work maintaining a pice of your family’s history 🙏🏽
How long was it with him no diddy
Sorry for your loss,dude.
John, thank you so much for sharing your dad's car with us . God bless you as you honor and remember him.
You could put that on the lot today with a "2025" sticker on the windshield, and unless you got someone looking up close, I don't think many people would realize it's actually 11 years old. The design has aged so well.
I think that speaks more to the fact the average American has a room temperature IQ than the design of the car.
But yes, it does look nice.
you are absolutely correct, my son has a 2016 Passat with the 1.7 Turbo. It is an upscale version with leather etc. It has 18" wheels and a beautiful gray/green color. It looks the same as the one Zach just tested. He would have preferred the 5 cylinder as his 4 has an oil issue and since he has 86k on it, they engine replacement would not be covered by VW. He is trading it in and leaning toward a new Jetta which is almost as big as his Passat.
Meh, I disagree.
@@NoNoseFlappy69 your comment was completely rude and unnecessary. What’s YOUR IQ??
@@Powersproductions130 Did it hit too close to home? lmao
Zack, this is what makes your channel special over the typical automotive reviewers. You are not only reviewing the car, but you are telling a story about it and a very compelling one at that. I think you really got this formula nailed down just right and wish even more success in the upcoming new year!
Totally agree, Lou! Zack is an awesome reviewer!
"I hope that you guys smile today." I have smiled today, partly because you're a good human, Zack.
Had a black 2012 TDI Passat with the 6 speed manual. Sold back to VW after diesel gate. I wish I hadn’t but life goes on. I drove from Central Virginia to Disney world in that car on one tank of fuel! Incredible.
This video is cinematically beautiful, and the piano notes at the end are a beautiful touch. Nicely done brother!
-Jonathan
Thank you Zack! This was my Dads car! I know my little brother (and myself) appreciates this more than you know!
I come to your reviews for the cars, but I stay to listen to your wisdom. I love your perspective on cars and the world around you. Never change!
Same
Zack, man, I gotta be very very honest with you, I absolutely love your channel and love that you can tell you really enjoy what you do. Also you have tons of character and personality. But your over all sum ups of the cars and outros, are absolutely top notch. The best. And you have a beautiful ability to say all the right words. Man this was absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much
Zack, you are a WARRIOR! It's snowing and you're wearing a t shirt! These Passats were good value for the money. Thanks for the review.
I have a 2011 5 cyl Jetta with a 09G Auto, its been the best car I’ve ever owned. Easy to work on and very comfortable to drive.
I did not know this generation of Passat came with the 2.5 inline 5. Understanding that now, makes me consider buying one.
They are a lot of fun especially with an intake, exhaust and a tune like mine
i own a mk6 golf 2.5 and it really shines in that chasis and also the jetta S if u can find one. all it needs is an intake and exshaust and u can keep up with modern sports cars on the street
@@CarWavExe I 100% agree even my Passat is pretty light and very agile for such a big car and mine especially feels quick with the intake, exhaust and 93 octane tune
Great video. Beautiful VW design. Back in 2014 I leased a 2014 Passat S for $84 a month with $2500 down and 10k miles a year. It was in the middle of Dieselgate and they were giving them away. Cheaper than an iPhone at the time. Incredible value and a great highway cruiser.
Nothing beautiful about this car. More like very generic. This design represents the beginning of the end for the Passat.
I had one of these, 2017-2023. I really, really liked it. It cruised very well on a long trip. Back seat passengers were very, very happy back there. The trunk was enormous. Mine came with the same wheels as on the one you tested. If I needed a used car, I'd have another, as long as I could tell it was well maintained. I look back on my Passat very fondly.
I love the story behind it! Great video per usual! I like how deep your videos go sometimes!! Good job Zach!!
Hey Zach! I currently have a 2014 VW Passat S, but with the 1.8, 4 cylinder. Just as basic as this one. I bought it used in 2017 with 19,000 miles on it, and I still drive it every day, but now with 107,000 miles on the clock. It's been rock solid for me, no issues whatsoever. It was my first car I bought when I was going off to college, and I have moved countless times with it, thanks to the huge trunk/ backseat. I moved out to Utah and back from the east coast with it. Countless memories, and I'm the same way, always thinking about getting something new, but just can't part with it.
I owned a 2002 V6 Passat from about 2008-2016. I loved that car for a while. It was my first car after college and I was coming from a '92 Geo Prizm so it was a huge upgrade. However, the key words here are "for a while". I bought it with 66k miles on it and it was great for a while, but after a few years stuff just started to break pretty regularly and, being a German car, it was never cheap to fix. Once or twice a year there would be a $1000-$1500 repair that was needed. These German cars are really not built to last into the higher mile range. They are designed to make it to the warranty and then be traded in. Also the repairs are not cheap because the Germans overengineer things so much that to repair any one thing 5 other things have to be taken off to get to it. They look nice, but DO NOT buy any German car of this age. You WILL regret it.
See, that’s what I explain to my old man. He’s gung ho over classic Americana automotive, but he Harkens to his German heritage in engineering worship. Even in his 60’s, the idea even that the TIGER TANK was unstoppable peaks in his mind.
Granted, 70’s german cars are easy to figure out and are reliable. BMW 2002, Diesel Mercedes come to mind, the first two gens of Golf Rabbits. However… those are exceptions to the rule of thumb.
The thing is… old boomers think the overcomplicated and hard to fix stigmata doesn’t affect german cars. Rather Volvo’s since they conflate them with SAABs.
In garages, if there’s a Volvo, a young apprentice like myself is called to help out the 20 year veterans. But when I explain Modular engines, and they see it under the hood… they realize it’s just 90’s tech akin to the Japanese I4’s, but usually with 1 or 2 extra cylinders. Very simple to fix in the modern sense, but expensive and a long wait for parts.
If a car (or anything) has five parts to do a job one part could do, that means that the engineers didn't know how to optimize.
Senm-retired life-long VW owner. Passats, Golfs and Jettas. Love the brand. However, this is a company that has lost its way and has abandoned its roots. Gone are the Beetle, Passat and the non-GTI Golf. Gone are cars that were engaging, fun to drive (especially in manual form) had character and personality. In their place are boxy appliance-looking SUVs, high-priced EVs and a $60k van???? I always wanted VW to import the Polo to the US. I miss my classic VWs. Hope VW can turn things around. At my age and with VW's financial woes, sadly my current VW might be my last. VW, PLEASE don't make a Camry, Accord or K5 my last vehicle. If so, at least I'll have awesome memories of all of my VWs and their quirky, fun-loving personalities.
I have a 2012 Jetta with the same five cylinder. It’s been a phenomenal car and so reliable that someday when I do finally but a new car, I’ll keep it just for the hell of it. It’s very nice to drive and very cheap to run.
Dude. Really good stuff. Thanks.
Thank you for the unexpected final thoughts. I couldn’t agree more. My first car was a little four cylinder mustang that had been previously owned by my grandfather. Sometimes people wouldn’t have given it a second glance, but it meant everything to me because it had belonged to him and we had shared so many memories that were tied back to it. I hope the new owner (John’s son) finds peace knowing that he gets to hold onto something that his father had cherished for so many years.
Almost thought that was a 2024 model at first. VW styling hasn't changed much really.
I had a 2012 Passat SE. 5 cylinder with a 5-spd manual. I loved that car! I drive the auto once and hated it in a coworkers Passat SEL with the 5 cylinder. The transmission was just all over the place. I couldn't stand it. I still wish I didn't trade it in. Someone got a great car! I didn't realize how rare the manual Passats were in America.
One of the few Volkswagens I would actually consider buying.
Don’t forget the Jetta with the same engine. Id even say the Jetta has less electric issues than this generation passat.
Great video sir. Loved the commentary. 😊
Nice to see guys reviewing every day cars, instead of only million dollar super & hyper cars.
Keep them coming Zach..
❤🎉🎉
The upgrade engine was a 1.8 turbo, the 2.0 didn't come until 2018
Didn't they have a 2.0T in the previous generation? I believe it was even the standard engine in the Passat at the time.
I had one of these as a loaner once. The ride quality was great but that was about it. The seats were so firm they were uncomfortable and the 5 cylinder was pointless. It had the power of a 4 cylinder with the fuel economy of a 6 cylinder.
Good on you, Zack, for the words.
Love the story. Very eloquently stated.
I had a 2013 TDI that I had to give back due to diesel-gate. Cornered nicely as German cars tend to do.
Please make more snowy reviews like this!
Oooh the elusive 5 cylinder Passat
The best VW engine ever
@@keithdosikIt's unreliable.
@@keithdosikThey are cool, but they were not very reliable
@@NoNoseFlappy69 are you serious? They’re top 3 the most reliable VW engine of all time. I had one with 155k miles and zero issues
@@keithdosikYour personal experience doesn't mean they are reliable. These engines had a 3.5/5 reliability according to CR and KBB
I have 2015 Jetta TDI now and had a bunch of VWs from this era. That top of the line navigation radio is so strange. The buttons on it are small and the entire screen is smaller than the mid tier radio, which was larger but no navigation and much bigger radio buttons. The S trim had a narrow long display with just station numbers.
Yes, those are optional wheels for that trim. I have the wolfsburg and those are the wheels for that trim. I love mine. Has heated seats, tints, and vinyl seats. Has tons of space. Gets me 31 mpg to work and back. Plus it looks good and has been 100% reliable.
Positively positive.
For 2013, this has everything I need. Having an aux jack would be nice, but I can work around that.
I literally have to change the fuel pump and drain and clean the fuel tank in this freaking exact car! Lady broke up with her boyfriend and he put water in her gas tank
😂
I had a 2018 with the 3.6 i loved that car
It’s really strange, this 2013 American Passat looks like a 2013 European Passat, but only from the front to the front doors. After that, it’s different starting with the rear doors and the shape of the taillights. However, the interior seems to be the same. I don’t understand these differences since it appears to be the same size.
I have a 2014 S with a 5 speed manual with 130K miles that drives like a dream. When it drives. Unfortunately it has an electrical bug that eats the battery 😔
Nom nom 😊
It's better specced than the basic model Passat we got in the UK at the time. I believe it was a 1.6 diesel, 5 speed stick shift, manual rear windows, no cruise control.
I wish we had the 2.5 litre here as i had a Seat Toledo V5, an earlier VAG group car which was based on the Jetta. The engine sounded great, especially with a stick shift.
I had a 2010 Passat withthe 2.0t, the last model year of the previous generation (they skipped 2011). This generation offered the base engine or the newly introduced for the Passat 3.6 v6 as the upgraded engine.
This is my exact car (mine is silver). Still running pretty great for its age!
Awesome review Zack, great story for finale. I drive a 2016 golf that I got from my wife when she bought a Tesla. We’ve had it since new and I too find it hard to get rid of. It’s over 95k on the clock. Great car, much better then the Tesla 😂
Cool video zack i enjoyed
Had one, super reliable and good looking car. Is a shame they don’t make them anymore.
Great video!
I owned a 2014 the base model as well. It was not a good car to own. So many little issues popped up around the 50k mark. First was the AC compressor crapped out. Then close to the 60k mark the power steering pump went bad, started burning oil, under powered as will. If you want it to have a lil more zip; drive it in sport mode. But it was very spacious and comfortable, reliability wasn’t so great.
you must have had a 1.8T or the 2.0L ik the 1.8T especially isn’t known for reliability
@ No I had a 2.5 5 cylinder
@@aaliyahstar7803ahh i see i thought you said for the jetta for some reason
Zack I’m new but I love your vids, I would love for you to review the 2.5T from the Mexican stratus engine or the death trap of the tsuru, I really like how deep are yours
Nice cars owned one for 12yrs but did cost a lot to maintain failed most yearly MOT on some kind of ball joint boot that just seemed to split all the time, needed a new turbo and a fly wheel but loved it so was ok to me only sold it due to company car mine was an 05 built like a tank!
Nice review
Brother in law had a TDI and he liked it
I had one of these, the blank switches are funny because even on the fully loaded ones they’re mostly blank. No idea why they did that 😂
I had the turbo one and it was an unreliable POS but I loved the car other than it not working
I had a 2015 se and a 2017 sel premium, two of the best cars I've had.
I miss the Passat 🙁 There was an optional V6 until 2017 or 2018.
I had a 2012 SE with leather, sunroof didn’t have any problems
My daughter has a Passat from that era (TSI?) , with all the bells and whistles. Its one of the nicest, comfortable and fun cars to drive. Basically the luxury and sport of an Audi at a better price.
A Passat is many things but fun has never been one of them.
Should have reviewed my 2.5 Passat mines tuned, big exhaust and tons of other mods 😂😂😂
I have a 2001 sport trac and i just purchased a 2004 ram, i dont want to sell the sport trac so many fun memories but then again i cant have 2 trucks, or can I?
great video
I always thought these were a decent little car until they weren't
You're doing a fantastic job! A bit off-topic, but I wanted to ask: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?
You should ask Binance. This is a car channel, not a crypto channel. You probably shouldn't share your password either.
A "basic" Passat!, hahaha! "anxious Brazilian laughter"
I think modern VW Passats are considered mid-sized in North America. The Phaeton & Arteon are full-sized.
I had a 2012 Passat 2.5L SEL, my first car, nothing special about this car but I still missed it.
Nice 😊
MY BOSS EX CAR... I HA TE MOST VWS BUT I HA TE THIS ONE WITH A PASSION
Shame on VW for trashing the Passat name with this dumbed-down Americanized model that was nowhere near as interesting as the preceding three generations of the model.
2024 and the Proles have to endure tiny turbocharged motors in order to save the planet
I'll stick to my large displacement understressed six cylinder and squeeze another 20 years out of it
Had that 2.5 in an 08 jetta. Great engine. Pos car lol
vw makes some really nice and fun cars too bad they are dog shit dumpster fire with reliability!
This car looks either 2005 either 2020
7:00
Bucket wagon 😂
Pretty meh to below average car
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This was the generation that led to the downfall of the Passat.