Well here we are 8 years later and my wife's 2015 TDI with 75,000 miles still runs and looks like new. We had the diesel gate settlement and kept the car so a little over $9,000 paid back to us and greatly extended warranty. Car was retuned as part of dieselgate and can't tell a difference. Still averages combined 38/40 mpg with 50 mpg on long freeway trips. Only warrantee issue was a faulty engine wire harness and replaced under warranty. Battery was replaced this year. Still original brakes. Other than warrantee work we do our own maintenance (DSG ,engine oil brake flush ect) and are strict about it. At this point I normally would consider trading to a new car but this has been so reliable I think I'll hold on to it for a good while yet.
@@lenaskwiot6343 Yes!!!!! It was returned to VW in Little Rock Arkansas after the emissions scandal and later purchased by City of Industry VW here in California and sat for 6 years. I was fortunate to purchase it. I know have 10,000 miles on it.
@@cjacob741 No issues. My only problem was the car had the original tires on it. With only 1100 miles on them I assumed they would be good. I ran over a nail and when I tried to get the tire fixed I was made aware that the tires were 7 years old and dangerous. So I went ahead and had them replaced. But I love the fuel mileage and the way it drives.
North American 2015 Passat TDI owner here. I don't know why VW claims the car gets 44 hwy, I was able to average 60.2 mpg on one of my drives and consistently get 53 mpg on hwy. Very reliable, sleek, German feeling car and fun to drive. Made in the only Platinum LEED certified car plant in the world in Chattanoga Tenn. VW Europe though does have better Passat models than in NA, but I am still very happy with my purchase.
Kyle Wilkins Diesels don't do as well in the EPA tests as many real world cycles. The reason is the amount of idle, stopping and cold-start testing done.
I think they do that so they can make it more affordable, because some of the pricing also has to do with average gas Milage exactly why the Toyota Prius is over priced just cause it gets 40-50 MPG
Question! I just bought a Passat TDI, and I was wondering how I’d be able to reset my average fuel economy? I’ve tried going through it’s menus but no luck :(
Good review, however, the diesel exhaust fluid replacement is around 10K, not 5-6K. VW pays for this for the first 30K miles, aftermarket fluid is cheaper than $8 per gallon. Love my 2013 Passat TDI, great family car, and gets 600 miles to 700 miles to the tank in mixed driving.
Ja mam 2015 rok 2.0 TDI lubię ten samochód chodzi super ten silnik z DSG fajnie pracuje Trzeba tylko się nauczyć kiedy wypala się filtr dff i nie gasić samochodu żeby nie przerywać tego procesu Nie gasić i najlepiej jechać dalej aż się wypali jeśli się tego będzie pilnować to będzie służył długie lata
Nice review. I have a 2013 with the dst. Easily achieve 42+ mpg on long road trips at 75-80 mph. 32-35 around town. Also DEF lasts about 10k, the the 5k mentioned.
Very nice review! I'm a big fan of VW TDIs. I have several in my family. Love the sound and the low end torque they offer. Although my preference is a manual transmission. Keep up the great reviews! Some of the best auto reviews on UA-cam!
Excellent review! I have been a big fan of the Passat TDI since its introduction. For me, the simple styling works. Very interesting comparisons b/w this car, the Honda Accord Hybrid, and the Mazda 6. I really like the fact that you cross-reference other vehicles as much as you do. The detail can get a little weighty at times, but I'd rather have it than not. Keep up the GREAT work that you do!
My 2000 Jetta TDI 5spd manual is on death row.. well its has 327,000 kilometres and still runs great however the Canadian winters have taken there toll and its time to spend the money on something new. After many years of driving Volkswagen I seriously considered upgrading to Audi and even took a peak at BMW however the problem for me is that you cannot purchase either with a manual transmission anymore, let alone with a diesel under the hood. My 2014 Comfortline TDI 6SPD MAN Passat with sports package is supposed to arrive at the dealer 1st week of February.. :)
I think you give excellent details, opinions and reviews on the 2014 Passat tdi. I am patiently waiting for the 2015 version to come out and be reviewed also. Hurry!
Excellent video review. Thank you. I bought a Passat TDI six months ago and it's been a fabulous car. I believe the "button blanks" around the shifter are merely a design feature. I don't know of any other options that would be available on a SEL that the one Alex is driving doesn't have.
Love my 2013 Passat TDI GSD. I am getting close to 48 mpg on average. On trips from St Louis to Indy, I have gotten 54.2 mpg on 300 miles. My 2011 Jetta gets 52.3 on the same distance trip, but it is a manual 6 speed. Guess I am not as good at shifting at the DSG computer!!! I have had VW diesels since 1980 and these engines are more powerful and cheaper to run than my old Rabbits!!!
Nice to see a review address the concept that Hyundai/Kia's current designs will age poorly. Also, while I agree that the new Mazda 6 looks great, I would further suggest that the Passat and Accord will look the best going down the road in 15 years.
I wish I got this car when I was shopping two years ago. Diesel fuel at the BP in my area of NJ costs $2.299, whereas I'm paying $2.419 for 93 octane for my car. And it's been around that price all year.I would be saving so much money even if it were slightly more. But since it's less, and I'm on the highway 95% of my 85 mile daily commute, i'd have saved a small fortune. And any money I'd lose in a trade in would totally defeat that purpose.
I purchased this car a couple of months ago, I really love it! Dealership didn't have any of the European design ones on the lot so I don't have anything to compare it to. I drove it from California to Arizona once and I got like almost 50 miles to the gallon! Of course I don't get that type of mileage around my neighborhood partly because I Drive kind of like an idiot, I love stepping on the gas and getting the turbo to activate :-) but all in all is one of my favorite cars I've ever purchased so far. I've had the Chrysler 300, Chrysler 200, Cadillac CTS...... I hope the reliability understand holds out, only time will tell.
I calculated $0.28 added per gallon of diesel that you had for the d e f fluid. So if you get a diesel that doesn't need the d e f fluid you would save $0.28 per gallon
Diesel exhaust fluid isn't $8 per gallon. About $13 will get you a 2.5 gallon "bag in a box" at any auto parts store. Also the 2015 Passat can go 10K mikes between diesel fluid fill ups. Also in the long run the diesel is cheaper to operate than the hybrid. Granted that is only if you keep your cars for 10 or so years. The price to replace one of those hybrid batteries is and arm and a leg. My auto parts store sells them to shops at about $1500. And then they mark it up to sell the job to you. So far my 15 Passat has worked perfect for over 13K that I've had it.
@brewyawn3394 well the stupid diesel particulate filter is clogged. I'm still able to drive it though. And until I get some coin I can even begin to get it looked at.
The rear legroom is huge on the US Passat. However, the rear headroom is mediocre. Sit on MB E class sedan rear seat. You will feel more rear headroom. MB does it while keeping air drag low. I meant the rear headroom with the head touching the head restraint.
I drive a Leon 1.6TDI CR Ecomotive over in the UK here and its one of the cleanest cars about, over 65mpg on motorways and 99g/Co2.. But what was that "Diesel Exhaust Fluid" he was talking about, never seen or heard of that before..
The dash average was not the week-long average, it was a shorter highway-only run to test highway mileage. While VW rates the DEF range at 10,000 miles it does vary and according to VW you can experience a DEF range as low as 7,500 miles or as high as 12,000 miles depending on your driving and the climate.
How will the Honda Accord trunk room compare in the hybrid models? As I take many trips(167K in 7 years), a smaller trunk could limit the possibility of considering a vehicle.
Trunk room in the Passat TDI is much better. The batteries drop the Hybrid Accord's trunk by about 25% and the plug in model cuts it by an additional 20% or so. Even if you were to toss a full size spare in the Passat you'd have more room in the VW. If you're a highway driver you'll also likely get better mileage in the Passat than in the Accord, however with the cost of diesel you may or may not reduce actual fuel expenses depending on your driving style.
If you're getting only 36-37 MPG in that car you must be doing something seriously wrong. We're generally getting about 45 MP in are 6M transmission Passat -- a couple of MPG less in the winter and a couple of MPG more in the summer. Not to mention neither my wife nor I are afraid to give it some boot now and again either.
Now if your looking at these car used you can find the passat with warranty from vw because of the dieselgate situation. Also you can have a sel passat with less then 45k miles for under 15k if your looking at a exl accord you looking at 18k and no warrenty. I would still choose the passat
Another excellent review, Alex. As a VW GTI owner I'm always a bit partial to VW products (though I have to say that the CC is definitely a major upgrade over the current Passat.) I was a bit surprised to hear you say you think you'd prefer the Passat TDI to the forthcoming Mazda6 diesel, especially since the latter is (presumably) more powerful and not yet available. Is that based on your preference for the Passat styling? The infotainment system in the Mazda6?
More power = less mpg. I always thought about why us people need to have those big uneficient engines... In Europe we have engines like 1.2 TDI, 1.4 TDI and it's standard. 50 and above Mpg is normal for diesel engines. New VW Golf bluemotion TDI has about 75 mpg on highway. I think speed is fluidity :D and driving culture. Like passing through fast upcoming traffic, etc... cheers from EU.
Test drove a Passat the other day, liked it, BUT, at 60mph a humming/whistling type sound (nope, not a song, LOL) started and got louder to 70mph, dropped off when car went back under 60mph. Really surprising. Salesman said maybe was the tight protective wrap put on the hood and trunk surfaces to prevent scratches. Don't know about that but would not want a car that made noise like that. Any explanations?
Someone mentioned that the VW TDI's have timing belts. Do you know if the new 1.8 gas turbo engines use belts or chains? Thanks and another excellent review!
All new generation engines have timing belts... They are some exceptions in low capacity engines like 1.0, 1.2. But it's not a big deal. It's generally cheap to replace. You may know that gasoline turbo engines have dual mass flywheel witch is expensive to replace, and turbine also... Dual mass wflywheel in most cases is replacing with cluch = it's about 650-850 usd depends on engine. New turbine cost about 800-900 usd... Those parts life is about 150 000 miles. Depending how you drive. Be sure to cool down turbine before turning of the engine.
Ad Blue is the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in the TDI models of Passat. VW dealers will top it up every 10,000 miles which matches up with the preventive maintenance and oil changes intervals. DEF is used in selective catalytic converters in order to reduce nitrogen oxides in the diesel exhaust. A diesel Passat is better for the environment and more reliable than a hybrid. Have you seen a hybrid/car battery plant ever? Disgusting!!!
Some states have diesel tax refunds for diesel car and light truck owners so the Passat TDI would be much cheaper for those who drive mostly on the highway in those states. Hypermilers get over 75 mpg in the passat tdi.
I liked the review. I would like to see you take a road trip in the Passat TDI. How many times would you have to fill up, one way from California to Georgia, in the Passat TDI?
What do you mean the steering is not as engaging and gauging what using big words do you mean the steering a soft you mean the steering is hard do you mean this during feels like it's riding on a rail or that it wants to go where it wants to go
agello24 It's to fill the diesel exhaust fluid. It is a fluid that is injected into the exhaust to cut down on emissions. This car uses very little of that fluid. They recommend topping it off every 10,000 miles during the oil changes so it really isn't a big deal like he made it sound.
Alex on Autos you can look up a Cutlass Ciera Diesel on You Tube! Very reliable in the Ciera VS the 350 diesel.I love this VW. The VW TDI will make a great Taxi, I presume!
Lets say your commute is a little over 80 miles each way, and its all freeway with an 80 mph speed limit, up and down hills and one mountain pass. How well does the cruise control hold the speed? Will it have to downshift all the time or will the high torque hold it? Also being German I'm assuming snow is not a big deal?
gr8handogoatness it handles superb. Takes most hills at 70-80 mph in sixth gear. I’ve never needed more power although more power would hand been nice.
Thank you for another entertaining and informative review! I am curious, with the DSG transmission, how do the clutches hold up over time? Do you know if they are wet or dry?
This DSG was the wet clutch version, I believe that the 7-speed DSG in the Jetta is the first and only dry clutch unit VW has created. Someone correct me if I am wrong here. Clutch life is far longer than in a traditional manual transmission.
I can't speak specifically to the Passat, but many cars have the wheel offset to one side or the other relative to the driver's seat. This is usually done to make the seating position more comfortable in regards to elbows on doors, etc. I didn't find it bothersome or unusual.
Alex on Autos I think it has to do more with where the steering box is and what else is in the way of the steering column. Of course they could put some joints in the column and put the steering wheel anywhere for more money. At least in the past many cars had the steering wheel slightly angled to the right, or the wheel straight but a bit to the right. Seems wierd but unless you think about it generally not noticable. My (OK, I know it's old enough to drink) Pontiac Trans Sport has the wheel to the right, and old Tauri had the wheel angled.
Offset to the right is bothersome to taller drivers because of the fat center consoles. Look at the space on the right between the steering wheel and center console. If you adjust you seat and steering wheel comfortably, since you cannot move your leg further to the right because of that dumb expansive plastic box, your right hand rubs against your right leg when you turn the steering wheel. It is really annoying.
Hi Alex, thanks for doing these videos My dilemma is the following: I own a 2013, VW Passat TDI with Manual transmission. I've reached 105,000 Km. VW is offering a buyback for a value of CAD $24,500. I'm 6'4" and my family are also tall. I haven't been able to find a car that can offer us the same space and gas savings we've been able to experience with the Passat. City driving, we're getting close to 840 Km and Highway 1,200 km. I haven't been able to find anything else in the market that will give us the same mileage and interior space within the CAD $40,000 range. The car hasn't given us any problems and I have an extended warranty until 2020. What do you recommend?
Well I’m not Alex but I’m also 6‘3“ I turn my diesel Jetta back in in 15 because I Live in California and was worried about getting it registered. Had my fair share of Hondas and accords. Got tired of being jammed in there. Just this last week I picked up another TDI. Love the mileage love the room. Yeah you have to add that blue fluid but it ain’t expensive and it ain’t often. The DPF there’s definitely something to keep an eye on but if you know how to drive these cars having to replace it can be reduced greatly.
When I start driving in 2016, I'll have a 8.9 Mile (15 Minute) trip to school that has Mixed City and Highway driving. So would it really matter if I had a hybrid or a diesel or which would do better in mixed driving?
what exactly is the benefit of a diesel? You pay a $5000 premium over a gasser. Then the fuel is 30% more expensive. Then you get to refill that Urea thing, thats again extra expense. Timing belt requires replacement. I don't get it. If the car at least cost the same, and they used a timing chain, maybe. But come one, it would take 50 years to make this car worth it.
TheLanard Just bought one a couple of hours ago! A 2013 only 24k on the dash got it for 21 sel premium. Cant believe the price given its only a year and a half old. I hope they took care of it but I take car of my cars and since its basically new I think with the treatment ill give it everything should be fine.
American version of Passat is some oldy or more like Chinese version of WV Santana in compare to this new one Passat which now come on Europe market with some interesting engines!!
at 10,000 service our 13 TDI Passat had plenty of diesel exhaust fluid left. I believe its 15,000 mile interval NOT 5,000. if you buy new its covered under full service warranty for 36k anyway. we avg over 50mpg on trips with no modifications. Nothing compares to this car for cost of ownership even with diesel costing more per gallon...which is still baffling to me since diesel is the least refined fuel I believe.
Diesel costs more in the USA for two reasons: the first is higher taxes on diesel in many states and the second is that our refinement process in the USA differs from other countries and is geared towards more gasoline production.
Alex on Autos I believe there is a third reason in that we have a lower sulphur requirement since 2007 for diesel in this country. In actuality, this is the biggest reason for the cost difference as refining costs have gone up. Diesel used to be one of the by products of gasoline/jet fuel refining and didn't require further processing. Now it does and it is costly to do. It also lowers MPG in older diesels as a result (my 2001 Jetta TDi went from 44 overall MPG to 42 as a result of the changes) We are also hit with winter formulations that add to costs during the colder months. Even if you live in warmer areas, you still get winter formulation for about 5 months out of the year since truckers can go from warm to cold climates during a trip. One thing you don't mention is biodiesel. 100% Ethanol/alcohol is expensive. Biodiesel generally recycles cooking oils and is cheaper. The only negatives are the biodiesel isn't readily available elsewhere and it can swell gaskets and seals; not a problem until you go back to straight diesel where the swelling decreases and can cause running problems. A diesel engine can be truly green. Electric cars can be too but this wouldn't be the norm as most electricity is coal/gas generated. Diesel exhaust is less harmful than gasoline as well.
Man, that is the best car for 2014 and i like it. Thanks for the innovative design on the tdi technology. one point more, could you publish on outlet in Uganda for making availability of the spare parts. Thanks volkswogen.
In my opinion new passat looks like 2013 model jetta. Back view is really similar. If this car will be very expensive , I am going to buy jetta unfortunately.
I don't get America. The world's greatest country yet so backward. All BMW's and Audi's are diesel here. One of the best one I think is the Audi A6 biTDi. 3.0 diesel twin-turbo 326BHP. 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and 44 MPG. Yet here you are just figuring this shit out now? What are your engineers doing over there. It's so funny to see Americans say things like diesel used to be a dirty fuel and diesel is slow, diesel is now turbo charged because we figured this out 15 years in Europe that diesel can be fast as well as efficient. And then you are so amazed about diesel and its advancement in Europe! I can't understand this country. You're so far behind in engineering and diesel technology for such a big country....
+VolvoXC90TV Emissions. A lot of that speed, power, and fuel economy goes out the window when you comply with US emissions. Additionally, in most stated, diesel fuel is taxed at a higher rate than gasoline.
these cars are loved in Ireland by mostly farmers,but no way will you see dsg boxes,manual all the way,farmers love them for pulling trailers etc and also 2.0l diesel no way its all 1.6l diesel as 75 percent of all new cars in Ireland are diesel.
I don't know why you did digress to hybrid you waste a lot of my time you have a good video on a diesel TDI if I wanted to hear about hybrids I would check out your video on hybrids
It may look like it on the surface, but the Sokda is built on VW's PQ46 chassis while the N. American Passat is a NMS platform vehicle, although NMS is loosely based on PQ46. So you could call the Sokda, N. American Passat and Euro Passat cousins.
Alex on Autos Yes, I just found few similarities on the "surface" :) Skoda Superb is much longer than EU Passat (legroom in the rear). Door panels with hard plastics are also more similar to those from Skoda. On the other hand EU Passat has stiffer suspension, it is quieter than Skoda ...and... it is more expensive :)
I wouldnt touch this Passat, wait for the B8 launch, and as far as far as the transmission goes engineers rag on VW because the design is quite simply inferior in many ways to more complex Automatics(oh the irony) VW has cut every corner possible on the Passat, how many 2014s in any other brand do not offer HID Xenon headlamps on their flagship model? Anyone? Right only VW, they should be ashamed, with all the resources and engineering power available to them yet the Passat is where it is today.
most top models don't use xenon lights,there all out of date and most European cars now run some form of leds,you have bmw have moved on again to lazer headlights.
this passat is SO BLAND and disappointing. i currently have a 2008 passat 2.0 T, and the exterior design of mine is a million times better. what were they even going for with the redesign? the rear end looks exactly like the 2014 impala and the 2013 sonata except worse. this thing is an embarrassment and i hope they redesign it in the near future to something more stylish, aggressive and sporty.
Passat Elegant!?? That's a bit too generous the CC would be elegant the Passat is more appropriately "stuck in the 90s" for all intensive purposes. It's like VW sent all their engineers on a sabatical and promoted accounting to chief designers
Well here we are 8 years later and my wife's 2015 TDI with 75,000 miles still runs and looks like new.
We had the diesel gate settlement and kept the car so a little over $9,000 paid back to us and greatly extended warranty.
Car was retuned as part of dieselgate and can't tell a difference. Still averages combined 38/40 mpg with 50 mpg on long freeway trips.
Only warrantee issue was a faulty engine wire harness and replaced under warranty.
Battery was replaced this year. Still original brakes.
Other than warrantee work we do our own maintenance (DSG ,engine oil brake flush ect) and are strict about it.
At this point I normally would consider trading to a new car but this has been so reliable I think I'll hold on to it for a good while yet.
Good evening, how has the car been to you? I see it has been two years since your comment. Im looking into getting one of these
Just purchased a 2014 with 1100 miles on it! Love how it drives....
Wow! 1100?
@@lenaskwiot6343 Yes!!!!! It was returned to VW in Little Rock Arkansas after the emissions scandal and later purchased by City of Industry VW here in California and sat for 6 years. I was fortunate to purchase it. I know have 10,000 miles on it.
Have you had any issues? I’m going to pick up a ‘14 today with 18k on it
@@cjacob741 No issues. My only problem was the car had the original tires on it. With only 1100 miles on them I assumed they would be good. I ran over a nail and when I tried to get the tire fixed I was made aware that the tires were 7 years old and dangerous. So I went ahead and had them replaced. But I love the fuel mileage and the way it drives.
@Luna EB running good so far.... No issues at all.... I got it with a 40,000 bumper to bumper . Lets see how it goes.
I have this car and is amazing!! I ❤️ VW Passat.. 👌🏻👌🏻
Me Too
U drove it in the snow?
Getting one Saturday!! Just got the 2019 Tiguan and LOVE it!! Getting this because it’s the last year a 2015 with the tdi sadly
North American 2015 Passat TDI owner here. I don't know why VW claims the car gets 44 hwy, I was able to average 60.2 mpg on one of my drives and consistently get 53 mpg on hwy.
Very reliable, sleek, German feeling car and fun to drive. Made in the only Platinum LEED certified car plant in the world in Chattanoga Tenn.
VW Europe though does have better Passat models than in NA, but I am still very happy with my purchase.
Kyle Wilkins Diesels don't do as well in the EPA tests as many real world cycles. The reason is the amount of idle, stopping and cold-start testing done.
+Alex on Autos i guess we all know the answer to that question now lol
I have to agree with you, I average around 50 mpg.
I think they do that so they can make it more affordable, because some of the pricing also has to do with average gas Milage exactly why the Toyota Prius is over priced just cause it gets 40-50 MPG
Question! I just bought a Passat TDI, and I was wondering how I’d be able to reset my average fuel economy? I’ve tried going through it’s menus but no luck :(
I saw a great deal on one recently. 16 grand for a 2014/2015 model with just 10,000 miles on it.
Good review, however, the diesel exhaust fluid replacement is around 10K, not 5-6K. VW pays for this for the first 30K miles, aftermarket fluid is cheaper than $8 per gallon. Love my 2013 Passat TDI, great family car, and gets 600 miles to 700 miles to the tank in mixed driving.
2014 TDI owner here, besides of all bad things, I still love it and I have no problem to get over 50mpg in the winter.
me too，it is an amazing car.
Ja mam 2015 rok 2.0 TDI lubię ten samochód chodzi super ten silnik z DSG fajnie pracuje
Trzeba tylko się nauczyć kiedy wypala się filtr dff i nie gasić samochodu żeby nie przerywać tego procesu Nie gasić i najlepiej jechać dalej aż się wypali jeśli się tego będzie pilnować to będzie służył długie lata
Nice review. I have a 2013 with the dst. Easily achieve 42+ mpg on long road trips at 75-80 mph. 32-35 around town. Also DEF lasts about 10k, the the 5k mentioned.
Very good review. Informative, not opinionated . More about the car than your personal taste.
Like you explain about dsg.
I subscribe.
Very nice review! I'm a big fan of VW TDIs. I have several in my family. Love the sound and the low end torque they offer. Although my preference is a manual transmission. Keep up the great reviews! Some of the best auto reviews on UA-cam!
Excellent review! I have been a big fan of the Passat TDI since its introduction. For me, the simple styling works. Very interesting comparisons b/w this car, the Honda Accord Hybrid, and the Mazda 6. I really like the fact that you cross-reference other vehicles as much as you do. The detail can get a little weighty at times, but I'd rather have it than not. Keep up the GREAT work that you do!
I was desperately waiting for this review...Thank you so much :)
Alex You have the most informative Videos using comparisons. I really dig that.
My 2000 Jetta TDI 5spd manual is on death row.. well its has 327,000 kilometres and still runs great however the Canadian winters have taken there toll and its time to spend the money on something new. After many years of driving Volkswagen I seriously considered upgrading to Audi and even took a peak at BMW however the problem for me is that you cannot purchase either with a manual transmission anymore, let alone with a diesel under the hood. My 2014 Comfortline TDI 6SPD MAN Passat with sports package is supposed to arrive at the dealer 1st week of February.. :)
Do you still have this comfort line TDI today? If so how’s it been ?
I think you give excellent details, opinions and reviews on the 2014 Passat tdi. I am patiently waiting for the 2015 version to come out and be reviewed also. Hurry!
And we are still waiting on the SkyActiv diesel in 2020. LOL
Chris Manke it’s already out for the cx5
One of the best car reviews I've ever seen. To the point. Covered everything. Informed.
Excellent video review. Thank you. I bought a Passat TDI six months ago and it's been a fabulous car. I believe the "button blanks" around the shifter are merely a design feature. I don't know of any other options that would be available on a SEL that the one Alex is driving doesn't have.
Hi there. How has the car been this past decade?
This dude really chilling in the trunk
My dad used to have the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme diesel it was right around the early 80s model
Love my 2013 Passat TDI GSD. I am getting close to 48 mpg on average. On trips from St Louis to Indy, I have gotten 54.2 mpg on 300 miles. My 2011 Jetta gets 52.3 on the same distance trip, but it is a manual 6 speed. Guess I am not as good at shifting at the DSG computer!!! I have had VW diesels since 1980 and these engines are more powerful and cheaper to run than my old Rabbits!!!
Passat is supposedly slightly more efficient, from what I've read.
Nice to see a review address the concept that Hyundai/Kia's current designs will age poorly. Also, while I agree that the new Mazda 6 looks great, I would further suggest that the Passat and Accord will look the best going down the road in 15 years.
love the passat. just bought one... a cc would be nice but too expensive and no TDI
excellent review BTW
I wish I got this car when I was shopping two years ago. Diesel fuel at the BP in my area of NJ costs $2.299, whereas I'm paying $2.419 for 93 octane for my car. And it's been around that price all year.I would be saving so much money even if it were slightly more. But since it's less, and I'm on the highway 95% of my 85 mile daily commute, i'd have saved a small fortune. And any money I'd lose in a trade in would totally defeat that purpose.
I have this car too. I get way better mileage than he did but I guess I drive like a Grandpa. 46 MPG all day.
Is this after vw fixed the Diesel gate?
I averag 34mpg in my 2016 Camry hybrid. The tdi seems a better choose for long road trip. Toyota hybrid good for city commute
I purchased this car a couple of months ago, I really love it! Dealership didn't have any of the European design ones on the lot so I don't have anything to compare it to. I drove it from California to Arizona once and I got like almost 50 miles to the gallon! Of course I don't get that type of mileage around my neighborhood partly because I Drive kind of like an idiot, I love stepping on the gas and getting the turbo to activate :-) but all in all is one of my favorite cars I've ever purchased so far. I've had the Chrysler 300, Chrysler 200, Cadillac CTS...... I hope the reliability understand holds out, only time will tell.
3 years later...Do you still own the car? If so , any major issues?
i will take diesel everyday and still think the hybrid wont match up to the diesel in so many ways
Really nice reviews! Im torn between a 2014 passat and a honda accord hybrid
I calculated $0.28 added per gallon of diesel that you had for the d e f fluid. So if you get a diesel that doesn't need the d e f fluid you would save $0.28 per gallon
Diesel exhaust fluid isn't $8 per gallon. About $13 will get you a 2.5 gallon "bag in a box" at any auto parts store. Also the 2015 Passat can go 10K mikes between diesel fluid fill ups. Also in the long run the diesel is cheaper to operate than the hybrid. Granted that is only if you keep your cars for 10 or so years. The price to replace one of those hybrid batteries is and arm and a leg. My auto parts store sells them to shops at about $1500. And then they mark it up to sell the job to you. So far my 15 Passat has worked perfect for over 13K that I've had it.
How has the passat been?
@brewyawn3394 well the stupid diesel particulate filter is clogged. I'm still able to drive it though. And until I get some coin I can even begin to get it looked at.
The rear legroom is huge on the US Passat. However, the rear headroom is mediocre. Sit on MB E class sedan rear seat. You will feel more rear headroom. MB does it while keeping air drag low. I meant the rear headroom with the head touching the head restraint.
Very nice review. Thinking about getting either a Passat Jetta TDI.
I drive a Leon 1.6TDI CR Ecomotive over in the UK here and its one of the cleanest cars about, over 65mpg on motorways and 99g/Co2..
But what was that "Diesel Exhaust Fluid" he was talking about, never seen or heard of that before..
The dash showed 45 - 46 mpg but it was stated it averaged 10 mpg less. Also all VW's are scheduled to go 10K between DEF refills.
The dash average was not the week-long average, it was a shorter highway-only run to test highway mileage. While VW rates the DEF range at 10,000 miles it does vary and according to VW you can experience a DEF range as low as 7,500 miles or as high as 12,000 miles depending on your driving and the climate.
How will the Honda Accord trunk room compare in the hybrid models? As I take many trips(167K in 7 years), a smaller trunk could limit the possibility of considering a vehicle.
Trunk room in the Passat TDI is much better. The batteries drop the Hybrid Accord's trunk by about 25% and the plug in model cuts it by an additional 20% or so. Even if you were to toss a full size spare in the Passat you'd have more room in the VW. If you're a highway driver you'll also likely get better mileage in the Passat than in the Accord, however with the cost of diesel you may or may not reduce actual fuel expenses depending on your driving style.
Alex on Autos Thank you.
If you're getting only 36-37 MPG in that car you must be doing something seriously wrong. We're generally getting about 45 MP in are 6M transmission Passat -- a couple of MPG less in the winter and a couple of MPG more in the summer. Not to mention neither my wife nor I are afraid to give it some boot now and again either.
One thing you should point out is that the DSG transmission requires servicing every 40K miles and it costs about $300.
Janice Doriguzzi true! Mine has lasted 200,000 miles in both that I hand owned. Worth the cost? We’ll see, everything else breaks lol!
The Audi A6 is a mid-size sedan which is also offered with a diesel engine.
A6 isn't in class with honda's a d toyota's ))
xellossaxon but you could buy 1.75 Passats for the price of the A6. ;)
I think you were talking about the 2013 Sonata. You have not seen the new one. Check it out.
how many total miles are people getting on these? more significant than gas?
Now if your looking at these car used you can find the passat with warranty from vw because of the dieselgate situation. Also you can have a sel passat with less then 45k miles for under 15k if your looking at a exl accord you looking at 18k and no warrenty. I would still choose the passat
Excellent review
Love love your reviews!
Is maintenance expensive for this car?
Another excellent review, Alex. As a VW GTI owner I'm always a bit partial to VW products (though I have to say that the CC is definitely a major upgrade over the current Passat.)
I was a bit surprised to hear you say you think you'd prefer the Passat TDI to the forthcoming Mazda6 diesel, especially since the latter is (presumably) more powerful and not yet available. Is that based on your preference for the Passat styling? The infotainment system in the Mazda6?
Primarily the infotainment system. The one in the current Mazda6 is that aggravating if you regularly use USB or iDevice media sources.
More power = less mpg. I always thought about why us people need to have those big uneficient engines... In Europe we have engines like 1.2 TDI, 1.4 TDI and it's standard. 50 and above Mpg is normal for diesel engines. New VW Golf bluemotion TDI has about 75 mpg on highway. I think speed is fluidity :D and driving culture. Like passing through fast upcoming traffic, etc... cheers from EU.
I thought that mountain road looked familiar. Ever get passed by motorcycles on it :-)
Test drove a Passat the other day, liked it, BUT, at 60mph a humming/whistling type sound (nope, not a song, LOL) started and got louder to 70mph, dropped off when car went back under 60mph. Really surprising. Salesman said maybe was the tight protective wrap put on the hood and trunk surfaces to prevent scratches. Don't know about that but would not want a car that made noise like that. Any explanations?
You go the explanation...
Turbo is a thing
Someone mentioned that the VW TDI's have timing belts. Do you know if the new 1.8 gas turbo engines use belts or chains? Thanks and another excellent review!
It is my understanding that the 2.0L diesel engine still uses a timing belt.
All new generation engines have timing belts... They are some exceptions in low capacity engines like 1.0, 1.2. But it's not a big deal. It's generally cheap to replace. You may know that gasoline turbo engines have dual mass flywheel witch is expensive to replace, and turbine also... Dual mass wflywheel in most cases is replacing with cluch = it's about 650-850 usd depends on engine. New turbine cost about 800-900 usd... Those parts life is about 150 000 miles. Depending how you drive.
Be sure to cool down turbine before turning of the engine.
... and TDI also have those parts.
Ad Blue is the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in the TDI models of Passat. VW dealers will top it up every 10,000 miles which matches up with the preventive maintenance and oil changes intervals.
DEF is used in selective catalytic converters in order to reduce nitrogen oxides in the diesel exhaust. A diesel Passat is better for the environment and more reliable than a hybrid. Have you seen a hybrid/car battery plant ever? Disgusting!!!
What size fuel tank and what is the range of the vehicle if you have a 10 gallon tank 30 miles to a gallon your range is 300 miles
2014 Passat TDI has an 18.5 gallon gas tank and I personally get 500-550 miles on a full tank in 80% city driving. I average about 35-40 mpg.
@@keiserr9359 is this after vw fixed the ECU?
@@e8tGrand83 Yes.
Some states have diesel tax refunds for diesel car and light truck owners so the Passat TDI would be much cheaper for those who drive mostly on the highway in those states. Hypermilers get over 75 mpg in the passat tdi.
I liked the review. I would like to see you take a road trip in the Passat TDI. How many times would you have to fill up, one way from California to Georgia, in the Passat TDI?
What do you mean the steering is not as engaging and gauging what using big words do you mean the steering a soft you mean the steering is hard do you mean this during feels like it's riding on a rail or that it wants to go where it wants to go
i dont understand why he went in the trunk for some tank? u fill the diesal fuel in the trunk?
agello24 It's to fill the diesel exhaust fluid. It is a fluid that is injected into the exhaust to cut down on emissions. This car uses very little of that fluid. They recommend topping it off every 10,000 miles during the oil changes so it really isn't a big deal like he made it sound.
diesel mutt88 thanks!
So this car runs with gas and diesel? You fill up gas in one side and diesel inside the trunk tank ? Or how how does that work
Richmond Perez diesel only. The tank in the trunk is for the DEF tank. ;)
@@dcarts5616 thanks man
When do you think the new generation passat is going to be available?
1982 Olds cutless ciera diesel? Don't you mean Delta 88 Diesel?
No, in 1982 the Cutlass Ciera was available with the 4.3L diesel V6. We also had a 1979 Custom Cruiser with the V8 diesel.
Alex on Autos I stand corrected. I never knew that. Well, I'm glad all the GM converted diesels are long gone.
Alex on Autos you can look up a Cutlass Ciera Diesel on You Tube! Very reliable in the Ciera VS the 350 diesel.I love this VW. The VW TDI will make a great Taxi, I presume!
Nice review, any chance you get your hands on a tdi jetta to review?
I''ll see what we can do.
Lets say your commute is a little over 80 miles each way, and its all freeway with an 80 mph speed limit, up and down hills and one mountain pass. How well does the cruise control hold the speed? Will it have to downshift all the time or will the high torque hold it? Also being German I'm assuming snow is not a big deal?
gr8handogoatness it handles superb. Takes most hills at 70-80 mph in sixth gear. I’ve never needed more power although more power would hand been nice.
Thank you for another entertaining and informative review! I am curious, with the DSG transmission, how do the clutches hold up over time? Do you know if they are wet or dry?
This DSG was the wet clutch version, I believe that the 7-speed DSG in the Jetta is the first and only dry clutch unit VW has created. Someone correct me if I am wrong here. Clutch life is far longer than in a traditional manual transmission.
is volkswagen jetta tdi or volkswagen passat tdi a good car?
Great review. Thanks
What is diesel exhaust fluid? Never heard of that...
It is a urea solution that that is injected into the exhaust in order to reduce emissions.
You will get better mileage but you have to pay a higher price at the pump
why is the steering wheel offset to the right?
I can't speak specifically to the Passat, but many cars have the wheel offset to one side or the other relative to the driver's seat. This is usually done to make the seating position more comfortable in regards to elbows on doors, etc. I didn't find it bothersome or unusual.
Alex on Autos I think it has to do more with where the steering box is and what else is in the way of the steering column. Of course they could put some joints in the column and put the steering wheel anywhere for more money. At least in the past many cars had the steering wheel slightly angled to the right, or the wheel straight but a bit to the right. Seems wierd but unless you think about it generally not noticable. My (OK, I know it's old enough to drink) Pontiac Trans Sport has the wheel to the right, and old Tauri had the wheel angled.
Offset to the right is bothersome to taller drivers because of the fat center consoles. Look at the space on the right between the steering wheel and center console. If you adjust you seat and steering wheel comfortably, since you cannot move your leg further to the right because of that dumb expansive plastic box, your right hand rubs against your right leg when you turn the steering wheel. It is really annoying.
Hi Alex, thanks for doing these videos My dilemma is the following: I own a 2013, VW Passat TDI with Manual transmission. I've reached 105,000 Km. VW is offering a buyback for a value of CAD $24,500. I'm 6'4" and my family are also tall. I haven't been able to find a car that can offer us the same space and gas savings we've been able to experience with the Passat. City driving, we're getting close to 840 Km and Highway 1,200 km. I haven't been able to find anything else in the market that will give us the same mileage and interior space within the CAD $40,000 range. The car hasn't given us any problems and I have an extended warranty until 2020. What do you recommend?
Well I’m not Alex but I’m also 6‘3“ I turn my diesel Jetta back in in 15 because I Live in California and was worried about getting it registered. Had my fair share of Hondas and accords. Got tired of being jammed in there. Just this last week I picked up another TDI. Love the mileage love the room. Yeah you have to add that blue fluid but it ain’t expensive and it ain’t often. The DPF there’s definitely something to keep an eye on but if you know how to drive these cars having to replace it can be reduced greatly.
When I start driving in 2016, I'll have a 8.9 Mile (15 Minute) trip to school that has Mixed City and Highway driving. So would it really matter if I had a hybrid or a diesel or which would do better in mixed driving?
In mixed driving the hybrid is likely going to get the better mileage.
Is the Chevy Cruze not considered a mid size or is it a compact?
It is their "compact" even though it's bigger than its predecessors Cobalt and Cavalier. Chevy's midsize is the Malibu and fullsize is the Impala.
kylesteinhauser Thanks so the Cruze competes with the Jetta TDI more directly than the Passat?
Thanks for the info, interesting review!
Someone see the new passat?? the B8 platform? its awesome, someone know if is it sale on the USA?
what exactly is the benefit of a diesel? You pay a $5000 premium over a gasser. Then the fuel is 30% more expensive. Then you get to refill that Urea thing, thats again extra expense. Timing belt requires replacement. I don't get it. If the car at least cost the same, and they used a timing chain, maybe. But come one, it would take 50 years to make this car worth it.
I agree.
When you purchase one pre-owned thats where you save you can pick one up for a little over 20 just a year or two old with low miles.
That makes sense, Shannon. You just gotta hope the previous owner didn't abuse the car or engine.
TheLanard Just bought one a couple of hours ago! A 2013 only 24k on the dash got it for 21 sel premium. Cant believe the price given its only a year and a half old. I hope they took care of it but I take car of my cars and since its basically new I think with the treatment ill give it everything should be fine.
Shannon Suber Congrats on your purchase. I hope you get a couple of hundred thousands miles out of it. Diesels usually do that with no problem.
American version of Passat is some oldy or more like Chinese version of WV Santana in compare to this new one Passat which now come on Europe market with some interesting engines!!
VW is a VW, is a VW, is a VW and it is a junk in Europe or in the US.
Fussinated maybe
Mr11ESSE111
No it is a fact. Consumer reports and statistics prove that :).
Fussinated they are not reliable but they got new technology which was not enough tested before they go on market
Yo dude! Quit spamming and go fuck yourself
at 10,000 service our 13 TDI Passat had plenty of diesel exhaust fluid left. I believe its 15,000 mile interval NOT 5,000. if you buy new its covered under full service warranty for 36k anyway. we avg over 50mpg on trips with no modifications. Nothing compares to this car for cost of ownership even with diesel costing more per gallon...which is still baffling to me since diesel is the least refined fuel I believe.
Diesel costs more in the USA for two reasons: the first is higher taxes on diesel in many states and the second is that our refinement process in the USA differs from other countries and is geared towards more gasoline production.
Alex on Autos I believe there is a third reason in that we have a lower sulphur requirement since 2007 for diesel in this country. In actuality, this is the biggest reason for the cost difference as refining costs have gone up. Diesel used to be one of the by products of gasoline/jet fuel refining and didn't require further processing. Now it does and it is costly to do. It also lowers MPG in older diesels as a result (my 2001 Jetta TDi went from 44 overall MPG to 42 as a result of the changes)
We are also hit with winter formulations that add to costs during the colder months. Even if you live in warmer areas, you still get winter formulation for about 5 months out of the year since truckers can go from warm to cold climates during a trip.
One thing you don't mention is biodiesel. 100% Ethanol/alcohol is expensive. Biodiesel generally recycles cooking oils and is cheaper. The only negatives are the biodiesel isn't readily available elsewhere and it can swell gaskets and seals; not a problem until you go back to straight diesel where the swelling decreases and can cause running problems. A diesel engine can be truly green. Electric cars can be too but this wouldn't be the norm as most electricity is coal/gas generated. Diesel exhaust is less harmful than gasoline as well.
Any chance on reviewing the Dart GT? Thanks.
I'll see what we can do.
Go to a truck stop. DEF is around $3 per gallon
Still waiting for kia optima review.
Can you please do a review of 2015 subaru legacy. I really like the way you review. Thanks
Planned Mazda 6 diesel???
Man, that is the best car for 2014 and i like it. Thanks for the innovative design on the tdi technology.
one point more, could you publish on outlet in Uganda for making availability of the spare parts. Thanks volkswogen.
once again thumbs up for your reviews (y)
In my opinion new passat looks like 2013 model jetta. Back view is really similar. If this car will be very expensive , I am going to buy jetta unfortunately.
BTW the Sonata has 240 hp on the 2.0T
What's the mpg? I think the 234 lb/tq at 1700 rpm gives the VW a better passing profile than the 240 hp motor you are referencing.
I don't get America. The world's greatest country yet so backward. All BMW's and Audi's are diesel here. One of the best one I think is the Audi A6 biTDi. 3.0 diesel twin-turbo 326BHP. 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and 44 MPG. Yet here you are just figuring this shit out now? What are your engineers doing over there. It's so funny to see Americans say things like diesel used to be a dirty fuel and diesel is slow, diesel is now turbo charged because we figured this out 15 years in Europe that diesel can be fast as well as efficient. And then you are so amazed about diesel and its advancement in Europe! I can't understand this country. You're so far behind in engineering and diesel technology for such a big country....
+VolvoXC90TV Emissions. A lot of that speed, power, and fuel economy goes out the window when you comply with US emissions. Additionally, in most stated, diesel fuel is taxed at a higher rate than gasoline.
these cars are loved in Ireland by mostly farmers,but no way will you see dsg boxes,manual all the way,farmers love them for pulling trailers etc and also 2.0l diesel no way its all 1.6l diesel as 75 percent of all new cars in Ireland are diesel.
I don't know why you did digress to hybrid you waste a lot of my time you have a good video on a diesel TDI if I wanted to hear about hybrids I would check out your video on hybrids
It isn't the only diesel mid-sized sedan.
Not right now, but it was when this was recorded as the Malibu diesel wasn't out yet.
***** The A6 isn't exactly a Passat competitor however.
Diesel is cheaper than gasoline in California
Honestly, the US Passat is so much worse than the European spec model. Much more gear in the Euro spec and the rear light are a hell of a lot nicer.
well i hope i like the passat becuse i traded in my piece of crap 2013 jetta tdi on a new 2014 passat tsi hope she gives me better luck
what was wrong with the jetta?
just was not getting the performance out of this jetta that i have gotten from previous jetta s
I’ve never had to fill my Passat with DEF 😂🥲
its nice
36-37 mpg average isn't that impressive.
Evgeni2em neither is having to milk a CVT to get near that in any other comparably sized vehicle.
Styling by kenmore
IMHO US Passat is more similar to european Skoda Superb than EU Passat.
It may look like it on the surface, but the Sokda is built on VW's PQ46 chassis while the N. American Passat is a NMS platform vehicle, although NMS is loosely based on PQ46. So you could call the Sokda, N. American Passat and Euro Passat cousins.
Alex on Autos Yes, I just found few similarities on the "surface" :) Skoda Superb is much longer than EU Passat (legroom in the rear). Door panels with hard plastics are also more similar to those from Skoda. On the other hand EU Passat has stiffer suspension, it is quieter than Skoda ...and... it is more expensive :)
Alex on Autos Hi Alex! can you review the toyota prius?
i guess i won't be buying a passat soon....all my dreams of owning one are shattered. sucks!!!
I wouldnt touch this Passat, wait for the B8 launch, and as far as far as the transmission goes engineers rag on VW because the design is quite simply inferior in many ways to more complex Automatics(oh the irony) VW has cut every corner possible on the Passat, how many 2014s in any other brand do not offer HID Xenon headlamps on their flagship model? Anyone? Right only VW, they should be ashamed, with all the resources and engineering power available to them yet the Passat is where it is today.
most top models don't use xenon lights,there all out of date and most European cars now run some form of leds,you have bmw have moved on again to lazer headlights.
Mazda 6 Diesel Spring 2014.
Yes - I've heard April.
The european Passat looks much better than this
So it is a better looking junk, what is new.
Fuck off
Yeah i see it. Some sad person who owned a passat and Its broken down a few times probably. And now he's full of hate hahaha
this passat is SO BLAND and disappointing. i currently have a 2008 passat 2.0 T, and the exterior design of mine is a million times better. what were they even going for with the redesign? the rear end looks exactly like the 2014 impala and the 2013 sonata except worse. this thing is an embarrassment and i hope they redesign it in the near future to something more stylish, aggressive and sporty.
Don't count on it from VW/Audi. Unless it's a sporty car like the Scirocco, the rule is conservative style. And all the same.
Passat Elegant!?? That's a bit too generous the CC would be elegant the Passat is more appropriately "stuck in the 90s" for all intensive purposes. It's like VW sent all their engineers on a sabatical and promoted accounting to chief designers
I actually enjoy the clean body lines of the Passat.
This is not a very exciting looking car. Quite boring actually. Its too basic.
michael6609 it is beautiful. Even 7 years later.