How far should I run? (Manual W8 AWD Passat) [updated]

"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
08/02/2019 at 12:50 • Filed to: None

I... think this is a really bad idea. I did let him know that I’m not... uninterested. I mean... W8, manual, AWD....

My boss just sent me this which is... helpful.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

Guy can’t meet me until next weekend, when I am out of town. I also have tw o interested buyers, so we’re back burnering the trade until these buyers flake on me.

DISCUSSION (22)

For Sweden > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 12:54

wagons are my passion

Kinja'd!!!

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 12:58

No, if they want a one for one trade, absolutely do it! It's a spare car, so it's not like you need it to be reliable.

MM54 > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 12:59

Personally, I’d rather have the civic

facw > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:04

Run all the way to the W8! You know you want it!

Boxer_4 > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:04

What’s the farthest place you can think of? ...about 1,000 miles past that should do it!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:11

Don’t read any of the forums, where people justify regular 4-figure repairs annually. “It’s totally normal maintenance ” [fart noises]

Ssfancyfresh > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:11

Do it.

CompactLuxuryFan > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:13

Straight trade at best. Would have to look at the Passat and its service records

Aremmes > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:16

Manuél W8 4motion wagon? That...'s a real unicorn right there. I mean, look at the other cars in your collection and consider the hills you've already climbed. You could at least go look at it and get some seat time in it.

Ash78, voting early and often > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:20

I have the AWD V6 GLX version of the W8 Passat (virtually the same equipment, but with Auto tranny and ~70 less hp) and my advice would be “don’t let rare unicorn status sway you here”

I test drove an Auto version when new — t he engine has amazing sounds and nice output, but honestly no more than a modern 2-liter performance turbo engine.

It’s luxurious, quiet, and smooth, but very front heavy and understeers like a pig. A good suspension can definitely help a bit. Just think of it as a poorly-balanced BMW 540 and you’ll be mentally prepared for the unknowns.

DutchieDC2R > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:21

Theres a guy boasting about owning a W8 Passat and a V10 Touerag over on Jalopnik, I have all faith in you being able to handle that W8.

someassemblyrequired > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:22

Mars??

I once bought an X-Type from a guy who replaced it with a W8 4motion wagon. I still feel sorry for him and I bought his X-Type.

Chuckles > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:26

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pole_of_inaccessibility

Bylan - Hoarder of LS400's > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:28

W8 Straight Piped If this doesn’t make you make a horrible financial decision, I don’t know what will. For how rare the W8's are, I’ve seen a few in the Chicagoland area. I need one.

HammerheadFistpunch > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:31

says a lot about the car though that a rare 8 cylinder AWD manual late model VW is considered in a trade for a relatively common, decent shape 86 awd civic.

Shift24 > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:48

Get ready for a repair bill the length of a CVS receipt.

Just thinking about it he most likely trying to get out from under the VW and looking for something actually reliable

way2blu does a rev update > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 13:52

Your call...

twodudesnape > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 14:07

Depending on condition and mileage you could flip it on bring a trailer for a good amount. Here are 2 recent-ish listings but both are wagons

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-volkswagen-passat-w8-4motion-wagon-3/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-volkswagen-passat-w8-4motion-wagon-2/

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 14:29

At least the 6 speed is less problematic than the auto. Service records would be a must. But really, how bad can it be ;).

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 14:39

That linked article is spot on as well. Excellent read. I can attest to most all the things mentioned. I find I need to remove a lot of parts to get to the bad part, but other than that, they aren’t too bad to wrench on, but not for the timid.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 15:00

In a no-half measures kind of way, I can respect going all in for unreliability trifecta of a British truck, Italian sports car and a well-used and especially complex German luxury car.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/02/2019 at 15:03

Do it!