Used 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Buying Guide for the Volkswagen Passat Wagon:
The Passat is one step up in size and power from Volkswagen’s
subcompact car, the Jetta. One can also make the case that
the Passat is a step up in class and comfort, as the larger
car generally has a higher level of standard amenities, plus
a W8 trim that really knocks on the door of the luxury class.
However, like the Jetta, the Passat is offered in two body
styles: wagon and sedan (covered separately). They are nearly
identical in terms of equipment and model-breakdown. Four
trims are available, three engines are offered and the styling
is very similar. One thing wagons do have is slightly more
functional equipment adhering to their particular design.
The wagon gets the same changes this year as the sedan does.
Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive system is more widely available
for 2004, and the Passat loses its lowest-priced V6 model.
In addition, a new diesel engine will be introduced midway
through the year.
Under the Hood
The engine handouts are the same for wagons and sedans. Front-wheel
drive GL and GLS models both have a 1.8-liter turbocharged
inline 4-cylinder engine. It produces 170 horsepower at 5900
rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 1950 rpm. Two transmissions
are offered: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission
with a manual-shift mode.
GLX wagons feature a 2.8-liter V6 engine with 190 horsepower
at 6000 rpm and 206 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. For 2004,
GLX models come in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
They also add an antiskid system and a brake assist feature
to compliment the standard antilock 4-wheel disc brake setup.
W8 models are equipped with an engine that blows the other
two out of the water. Their 4.0-liter W8 will punch out 270
horsepower at 6000 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 2750 rpm.
W8 models use 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission
with a manual-shift mode. They have standard all-wheel drive,
high-intensity-discharge headlamps with washers and sport
suspension (manual models).
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The advantage of owning a wagon, versus a sedan, is that
you get an additional 41.5 cubic feet of cargo volume to work
with.
Wagons also feature standard equipment that makes transporting
goods simple and efficient. They have a cargo cover, roof
rails and a rear wiper/washer.
Options include a 6-disc CD changer and mud guards.
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