One Owner 8/6/4: 2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion 6-spd

The B5 generation Passat was launched in the 1997 model year with a product that looked/drove/smelled a lot more like an Audi than the previous generation Passat.  In 2001 Volkswagen introduced the B5.5, a cosmetically refreshed version of the platform that added more chrome trim (inside and out) some fancy taillights and a unique W8 engine option that could have been...if you were lucky...mated to a 6-speed manual.  Find this 2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion offered for $7325 in Denver, CO via craigslist.  Tip from Joel.

4Motion 6-Speed: 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 B5.5

Volkswagen went a bit off the rails with their B5.5 generation Passat.  For some reason (dreams of unfulfilled world domination, perhaps?) the Germans decided that they wouldn't split the market with different models (like everybody else in the car world) and instead offered 1.8T powered Passats starting in the low $20k range, Buick-esque mid range 2.8 V6 versions around $30k and finally the king of Passats, the W8 4-Motion 6-speed monster at $40k.  Find this 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 here on eBay bidding for $5,000 in Studio City, CA with 2 days to go.

5k: Syncro de Mayo: 2004 Volkswagen Passat 4Motion 5-Spd

 Kicking our Syncro de Mayo party up a notch, we've got this next 4Motion equipped late model, the perfect low buck daily driver for a cheapskate.  It might not impress the neighbors like buying a new M5, but it'll comfortably seat 5 adults, return decent fuel economy, and it has a 5-speed gearbox putting down turbocharged power to all four wheels.  Sure, it eats through coil packs like a jonesing junky chews Chiclets and the engine cooks its internals like an LA inland empire meth lab, but when things work well, the Audi masquerading as a VW is great.  Find this 2004 Volkswagen Passat 4Motion 5-Spd offered for $3,000 CAD ($2,481 USD)via passatworld.com forums.

15k: One Owner: 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion Wagon

It may be a bit late for Syncro de Mayo, but it is never a bad time to post up a 4Motion equipped, 8-cylinder powered, low-mile Volkswagen Wagon.   The B5 generation Passat was remodeled in late 2000 (known internally as the B5.5 generation) and recieved updated headlights, chrome trim and optional W8 engine.  Find this 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion Wagon offered for $14,950 on ebay from a dealer in Feasterville-Trevose, PA with 13 days to go.  Tip from IgnatiusReilly who says "Hola! Still hangin' after too much Patron so tardy in submitting for the syncro featurette."

10k: Syncro de Mayo: 2009 Volkswagen CC VR6 4Motion

I will probably regret this later, but I'm going to go ahead and say it anyway.  I like the Volkswagen CC.  Sure, it is a Passat with a fastback shape missing the center rear seat, but you know what, I'm fine with that and you should be too.  Why?  Maybe it is the Jameson speaking, but I think it offers an Audiesque experience at Beetlesque prices and there is nothing wrong with that.  Find this 2009 Volkswagen CC VR6 4Motion offered for a flexible $13,900 via NASIOC (Needlessly Archetypical Super Impressive Occult...Cult) forums.

10k: Stick-up: 2002 Volkswagen Passat B5.5 W8 4Motion

The friendly, fat-cheeked Wisconsinite B5.5 Passat you're looking at has an unusual yet desirable combination of drivetrain options. And it's here to rob you of everything you own. Volkswagen decided to fit an experimental W8 engine in an already crowded engine bay, leaving little room for anything but your checkbook. Find this 2002 Volkswagen Passat V8 4Motion wagon with 6-speed manual for $11,000 in Richfield, WI.  Words by DT contributor slowcarSLOW-MPGlol.

10k: Rare Bee5: 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion 6spd

The B5.5 Passat was introduced mid-year in 2001 as a 2001.5 model year with a new look but most of the same chassis/engine/suspension it shares with the Audi A4/A6.  In the lower spec'd 1.8T form the Passat looked like a bargain version of the A4 but by the time a buyer checked off a few options the price could double and metamorphose into an uber expensive Volkswagen.  The days of  $50k Volkswagens is behind us now and depreciation has reared its ugly head, put on a horned helmet, pulled out a flamethrower, and decimated the value of the "expensive" VW...good news for savvy used cars buyers.  Find this 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion 6-spd manual for sale near Seattle, WA for $8,800 via craigslist.