Cheap Commuter: 2004 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T 5-Speed B5.5

The Passat has been Volkswagen's large family sedan option for many years and it is typically been based on a platform shared with the Golf and built in Mexico, but the B5 generation Volkswagen Passat was built on a Germany built platform shared with the Audi A4/A6 from 1997 through 2005.  This means that it used a longitudinal front-drive (and optional 4motion all-wheel-drive) setup and could be had with a number of engines, including a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder turbo, a 2.8 liter V6 and a 4 liter W8.  In an odd twist of things, the 1.8T 4-cylinder engine (chipped to 200 hp) and mated to a 5-speed with front-drive is actually the most fun to drive out of the powertrain options...and today's example comes slightly lowered and fitted with wheels from an C4 generation Audi UrS6.  Just make sure the seller has used synthetic oil and drive it for another 100k miles.  Find this 2004 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T offered for $2300 in Fremont, CA via craigslist.

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.

1.8T B5.5 Manual: 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

The B5 generation Volkswagen Passat was launched in 1997 for the US market but was restyled midway through the 2001 model year and re-released as the B5.5.  Regardless of generation, it seems that the Passat generates a love-it/hate-it reaction in former and current owners alike.  Some despise it for seemingly endless eletro-mechanical gremlins while others enjoy the Audi-esque driving experience offered for Volkswagen prices.  Find this 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon offered for $2,800 in El Paso, TX via craigslist.  Tip from Johnny Bouncewell.

5k: Worth The W8: 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 Wagon 6-Speed B5.5

The B5 generation Volkswagen Passat was built at a time when VW and Audi shared many components between their mid-sized sedan families.  It was also built at a time when VW received  abysmal quality scores from the lopsided yardsticks of survey companies like JD Power.  Rumor has it that the Passat did not suffer from the same constant issues as the Mexico assembled Jetta/Golf/Beetle because the Passat and A4 were assembled in Germany at a greater cost and probably with more experience/automation from the folks on the factory floor.  This will give you some peace of mind when you consider picking up the most complicated of all B5 platform vehicles -- the Passat W8.  Find this 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 Wagon 6 speed offered for $7,200 in Richfield, WI via craigslist.

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.