Hi, n00b with a Passat S here

[redstapler95]

Hi guys, I picked up this Passat S and I love it! I chose it because I wanted a new car, but didn't want to feel like I was piloting an alien space ship. I traded in a 9-year-old Taurus for it (well more like gave it away considering the pitiful trade-in value). I'm impressed that it has features like dual-zone digital climate control, hill-hold assist, and automatic headlights in the stripped-down base model! The only disappointment was the info center in the instrument cluster doesn't have the advanced menus and settings. Oh well, can't have everything. I've named her "Candy", not because her color is "Candy White", but because she's a stripper from Tennessee.

The 2.5 isn't too bad around town, but on the highway I sure do miss having a V6. The feeling quickly fades after I realize the car IS accelerating decently; it just isn't making as much noise or torque as I expect. I feel much more confident taking corners in the Passat than the Taurus and having the manual trans is a blast! I feel like I'm 16 again learning to drive and just enjoying driving a lot more (probably because I haven't driven a stick since high school). Took me a while to get back into the swing of driving a stick though, especially considering it's not as loose as an old Escort.

Anyways, enough rambling, here are some pics:








I wanted to see what it looked like without the poverty caps. Thought it might have that "authoritative government vehicle" look, but it does look kinda cheap. I'm thinking about maybe grabbing some similar-sized OEM wheels off a Jetta/Rabbit/Golf instead. Hope those will work.




I'm also interested to know if Jetta performance parts will work on this engine/tranny combo. They are the same, right?

[atcssg]

Hey man I'm sure one of the guys on here would be willing to part with their stock wheels/tires for a decent price. That is if you're looking for the stock look. I know mine are sitting here collecting dust since I bought my after markets. The only reason I don't want to part with them is that I'm moving to Iowa soon and I might need them for snow tires lol. I hope you're enjoying the new ride! I'm on my second one already since my first one got creamed in a rear end collision. I absolutely love this car and I'm trying to get my dad to buy one since his 98' subaru died. anyways, good luck and all the best!

[spongebob_squarepants]

Congrats on the new ride! Looks good and the manual transmission should make it pretty fun to drive as well!

Should run circles around that old Taurus!