Considering the 2003 VW Passat W8?

Now THIS is a sleeper. This car was absolutely awesome! There aren't many cars we drive that get rave reviews (unless they're Jaguar convertibles), but this one is a real winner. It came with a stick shift and V6 engine. The clutch and transmission were a pleasure. Smooth as silk. It handled like a dream. Mucho power, but not enough to make you drive like a jerk.

The shocker was the price. Everyone I showed the car to guessed in the high twenties. After driving it, they guessed even higher. It's $24K, but it's loaded--sunroof, leather seats, cruise control and power everything. Now get this. A quote from my brother: "If I had to choose between this and a 318 BMW, I'd take the Passat." Wow! And I agree. I know this sounds like the kind of review you might read in the local paper--written by the guy who's getting free lunches from the manufacturer--but it's true.

As you may know, I have NEVER been a VW fan. The Bug was junk as well as being a death-trap. Then they went to the Rabbit. Enough said. This is the first great VW I have EVER seen.

(If that check doesn't arrive from VW today, you can disregard everything I've said).

View cars.com model report on this vehicle.

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