Shit sorry dude I didn't see your question until you posted the photo below. I don't know of any off hand. I know there's a review out there on Youtube from a Canadian online car mag that tests it in snow, but not gravel. I'd imagine it'd perform nicely, but I do know for a fact the suspension isn't ralley tuned like an STi's is so I don't know how much off road it can handle.
I just saw a TDI yesterday with a license plate frame that said "Yes, it really is a diesel.". Made me chuckle.

 

Got my windows tinted!

 

Looks good! Really liking that dark blue color now that I see how it looks in the sun.

 

Needs some nice wheels now. Go!

 

Drop > Wheels.

 

That was implied

 

 

Felt like this would be a good time to update: Now up for the vaunted 40,000 mile service, including the DSG service. Most dealers want to charge 800 for everything, with roughly have of that being the DSG service. Luckily, I'll be hitting the road, and have found one dealer that will do it for less than 600 out the door.

Otherwise, the car has been a sweetheart. I've gotten up to 800 miles out of a tank once (post-tune), and regularly over 650 miles. Looking at some mods pretty soon in preparation for KC. Maybe I'll go the VIP route?

 

Nice mileage!

 

U know u r gonna get that nsx sooner than later! Kris, u have my full support in that endeavor =). In other news, that passat is way nicer than I wouldve imagined. Congrats bro. (Fyi, yes I went back n ready every post)

 

Headed to the Nat'l meet again this year?

 

Well of course. I have to attend a conference in Boston at the beginning of that week...so, the KC leg will start in Boston, go through Niagara Falls (I need to get some wine from a local winery there), and through Detroit and Chicago.

 

^^^^^
Now THAT is a road trip (assuming all those stops are not flight hops). I thought my road trip to DC-Disney World-Cleveland last year was something. At least if you take the Passat, you won't have to fuel up much. *jealous* Imagine doing that in a car with only 280-300 miles freeway range...

 

You're wasting no time with the mileage, huh?

Car looks beautiful, even without a drop/wheels.

I'd love to have a job that involves being behind the wheel.

 

Oh, this is trip is nothing compared to what my vacation will be. That's going back to the top of the world with the Subaru, 350 mild tank, 5000 miles one way. I wish I could use the passat for that one, but I don't want to traverse 400 mile gravel roads with it.

It's so easy to drive this thing.

I think I'm going to drop it on H&R springs soon and ditch the stock Hankooks soon.

 

It's quite the car. Congratulations. It looks really nice and the MPGs can't hurt. It's really grown on me ever since they released the new Passat.

 

Welp, I just got a flat tire today on my way south. Perfect excuse to ditch the stock Hankooks. I got almost 40K out of them, and they are starting to wear loudly. Perfect timing for when I do the drop too.

 

Hey Bud...looking forward to that update in a major way...
Jeez...40K on a set of tires, I'd be on my 3rd set!

 

^ I'll be your way starting tomorrow.

The Passat doesnt come with a traction control button. So, when I get my 40k service done tomorrow at a South Florida VW/Audi/Porsche shop, they will also install a TC button for free (parts and labor). They just needed a car to do the instillation video on and this worked perfectly for me.

 

Well, I won mucho dinero at the casino a couple weeks ago, and decided to buy each of the cars something. In the Passat's case, I got an upgraded skid plate and lowered her on some H&R springs.

 

More pics!

 

 

 

 

Looks great !!!

you bringing her to the national meet?

 

I bet if you put on some spacers, that car's look would completely round into form.

I really like the new Passats despite my initial disappointment when I saw the renders.

Can't be anything but impressed with the fuel economy these cars are getting too.

 

Looks great with the drop... nice work!

 

Looks good!

 

Spacers for sure...would look great, probably have to take a different approach due to it being bolts instead of lugnuts, right?

Looks great, though, man!@

 

High quality spacers (e.g. Macht Schnell) will come with extended replacement lugs. It's the same on BMW.

 

Current Passat Mods List: 35% Tint front/20% Rear, Malone Tuning Stage 1.5 w/ DSG Tune, H&R springs, Dieselgeek Panzer Plate, USP Motorsports Traction Control Deactivation Button, and various VCDS unlocked features.

prob will take me less than 3 tanks of diesel to get there from Mass. Im hoping to try some Canadian Diesel, since I hear its better than US. I hope that my personalized tag is at home so I can put it on

The fuel economy means its here to stay, unless VW or Mazda (or someone) comes out with a larger wagon or small SUV diesel that gets 34+ mpg. I do wish that this car had HIDs though.

 

I love how this thread has turned out so far. I'm also a fan of the VW and your attitude.
Just curious, what work is it that you do that has you pile up those massive miles?

 

I'm a bank examiner, and spend time occasionally outside of my designated area (NW FL and South AL). I work sometimes in DC and my family lives in NC. Plus, I like to drive, so my personal trips are on the road, not through the air. I prob drive about 50k miles a year.

So far, my Passat has been to Toronto, Denver/Vegas, Miami, DC, Chicago, and NC. Next weekend, it will be in KC.

 

I love that you actually drive the car. I'm trending towards 20k in my first year on the Focus and I'm so torn. I love driving it but I'm also afraid of stacking miles up on it.

 

Car looks GREAT with a drop, wow. What's the next mod on your list?

 

I am normally like that. The beauty of the diesel is that it has excellent residual and the miles go on so smoothly. That and everyone says they get better with mileage.

I have no clue, honestly. I'd like some light wheels. Not going up on size though. There arent any other performance mods out there right now. HID retrofit? This is a great VIP type car.

 

More pics

 

 

Continue to live the dream.
I think you have the near perfect car for your lifestyle.
Your track record suggest maybe two years at your house for it?
With 75-100,000 miles would you consider going for 300-500,000, just curious?

 

Hawt!