The DUK is not so bad, very liveable. Hi gear is not high enough to suit me but I was not going to spend another thousand bucks for a sixth gear and the FHN's ratios, while a bit better, did not seem worth waiting for, and extra coin, so, I'll just have to live with it!Cognitive views of learning I'm usually a bilstein guy but got a deal on orange koni's for 50% off from kerma, so, I went with those. I got mildly lowered... About 3/4 of an inch...Cognitive views of learning H&R springs from modded euros, also for 50% off. It's a good package, no longer a cushy family car but it's not harsh at all, a bit bouncy on bad pavement, but it really handles well.Cognitive views of learning there is a new bridge on I95 in new haven, ct and the merge from I91 south onto I95 east is a two lane "S" curve onto the bridge. It's almost...Cognitive views of learning but not quite... Perfectly banked and this car takes it at 65 just flat and smooth. Love it!

You mean the Q bridge? That's sick, I'm on the other side of the state over in tolland and we have some nice twisties and back roads around that I have a blast on with the tiptronic.Cognitive views of learning you basically said all the reasons I went with a DUK too, way cheaper and less of a hassle. An extra gear would be nice, but not cost effective on such an old car.Cognitive views of learning though there is a white 2015 6 speed TDI I saw at a VW dealer, that would probably be worth it if you don't mind a car payment.

You mean the Q bridge?Cognitive views of learning that's sick, I'm on the other side of the state over in tolland and we have some nice twisties and back roads around that I have a blast on with the tiptronic.Cognitive views of learning you basically said all the reasons I went with a DUK too, way cheaper and less of a hassle. An extra gear would be nice, but not cost effective on such an old car.Cognitive views of learning though there is a white 2015 6 speed TDI I saw at a VW dealer, that would probably be worth it if you don't mind a car payment.

The "new-Q", right!Cognitive views of learning beautiful bridge. A new TDI would be great, but, the price is right for fixing up this passat wagon. I've had golf's and jetta's, old and newer, and our first TDI was a 2006 passat sedan...Cognitive views of learning all the rest are TDI's and we even have an e-golf (NICE car, for another discussion...) and while the convenience electronics on this passat are crude by modern standards it still rides great, has gobs of interior room, is very comfortable...Cognitive views of learning even with the spring kit... And with a new interior and paint job I'll be into it for about 1/4 the cost of a 2015 TDI. So what if it revs about 500RPM higher at speed?Cognitive views of learning I still think I'll be able to squeeze 47-48MPG out of it on a long trip. It would take a long time to make up the fuel savings! Like you, I just can't justify the costs...Cognitive views of learning and it's a darn nice car, all things considered.

The "new-Q", right! Beautiful bridge. A new TDI would be great, but, the price is right for fixing up this passat wagon.Cognitive views of learning I've had golf's and jetta's, old and newer, and our first TDI was a 2006 passat sedan... All the rest are TDI's and we even have an e-golf (NICE car, for another discussion...) and while the convenience electronics on this passat are crude by modern standards it still rides great, has gobs of interior room, is very comfortable...Cognitive views of learning even with the spring kit... And with a new interior and paint job I'll be into it for about 1/4 the cost of a 2015 TDI. So what if it revs about 500RPM higher at speed?Cognitive views of learning I still think I'll be able to squeeze 47-48MPG out of it on a long trip. It would take a long time to make up the fuel savings! Like you, I just can't justify the costs...Cognitive views of learning and it's a darn nice car, all things considered.

Seriously though, this generation of volkswagens (mk4/b5) is still my favorite. The total cost ill be into my car is much less than a "new" 2015 and its not a boat like the new passats.Cognitive views of learning I haven't really been in anything too new to really compare, but the kenwood radio I have + android auto on my phone is all I need in the car.Cognitive views of learning everything else is just a distraction or annoying IMO. I never have to touch or look at my phone either, just say "ok google play/open/reply etc..." and listen to the instructions.Cognitive views of learning

OK, so I've lived with this car for a few months, commute 35 miles each way every day. So far, I have mostly positive things to say about the build.Cognitive views of learning LOVE the engine work. The stage 2 tune is perfect. The car should have been shipped that way, IMHO. The heavier clutch is no problem for me, I used to be a VOLVO guy back in the 70's...Cognitive views of learning those huge clutches were about the same feel, nothing too strenuous. I am learning to love the 5-speed, would like another gear... NO PROBLEM at all with fran's parts, shifts are crisp and tight.Cognitive views of learning I highly recommend his services, it's been a great experience. Superb quality on the parts. Mike mccann has been great. His work is first-rate and his prices fair.Cognitive views of learning we did have a minor coolant leak after a few weeks driving that was the temp sensor and housing issue, I'm sure it was just time do do it, normal wear, and mike took care of it.Cognitive views of learning I might suggest that if anyone is doing a similar swap with an unknown service record on the project car's engine to just go ahead and change these parts out while the tranny is out.Cognitive views of learning

NOW FOR THE NOT SO GREAT: I am LESS than happy with the suspension mods I made... But that's not the car's fault. I put some lowering, tighter H&R springs and red KONI's on it.Cognitive views of learning I LOVE the way it rides and handles on the highway, on smooth roads... It's amazing. I can take typical ramps and merges pretty much flat-out if I wanted to, the suspension just sticks...Cognitive views of learning handles flat, very nice. Get it on ANY bumpy urban surface and the car is almost un-drivable. I do think I'll be putting stock springs back on it.Cognitive views of learning