Thanks for the reply's. I pulled the trigger on the 2014 Passat 1.8 Auto SE with roof. I will miss my GTI, fantastic car, quality, FUN, versatility and the list goes on and on. I drove the Passat home last night from the dealer at 10:30 pm! I found some "errors" on the paperwork regarding proper tax amount, MV fees so dinner didnt happen, but the net result will be worth it I believe.
Anyway I love my GTI but this Passat is a fine machine for what it is- a comfortable, solid VERY roomy and well equipped vehicle that IMO is excellent for what it is. Silly as it may seem, in addition to the compliant ride and much more "luxuriant" ride quality, I was amazed how much MORE tolerable it was to look in the automatic rear view mirror with the day/night mirror's filtering out the harshness and glare of the car's lights behind me. Odd observation I'll admit, but it's easy on the eyes, and something I ish my GTI had especially when those tall pickup trucks lights were boring into my eyeballs even when flipping the tab on the mirror. Auto mirror is great.
I was able to get very comfortable and was pleased with the 1.8 turbo automatic performance. Hey this isn't a DSG GTI, and I don't expect it to be, but for what it is says value for the buck this long time VW owner. Fuel economy and the benefit of regular vs premium.
Lastly I think the pricing aspect worked out. MSRP of $28,100. Selling price $24,102. Not bad huh from a former VW sales guy in the 80's? Trade is where they have an opportunity to make something on the deal. Initially they wanted to give me $14,000 (yeah sure). Eventually $16,000 for the trade, which is equal to $17.110 if it were a private sale when you consider that you pay tax on the difference between the sale price and trade which in this case $8,102 plux tax MV, BS doc fee plus payoff of $4,660.
Could I have better? Probably if I sold the car privately, but I don't have the time or patience, and the seamless transition into the other car as worth it. The dealer is giving another year of maintenance to mimic the previous 3 year 36,000 service vs current 2/24,000 on current VW program and extending the powertrain warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles at no additional cost. Like my GTI, this is a PZEV car too. What that means for people SOME states, is that VW at their expense will replace ANY EMISSION component at their expense for 15 years or 150,000 miles. Thats worth something too if you drive your car more than 100,000 miles. Finance program 1.59% for 72 months (ill pay off early) so my payment us up to $201.22 from $177.96 with zero cash down other than equity in the car. Last day of the month is best leverage for the buyer.
Is it worth it? It has to be, no turning back but I'm pretty satisfied and will get used to the change, but some times change is good for you.
I am really curious how the new higher 2015 HP Golf R with DSG will be. Forget I just said that.
Thanks again for the feedback everyone.