1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX VR6 with a 5-speed Manual
Contents
For September 16, 2021, our used car find is this unusually well-kept and original 1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX sedan with 85k miles and a five-speed manual transmission. It’s offered on Craigslist by a private seller in the Fort Myers area for $6700 or best offer.
Here’s what makes this one special.
Introduction
Though VW’s large family car had been around since the early 1970s, it seems relatively new in the US thanks to several name changes over the years. It was first known here as the Dasher. Then in the 80s it became the Quantum. Finally in 1990, it was badged on our shores (just like everywhere else) as the Passat.
All those name changes might be why the car was somewhat misunderstood in America. The Passat never sold quite as well here as VW hoped. It was long overshadowed by their more familiar small-car offerings, such as the Jetta and the Golf. But the car itself was quite good, delivering the sure-footed and fun-to-drive spirit of a Volkswagen in a family-friendly package.
The Passat really hit its stride when VW dropped its sweet-sounding narrow-angle V6 (or “VR6” in VW lingo) into the engine bay. That first happened in the final years of the third Passat generation (B3). And auto journalists of the day raved about it. Car and Driver wrote, “The VR6’s 38-hp boost over the base 134-hp four-cylinder transforms the formerly mild-mannered Passat into a deceptively quick ally.”
For 1995, VW refreshed the car with a traditional grille and an upgraded interior (complete with modern touches like front airbags, which finally eliminated those silly motorized belts). Fortunately, they kept the VR6 in the mix, too. Thus the B4 generation Passat was born. It got even better reviews than the B3 it replaced. In fact, in this video review, MotorWeek called it the “Euro sedan bargain of the year.”
The Listing
This particular car hails from the first year of the B4 generation, and it’s specced pretty much exactly as you’d want: in top GLX trim with the VR6 engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox. Rowing your own gears is a big part of the fun with these cars because the VR6 makes most of its power near the top of the rev range. And that’s also where it makes some absolutely amazing sounds.
This one is about as nicely preserved as you could hope for, looking almost showroom-fresh inside and out. You can’t really say that about many Volkswagens that are 25+ years old.
In the words of the seller…
1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX VR6 Wolfsburg Edition – Clean CarFax, 85K Miles, 5-Speed Manual, Cold AC, Power Windows, New Tires, Nakamichi Stereo, Turbo Muffler, No Rust, Runs Very Well. Very Good Cosmetic and Mechanical Condition – Can Be Daily Driven.
Includes new set of 17 inch Sparco Wheels with New Kumho Tires,
Needs a few interior trim pieces, sunroof works intermittently, Shifter’s a little loose and could use a bushing.
Clean Title in hand.
The only flaws noted by the seller are relatively minor and mostly cosmetic. Assuming everything checks out, the asking price of $6700 seems quite reasonable for such a clean and desirable specimen.
We’d guess it would fetch quite a bit more if it were to find its way onto Bring a Trailer.
Details and Specs
- 1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX sedan (B4)
- 85,215 miles
- 2.8-liter narrow-angle V6 engine (VR6)
- 172 hp @ 5800 rpm
- 177 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
- five-speed manual transmission
- front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Storm Gray exterior
- charcoal cloth interior
- for sale by owner
- $6700 (or best offer)
- Naples, Florida
Photos
