2003 VW Passat Variant W8 With Manual Box Is One Of Only 97 Sold In The USA

Technically, VW built the B5-generation Passat between 1996 and 2006, with the facelifted version, also known as the B5.5, popping up in 2001 boasting revised styling and a flagship W8 version.

This happens to be just that, a Silver over Black 2003 VW Passat B5.5 Variant, powered by a 4.0-liter W8 petrol engine, good for 275 PS (271 HP) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. The W8 also came with 4motion all-wheel drive as standard, and could hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 6.5 seconds.

According to its Bring a Trailer ad, this car is one of only 97 W8-powered wagons sold in the U.S. with a 6-speed manual transmission. It also has 115,000 miles (185,000 km) on the clock, which isn’t bad for a 15-year old family car, but it’s also no collector’s piece.

Not your everyday V-Dub wagon

Distinguishing features include the quad exhaust pipes, W8 badging, chrome roof rails and 17-inch two-piece BBS wheels. Inside, we see leather seats, wood accents, and an aftermarket Kenwood stereo with navigation and bluetooth. Looks pretty clean, aside from some light cracking on the driver’s seat.

Also, while the paint job does show some blemishes here and there, the provided Carfax indicates no accidents or other type of damage. In fact, the current seller is said to have put just 120 miles (193 km) on the car since acquiring it in 2017.