>What are you planning to do with it? The Golf is small by US standards. I had a VR6 and subsequently learned deep respect for the Passat 4-Motion, either the W8 or the standard V6. Every year the dealer asks me to trade mine in. Every year, I cannot think of a reason why I'd want to do that. That's not something I ever experienced before.

I've read good things about the new 2006 GTI and the price seems reasonable at around $25K. It just looks like a cool car. Quick/fast with good fuel eco. I spoke to few VW dealers and they said the VW will be competing with Audi and low end M-Benz. The Passat that you spoke of will not be your dad's Passat, if you know what I mean. :)
I don't expect to see the GTI or the new Passat in the states until September or November.

VW already added a sadan to their portfolio at some ridculous price of about $60,000. I forget what they call that thing....

I plan on trading in my current 1992 Lexus ES300 that I bought at an auction back in 1994. It has served me well, but it's showing signs of aging. Busted steering wheel motor. Busted water pump. Now it's showing signs of transmission problems. The engine still purs like a kitten. I'm gonna hate to give it up... After over five years w/o any car payment, I may need to bite the bullet and get a car again...car payments - YUK! ~sigh~