Released at a time when VW was betting the farm on a reach upscale, and with good reason since every offering from Mercedes (for whom they were gunning) looked like a Chrysler Sebring, the Passat W8 was VW's most expensive car to date.  Starting at 38k, and reaching towards 43k for the W8 wagon with Sport package, they weren't cheap.  But after having bought and driven at least 10 of them, I think they should have been priced higher.  I know, I know that would out price the A6 2.7T or 4.2.  But in many ways the W8 is the more dynamic car, without all of the Audi overhead.  Plus you could get a V8 with a manual transmission.  Not from Audi, at least not in those years, so in this way the W8 was gunning more for the 540i.  Or maybe it just slipped between the mark and sort of petered out, without the fanfare it deserved.   OK, so why buy one.  A terrific W8 4.0 liter engine, which is without a doubt the best 'smaller' displacement 8 I have ever driven.  Extremely dynamic, gobs of torque, and mated to the 5 speed transmission it's perfect.  Add to it all wheel drive borrowed from Audi, a unique interior, and features including Xenons, and you've got everything you need.  Plus, and I think this is a big plus, it's the right size.   You've got an all wheel drive well balance car, that will outrun just about anything you'd meet at a stoplight.  Why, lower weight, high torque, and excellent 4wd.  Sorry Audi, VW won this one, but no one ever heard.  I think it's too bad they discontinued the program, but now we get to buy them right.  Figure 15-20k depending on miles, year, and 6 speed.  Personally, I like the wagon best of all, it has a lower exhaust note due to slightly longer pipes.