1998 Volkswagen Passat GLS review from North America

OK - Where to start? I've had this car for about four years and 50k miles. While it looks fantastic and is extremely comfortable, it is a nightmare. I bought the car from a private seller, I am the third owner. Other than normal wear and tear the car was in great condition. The problems started about a couple of months after buying it and have never stopped since. I have had to replace pretty much everything on this car and here's the list and costs associated with this:

- Sway bar links

(Total $60)

- Ignition control unit

- Upper engine gasket

(Total $1000)

- Lower front control arm om both sides

(Total $450)

- Lower back control arm on passenger side

($Total 150)

- Passenger side wheel bearing (3 TIMES!!!)

(Total $1000)

- Ignition coils

(Total $300)

- Timing Belt

(Total $400)

- Exhaust

(Total $300)

Total cost this far: $3,660 only in repairs, that's not including the expensive Syn oil or any other regular maintenance. Please also note that total cost includes parts + labor, but many of these things I've changed myself so I saved a lot on labor.

Known issues at this point are as follow:

Bad upper control arms on passenger side and lower back control arm on passenger side (Yes, the one I changed about 1.5 years ago!). I just bought the parts and will replace myself this weekend ($360) total. Engine pressure is low. There is an oil leak where I have oil in my turbo hose (I don't know whether this is normal or not, nor care at this point). I have to top the oil every 1000 miles. My check engine light keeps coming on and off and I'm afraid to have it checked. As long as the car drives I won't. The gasket I've replaced is starting to leak again and I have oil leaking in my spark-plugs chambers.

The only reason I'm replacing the arms is because I'm afraid of losing control of the vehicle, otherwise, I am done investing more money in this car.

It is comfortable, but has a noisy interior.