Faults:

I bought a new Polo 1.3 CL, having previously owned a Golf 1.3. I had moved house 2 years previously and didn't want to risk going into debt, otherwise I'd have bought another Golf.

For the first 2 years, the Polo was reliable, but it was no good for long journeys and the performance wasn't the slightest bit exciting.

The brake cable had to be replaced after 25,000 miles.

By the time the car was 5 years old, it developed a brake fault which had to be repaired by on holiday by a mechanic.

Then came a phase of the car failing to start.

General Comments:

I tried to hold onto it for as long as I could, but finally I got fed up and after 5 and a half years it was time for the Polo to go.

I bought a new 99T Cordoba which was hardly the perfect car, but was a great deal more comfortable than the awful Polo.

Faults:

I've had this car for almost 2 years now and it's been very reliable. The only problem I have with it was having to replace the camshaft seals (warranty), and the battery went dead at 40,000 miles.

Brake jobs for most German cars are rather expensive since they recommend replacement of both rotor and pad. The tradeoff is that you get excellent performing brakes, since Germans spec a softer steel rotor to maximize pedal feel and increase performance. Basically, you can't re-use the rotor, and for good reason.

General Comments:

The only other major problem that I am currently battling VWofA with is the death of the ABS control module at 68,000 miles. For a part that rarely gets used, it's unfortunate that it decided to give up. At $1,500 a pop, it's borderline ridiculous. 2001+ Jetta's have already had their ABS units recalled, so we'll see if I have any luck. I've talked to some VW shops and a couple of VW techs and they claim that the ABS unit is malfunctioning at a high rate, but VW hasn't had the guts or marketing fortitude to to do a TSB or, gulp, recall. After their ignition coil fiasco you'd think they'd learn, but being the largest automaker in Europe has its perks, especially when get to stick your tongue out at "ugly American consumers," and not feel any wrath. I talked to a 99 Audi A4 owner who had the same problem with is ABS unit, and AudiUSA ended up repairing free-of-charge, even though it was out of warranty. The VW representative asked me why Audi did that and I replied, "I don't know, maybe they like to take care of their customer?!" She laughed and I sighed as she told me, "Sorry sir, your car is out of warranty." I guess VW has never taken a class in "Customer Service," but evidently they've aced "Accounts Receivable."