Faults:

Approx 4 months ago I had a warning light for low oil pressure, turns out the oil pump needed replacing, I was told this is very rare on VW's and not to expect a full recovery, but everything is now fine.

General Comments:

Good acceleration and responsive into corners.

However you can get a similar performance statistic from the 150ps diesel version with far better economy.

Interior is well put together and the recaro's keep you firmly in your place.

I am not overly keen on the wood effect door and dash trim.

Faults:

Before I came to own the car, the following work had been carried out:

At 18511 miles the airbag slipring had to be replaced.

At 26532 miles the cylinder head and head gasket had to be replaced, along with the manifold gasket.

At 34038 miles it was noted that there was noise from the catalytic converter, but nothing was done. There was also a note about oil consumption.

Since I have owned the car:

Stiff gear selector, especially going into 1st gear.

At 46000 miles, the EGR valve was replaced.

At 51194 miles, the offside front shock absorber had to be replaced.

At 53344 miles, the catalytic converter was replaced.

At 56828 miles, the EGR valve had to be replaced again - not even a year and a half since the first time.

Now at 68000 miles, the EGR valve needs to be replaced again, and they have decided that they need to do the head gasket AGAIN! The suspension is also in need of repair, and I can feel every little bump in the road.

I also have an intermittent leak in the drivers side foot well. We have come to the conclusion that it is something to do with the door seal.

General Comments:

In general I love the car, but it has far too many faults, so I am beginning to think that there was a manufacturing fault, especially since the head gasket had to be replaced when the car had only done 26532 miles.

It's quick and handles well, but when you are paying over £60 for a tank of petrol and using 1 litre of oil to every 250 miles, it becomes expensive, especially on top of the huge garage bills when things like the EGR valve have to be replaced.

The interior is nice and seats comfortable. It also helps that it has aircon.

Faults:

Coil pack replaced 40000 miles - caused misfire.

Anti-roll bar replaced 40000 miles - bush wear.

Acceleration sensors replaced 40000 miles - no traction control / ESP.

Steering arm replaced 45000 miles - bush wear.

Fans replaced 50000 miles - failed caused overheating.

Air mass flow sensor 50000 miles - replaced.

General Comments:

Fast car (6.9 0-62 with two gear changes!)

Very good cruiser for size - engine and 4wd transmission are excellent.

Great "apparent" build quality - interior.

Too many parts have worn / failed too quickly.

Dealer ranged from helpful to downright rude depending on individual and specific problem.

This car has become a very expensive mistake ~£2000 of repairs in 2 years.