Faults:

I spilled some oil into the engine compartment and in conjunction with running engine oil of too low a viscosity, driving the car very hard, and very hot weather, it developed some engine sludge. It never overheated, but did make a funny sound sometimes. This "problem" was my fault, and was the only thing major that the car developed. There were several recalls during my ownership of it, but I never needed to have anything repaired because it was broken.

General Comments:

This was my car while at college. In reflection, it was probably the best car for that time in my life. It had plenty of space -- I'd regularly carry four and five people. It was fun to drive, but not fast. I moved 1400 miles in it, carrying all of my stuff in it. It had an amazing sound system. It was nicely styled -- very understated.

Though I didn't drive much, I spent a lot of time in the car. I had many wonderful experiences in it, and it pretty much never failed me during the five years I had it.

Faults:

Power window, MAF and a few light bulbs.

General Comments:

After 6 years of ownership, this car is like new and a couple of problems on the beginning were taken care of under the warranty. Dealer service was great, but this will depend on the dealership.

In 6 years, I spent less than $10 on light bulbs. My brakes are still in great shape and will last 30k more.

Ride quality is above average, if not the best in its class.

The interior feels much more expensive and refined than in other cars. I would like to see more power and firmer suspension.

Faults:

Mass Air Flow sensor went about 2 weeks after I bought it

Glow plugs went after I replaced mass air flow

Engine light came on and mechanic said it was the turbo so the replaced the turbo

Engine light came back on and they replaced the turbo again

Now the engine light hasn't came on yet, but my car has lost A LOT of power.

General Comments:

I think that this car is the biggest P.O.S. ever unless it was just the mechanic whose a complete idiot.

If a turbo goes on the car 3 times within 6 months, doesn't that tell you that something other than turbo is wrong maybe? and that they should stop wasting my time on saying its the turbo and maybe check other thing. I don't know I really thought VW's were nice reliable cars, but now that I've seen it for myself, I think there not even worth over $5,000.

If anyone has a problem like this can you tell me about it and maybe let me know what it is?