The car ran very well up until about 150K then the electrical troubles began. Everything including dash lights, fuel gage, odometer, tachometer, and running lights either didn't work at all or were very temperamental.
In cold weather, the automatic door locks and alarm were awful, sometimes not letting me in to my own car!
Finally one day the alternator went and the battery exploded.
A computer chip in the transmission went which cost $800 to replace.
Head gasket cracked at 180,000 Km. Another $800 job.
This car was fun to drive, but seemed to self-destruct at about 180,000 Km.
A great car until the planned obsolescence kicked in.
I'm wondering- with 150K how long before you thought a "repair" was going to be needed?
Just a comment regarding the dash lights... According to my mechanic (who would prefer work on just VW's), there was what he calls a "unofficial recall". Basically the bulbs in the dash loosen over time, which requires some sort of a modification that simply puts more tension on the bulbs in their sockets. He says he's done dozens, and has never had any come back to him. Costs about one hour labour, but it's way cheaper than replacement.
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