2007 Volkswagen GTI DSG review from North America

3000kms: Rear outside hatch release freezes stuck in open position from winter weather. Needed 1/2 can of wd40 to make it let go.

5000kms: Power steering ECU failure code. Required 2 trips to dealer to reset (because aftermarket radio was interfering with scan tool. I don't understand how so please don't ask me why!)

5400kms: Air con not working. Blows hot for first 10 minutes before suddenly going cold. There is a TSB out regarding my model year's brand of compressor being faulty. Still unresolved.

5600kms: Front lower subframe making a noise. There is TSB regarding the subframe bolts. Still unresolved.

6000kms crease in roof sheetmetal forming right behind sunroof opening. No one knows why. Started small after I began using the sunroof this summer for the first time, now is very noticeable. Unresolved.

My first euro. I know about the bad reliability stories VW has, but at the time it was the only manufacturer who would take my bad credit (lost job due to illness, made it difficult to pay bills).

I like the car very much, but so many problems so early has me wishing I could have found more money to spring for extended factory warranty. My old used Toyota had over 100k kms and in the 5 years I had owned it I only needed one trip to the dealer... I've had to go to VW 3 times in less than 2 months alone. At least the VW dealer I go to has been exceptionally accommodating.

I hope it lasts until the warranty expires so that I can save up for something else, or there is hope the problems will stop beforehand (wishful thinking?).