So far, the only things that have happened to the car were completely cosmetic things basically except for a transmission problem which can be attributed to the previous owner not taking care of the car. The headlamp is broken (rock hit it on the freeway), the mirror glass shattered (me not paying attention when backing out), etc. Things of that nature. With the tranny the carrier bearings are out. Pretty common on these cars when they aren't well maintained.
I have had 7 Volkswagens, and I don't intend to buy anything else for awhile. They are magnificent little cars as long as you treat them responsibly. People who have issues with VW's are generally the same people who will never do preventative maintainance to the car and then complain when it dies. It's your fault, not the dubs. I have never had problems with my cars that I can say weren't my fault. You treat a VW well and it will repay you by running forever, always driving like a fun car should, and starting even in the coldest weather. (Minneapolis, MN! EEK!)
Our family has also had good VWs in the PAST (1978 Rabbit, 1979 Rabbit, 1986 Golf, 1986 Westfalia, 1987 Jetta, 1994 Jetta). However, my 2002 VW Jetta is a lemon. Two auto transmission replacements in the car's first year? Ahhh...not due to lack of maintenance. ALL of my 2002 Jetta problems have been with leaking seals. After checking reviews and speaking with other VW owners, I am not alone. VWs' quality is on a downward slide. TIME magazine Dec. 8, 2003. Check it out.
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