Faults:

Seat belt latch needed repair @ 8,000 km.

Brakes rusting and cleaned @ 40,000 km.

Washer jet not working @ 60,000 km.

Transmission failed at 80,000 km from torque problem with automatic, happy with repair, but unhappy with $200 towing costs, due to dealer in another province being 30 km closer, which would have required staying in a hotel. Had our son come and wait 4 hours for tow truck that we paid for, to take the car the extra 30km to our dealer, and borrowed our son's car to complete our trip.

Faulty valve in engine replaced at 106,000 km.

Took in for servicing at 128,000 km - billed $1600 for new filters, timing belt, water pump replacements and a transmission flush (which had been done under warranty at 80,000 km see above repair). This was my stupidity, which comes from not requesting a quote and not checking my records. Will take it to the local VW mechanic not working for the dealer, from now on.

General Comments:

Love styling, handling and mileage, but do not feel confident on taking it for a long trip, now that the warranty is done. Will keep it for a local use car, but next second car will be a Honda or Toyota.

Faults:

I too have had problems with the buttons on the stereo bubble and fall off. But this has been the least of my problems.

Shortly after buying my car, while driving, it would start sputtering and then stall. After about a week, I took it to the dealership and they replaced two engine coils. This did not fix the problem. About a week later, it was back in the shop; they replaced the remaining coils and sent me on my way. The problem continued, so I took it to an out of state dealership, and after a week, they found that the temp gauge was faulty?? To be honest, I don't think they knew what was wrong with the car, because they changed every spark plug coil and fuse in the car.

Has anyone had a problem with the mirror blinkers? Mine seem to work when they feel like it, which is hardly ever.

Faults:

CD player replaced.

Four new wheel bearings.

Transmission (gearbox) replaced at 40,000 miles.

Starter replaced at 40,000.

Windshield washer hose replaced at 42,000 miles.

Car died on thruway going 65 MPH; had to get towed to dealership. Air pressure sensor and crank sensor were replaced at approx. 43,000.

Car died AGAIN on thruway going 65MPH. Engine harness is being replaced at 45,000.

General Comments:

UNRELIABLE.

Money pit.

Way too many problems within the first 4 years of ownership.

Faults:

My heater hoses blew at 60,000 km, covered by warranty.

Electrics in the drivers door quit at 85,000 km. Cost about a 1000 for a new wire harness.

Rear brake seized at 70,000 km, burning off 1 of the 2 pads on the rear passenger side. Cost 200, no warranty.

Wheel bearings and ball joints at 95,000. Cost 1000.

1000 to change the timing belt at 120,000, 800 dollars more than my last car.

Broke a spring on the front at 130,000 on a smooth road, which bent the drive axle. Cost 1500.

Recently had to replace dual mass flywheel in transmission, and have front end redone for second time. Cost 4500.

Now noticing rust on trunk lid, door sill, and fender. Cost???

General Comments:

Excellent fuel economy, reasonable performance, but maintenance is a nightmare.

Even oil changes are difficult. VW demands specific, hard to get (other than at dealer for big money) oil.

No complaints about dealer service, just wish the car was in my garage more than his.