Faults:

At around 110,000 the clutch had to be replaced. Rear wheel bearings went at around this mileage. Brake master cylinder went at around 120,000 plus other components on the braking system around the same time.

Despite these items, the car is solid & very reliable. There are very few problems & for such a large vehicle the fuel economy is not bad - average about 35mpg. I will probably keep it for a long time.

Faults:

A lot:

Spark plug wires (2 sets), cylinder head gasket, O2 Sensor, power steering (4 overhauls), tires (2 sets), injection control module, instrument cluster, fading paint, rear brake calipers, muffler (after 2 years), parking brake wires.

General Comments:

Those problems were encountered in the first 4 years of ownership. For the last 3 years the car has been pretty reliable if you consider its age (7 year, 158 000 Km). The body is still in very good shape (no rust). I now only use this car in winter and plan to sell it this summer. This car was my 7th volks and the least reliable. I now drive a Volvo V70.

Faults:

1. Central locking pump burned out. Dealer wanted 280 pounds (!!!!) just for the part but found one at a scrappie for 80 pounds.

2. Heater controls fell apart. Fixed with super-glue (Again, dealer wanted a HUGE amount of money for the proper replacement part).

General Comments:

Great car. Very comfortable and economical. Nice high gearing ratio, making it quiet on the motorway.

Faults:

After 98,000 miles the head gasket rotted due to previous owner not changing coolant regularly (despite main dealer servicing) resulting in skimming of head etc.

Heater controls only work on screen and feet due to plastic cogs on mechanism breaking up.

General Comments:

Very happy apart from above. Regularly does 35 - 40 mpg. Sometimes more on a run.

Loads of space in the back (Dog loves it).