They're not Hondas or Toyotas.  But they don't drive like a Honda or Toyota
either. :)

I have the general impression that this is more or less the case.  From my
own experience it's ranged from "rather disappointing" to "didn't totally
suck" depending on the dealer.  The key is finding either the right (good)
dealer or the right independent shop.

I've got an '02 Jetta Wagon auto trans TDi and love it except that it leaks
in a hard rain. Though fighting with the subroof drain seems to have that
cured. But I'm still waiting before I decide the problem is over. Other
then this though I couldn't be more pleased. I particularly like that one
of the 'gas' stations in my area carries B20, buying the soybeans literally
from local farmers. There is no greater satisfaction then knowing 20 cents
of every dollar in fuel is going to local farmers and not to bin Laden and
his buddies. (I know it still keeps oil prices high, but allow me my
illusions)

fundamentalism, fundamentally wrong.

In 1998 I leased an Audi A4 V6 Avant, when the lease was up I leased a
2000.5 Passat V6 Wagon, when that lease was up I leased a 2004 V6 Touareg,
then I purchased a 2003 Jetta GLX, when the 2004 Touareg lease was up I
leased a 2007 Touareg V6.

All of the vehicles were acquired and serviced at the same dealership.
During this period (almost 7 years and more than 200,000 miles) I have not
had any problems with any of the vehicles.

Guess what brand my next car will be?

Depends on the dealer.  And it's probably best to buy an extended
warranty if you're going to keep the car after the factory warranty runs
out.  VWs have many fine qualities but they definitely require more
repairs.  

With respect the the 2006 TDI...I wouldn't buy one.  You will almost
certainly have to pay full sticker price PLUS IMO they're overpriced to
start with.  VW will be bringing out improved diesels in 2008 and other
manufacturers will also join the diesel club soon.  For example, Honda
will be selling a 2.4 diesel Accord (a cleaner version of one that they
already sell in Europe) in 2009.

Bill

78 Rabbit...10/77 - 4/02   82 Convertibles(s)...since 93  
95 Golf GL...since 11/99  
07 Passat 2.0T
06 GTI DSG

Take out the CAT to reply by email

My general take on VWs is that they are not "owner-friendly" cars in
the same way as those from the Pacific Rim, nor are they as elaborate
as are most US-flag vehicles.

They require scrupulous maintenance for a fact, something that
(apparently) few dealer-shops are willing to undertake and some owners
find shocking in cost. Diesels are just a bit "more-so" in this regard
as well. Then, anyone coming from a "loaded" US-flag car... pick
one... Taurus, Impala, whatever, will find the VW rather sparton in
interior appearance.

That being written, if properly and carefully maintained they will run
near-as-matters forever. We are presently running an 87 Westie with
328,000 miles on it (second engine). We  have gotten six figures out
of three diesels, but size requirements have taken us to larger Euro-
wagons (Saab & Volvo) as the Passat is mightily costly (and thirsty,
and slow) as compared to either of these... which I found quite
surprising when we were doing the research. We also run a 99 Winnie,
but that is a baby at 62,000 miles.

We also have access to a very good shop that is well-equipped, has
been in operation, owned and managed by the same family for over 40
years, and is reasonable in cost (Hillside Auto, Jenkintown, PA). That
it also happens to be within brisk walking distance is a help. And the
local dealers are pretty good as well. Without this level of support
we would not run Euro-cars. Period.

So, if you are vague about oil-changes, and find the "recommended
service intervals" to be suggestions only, DO NOT get a VW (or Volvo,
or Saab, as it happens).

Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA