Faults:

Exhaust was on its last legs when the car was bought - replaced for 450 euros (including cheapo new parts).

Replaced both back wheel bearings within a year of purchase (35 euros each time including cheapo parts).

Rust in the corners of all doors. Back door (5th) rusted especially badly - apparently a common problem with this model.

General Comments:

I purchased this car for 300 euros shortly after moving to Germany with a purpose of getting used to driving on the right-hand side of the road (lived in Australia before) and getting rid of what's left of the car a few months down the track.

Now 3 years later I am preparing for the fact that I will have to part with it shortly - there is too much rust and the mechanics "promised" me I will not pass the next TÜV/MOT/Rego/Technical in November.

Using 8-9 litres of petrol /100 kms, this car took me all over Western and Eastern Europe. I have driven it at the speeds of 175 kms/hour for over 2 hours at a time and never had any problems. Last long trip was to Slovakia - over 500 kms each way in comfort.

Huge inside, comfortable, a little bit on the ugly side, but nevertheless your best mate in any weather.

Changed oil and filters once, added oil once.

Would have driven this car for the next 5 years (despite the funny looks of many German "perfectionists") if not for the technical examination, which the car has no chance of passing.

Very popular in poorer European countries for its durability and low cost of breakage.

Faults:

Sensor went out.

ABS brake system replaced (dealership cost).

Replaced front exhaust.

Alarm system went out.

Light bulb out (replaced driver's front / passenger rear).

General Comments:

Car drives great after all was fixed. This was about 4 years after having the car.

It's handles very well (for a a wagon), and has a lot of pull.

Faults:

No major issues as I read in this forum... I have only had regular maintenance issues.

General Comments:

Great car in terms of the drive, comfort, looks, safety...

Faults:

Fuel Pump died on turnpike at 60,000 miles. Received recall notice 3 months later. Got reimbursed, but not for the day of work I missed.

Took 3 separate trips to dealer to replace emissions solenoid valve and correct persistent check engine light.

Brakes replaced at 45K miles.

Dealer closed service bay door onto roof and rear window (shattering window). Tried to fix vehicle without telling me about it.

Rear taillight switch and thermostat switch replaced at 85000 due to codes showing in computer.

Every major 'routine' service of this vehicle at the dealer costs at least $500. How is this possible?

General Comments:

Car is seriously smooth and drives well. Moderate pickup from a dead stop, but loves to run on the highway. Handling still feels solid after 85,000 miles.

Interior is very nice and well thought out. Everything is in the right place. It definitely has a German feel... not your parent's Volkswagen on the inside.

Mileage could be better. 23 on the highway is a little low especially with premium fuel.

Faults:

This car has been nothing, but problems since I bought it. The first day I had to return the car for repairs due to a stalling problem, that should have been the fist clue.

The cup holder broke off.

The lining is falling down.

There is no glove compartment, this is especially inconvenient since there is no space for registration, insurance, maybe a vehicle manual.

The door are very hard to open from the outside. at 101000 miles I had to replace the driver side door handle and lock, just that was 230.00 bucks.

The sunroof/moon roof button came off so now the sunroof is inoperable.

And last, but not least now the transmission is slipping.

General Comments:

I honestly read all of these past reviews before I bought my car thinking that there weren't many major problems I went ahead and bought it anyway. I would definetely not suggest this particular vehicle to anyone. Everything is so expensive to fix, regular parts are outrageous. Overall this is the most undependable car I've ever had, and I've had a few.