Faults:

Repaired back window washer jet.

Rear wiper blade too long (from the factory) wore paint off hatch back.

Repainted rear lid panel.

Windshield wiper arm loose.

Dash lights don't work.

Have replaced numerous head and tail light bulbs.

Replaced Mass air flow sensor.

Need to add diesel pump lubricant at each fill up - 4 litre jug @$40 (Canadian)

Replaced rear brake pads three times since purchase.

Replaced rear rotors.

Rubber seal around doors deteriorating.

VW insignia in center of wheel flew off somewhere. They're only glued on.

Passenger side seat release lever keeps coming off.

Premature replacement of tires.

Seats pill.

Shroud underneath engine ripped and cracked.

Aluminum oil pan - susceptible to fracture.

Floor mat snaps broken.

Bra trapped dirt and wore paint.

ABS died.

General Comments:

In traffic, visibility is poor for lane changing (blind spots)

In wet weather the outside mirrors are useless. Instead of the water running off it sits on the mirror impairing visibility

Takes forever for windshield to clear in cold weather.

The heat airflow distribution is poorly designed. To keep the windshield clear you forfeit warmth in the rest of the car.

Stereo system is not all its cracked up to be.

Parts are too expensive.

Poor overall paint quality.

Poor manufacturer and dealer service.

Compared to previously owned car the ergonomics make for uncomfortable long distance driving.

Faults:

The rear wiper worked or didn't work when it wanted without regard to switch position. This problem began after one year and got progressively worse. Dealer only found problem, after four complaints, when warranty expired.

Periodically, automatic door locks would unlock and interior lights would illuminate while driving car and stay on until motor turned off. First occurred during second year of ownership, frequency increased. Dealers never could/would locate problem.

Brakes locked, despite ABS. Dealers insisted they didn't.

Front seat cup holder replaced five times, thrice under warranty. Twice, I had to pay for it.

Oxygen sensor replaced four times. I was forced to pay for fourth time.

Brakes needed replacing at 22,000 miles. I'd never had to replace brakes short of 70,000 miles.

Ice accumulated inside driver door. Door buckled and curled back in lower front corner. Visits to three dealers, numerous phone calls to VW customer "care" and letters to Auburn Hills MI and Germany netted no action.

When traded in, seat and door trim were showing premature wear.

General Comments:

The seats were comfortable, though rear seat space is mean. The hatchback versatility and cargo capacity were great.

The engine (2.0l) was probably the least powerful I've ever driven, but did well enough. Average mileage was 28-31 with manual gearbox--not very good compared with Focus or Asian car makers. Shift was very smooth.

Until 2-3,000 miles, the handling was brilliant. Found myself at 50 mph on a cloverleaf ramp. After 2-3,000 miles, handling/ride deteriorated. Dealers insisted that handling and ride were normal.

While interior materials seemed more sturdy and solid than any car I'd owned before, for the first time, I had to replace or leave interior components in disrepair.

If Volkswagen had engineered and assembled this vehicle for durability and reliability, I'd have probably been a VW owner for life. Instead I feel as though I paid a premium price for sub-Korean quality.

Faults:

2 oxygen Sensors (covered by warranty)

Broken glove box hinge.

Check Engine light used to go on for no reason in the first year and has been fine since. I took it in under warranty and wasn't charged for the visits to investigate this.

Part on the rear cup holder console broke, I attribute this to passengers in a 2 door car stepping over it.

General Comments:

The Good: Overall, I think the car is fantastic.

It handles well on fast and windy roads, it is great for big city driving where you need to negotiate traffic, make several U-Turns and scamper for parking spots. It gets good mileage (30/mpg is my estimate). It is surprisingly comfortable at fast speeds on a long trip. It can haul 3 skiers and their equipment and overnight gear with ease (with one seat down), and with both rear seats down, can haul larger items that don't fit into trunks of 4 door sedans. The manual transmission handles well in the snow. If cared for regularly, I have found it very reliable. My friends love driving it.

The Bad: Low clearance. Although it can handle in the snow, if there is 8+ inches, bring a shovel, you will need it. There are several little plastic items that seem to be poorly placed or designed and therefore break easily. The lever to lift the front seat and let passengers into the back seat is one of those, as is the rear cup holder.

Parts are expensive for such a little car, super glue can save precious dollars. Trunk mounted 6-CD player performs well 99% of the time, but every so often, will act up and not read Cd's that are in the drive.

Verdict:I've had a good experience and would enthusiastically buy the car again since I live in a big city and have no children. I would not buy it if I lived in a snowy environment with poor road clearance.