Faults:

When I bought the car, the cruise control didn't work.

Every thing else is in good working order.

General Comments:

It corners like performance sports car.

It has a lot of road noise.

The seats aren't very comfy.

BUT, I am used to a Camry, which was quiet and comfy.

I needed a cheap car, and this one has been great so far.

The air gets ice cold, and the heat is hot quickly.

The car accelerates great on the freeway, but the gears 1 through 3 are a little sluggish.

For $2,500. I think this was a great buy and I would consider buying another Volkswagen.

Faults:

Left CV axle started clicking at 81,000 miles.

Right CV axle was replaced by previous owner sometime in 2003 (part # sticker is still on it).

Running mid-grade (89 octane) makes check engine light come on. The code is "running rich", so 87 octane is all it likes.

Don't know when it started, but valve cover gasket slightly leaks, oil pan slightly leaks, and differential case leaks. These leaks are not enough to leave a puddle on the ground, but there is obvious moisture and road dirt stuck to these areas.

Cruise control ECU fried when I tried using it the first time, 20 miles after buying the car.

Ignition switch (electronic portion) is a little touchy.

Shocks and struts are rusted at the tops of the pistons--needs replacement very soon.

Couple of small rust holes in the front wheel wells from being in New Jersey for 10 years--salted roads aren't good for steel.

There's a short, fat hose that goes from the block to the air intake, and it has mostly disintegrated. Luckily I can still see the 9-digit part number.

General Comments:

Handling is very good. Jerk the wheel just a little bit and it immediately responds.

I put a new set of tires on it about 200 miles ago since the previous owner didn't know what "rotate the tires" meant. Fronts were racing slicks with the belts showing, and the rears looked brand new.

Supposed to get 24/28 (city/highway), but I get 30 in the city and 30-37 on the highway (depends on speed).

One thing I don't like is the 1st gear lock-out. Moving slow in traffic, you get to moving just enough for 2nd, and need to go into 1st, but it won't let you in over about 11mph. If it was 15-17, it would be fine.

Seats are comfortable, but driving for long periods of time hurts your arms since there isn't anywhere to rest an elbow. The door has an armrest, but unless your elbow-to-wrist is 24 inches, it serves no purpose.

Faults:

The horn stopped working around 120000 miles. has had a lot of transmisson problems.

General Comments:

This car is awsome. Even though its ten years old, it still looks stylish. its so fast too.

Faults:

FRONT Window Regulator Drivers Side $200 labor included.

REAR Windows Regulator Drivers Side & Passenger Side $400 labor included.

REAR Window Regulator Drivers Side $200 labor included.

REAR Window Regulator Passenger Side $200 labor included.

Currently FRONT Window Regulator is needing repair.

Child safety lock switch replaced $100 or more.

Starter switch $200.

2 Batteries.

Currently issue with AC Control switch (guess) since when AC is "ON" and in position 3 ac works, but does not blow. When switched to 4 blows, but AC light switches off.

Currently cruise control does not work.

Currently driver side door lock does not unlock or lock from outside.

Almost forgot Power lock switch.

General Comments:

Yes, if it's electrical it has gone bad in this car. I love the motor it's still very strong, but the costs of everything else are killing me.

I finally purchased a newer car this week and am now preping the car for sale. I'll be glad to get ride of all the electrical headaches.

Needless to say with all the window issues I reported the Trek to NTSA and VW of AM. About a year after the first 4 repairs they recalled I believe it was the 2002-1998 models, but not the 97. I was not very happy and have pledged never to buy another VW again no matter how much I love them.

VW of America was not very supportive of my situation. The funny thing is I can count on my hands and toes the number of times I used all, but the drivers side window, on my hands and toes (literally) One day out of the blue both the back windows fell. I never touched the control.