Faults:

When I first bought the car, the thermostat had to be changed. at 132,000 kms.

Airbag light came on (meaning new airbag module) at 133,000 kms.

Then the day came... My timing chain broke on the side of the highway. That said, my valves, camshaft, chain, etc.. ALL needed to be changed, and with the money involved on fixing that... i could have bought my self a new car.

Car went into 2nd gear rough sometimes when down shifting.

General Comments:

Very strong, fun, and smooth riding car. Just super pricey to maintain.

Faults:

MAF replaced - 165000km - $115.

Rear wheel bearing replaced - 195000km - $200.

Serpentine belt tensioner replaced - 210000km - $80.

General Comments:

Pros:

Not much money is required to add performance to these cars; $600 will give you around +35 HP and +70 ft/lbs if done right (remember, you drive mostly torque).

It handles better than well, feels solid, accelerates quickly, very good for everyday driving.

Gets 50+ MPG highway.

Heated seats are amazing, dash lighting looks way better than most cars.

It is fairly roomy up front, even for a taller person (6'3").

Cons:

The car rides very low, so you have to be careful sometimes (if you rip your oil pan off like some people have reported, you really should learn how to drive better).

When cold out, it takes a long time to get heat in the cabin.

Pretty much no leg room in the back seats.

Oil changes are more expensive than a gas car. Using the proper 100% synthetic oil, they are around $55 if done yourself.

A Word for Potential Buyers:

Avoid the dealership; almost every price they give you can be cut in half by either ordering the parts yourself, or even going to a reputable private shop.

Make sure you understand how the car is supposed to be driven, it is not a gasser.

Go to www.tdiclub.com; seriously, it will be well worth your while.

My Verdict:

As long as maintenance is kept up, and you put a little effort into knowing the car and how it works, it is reliable, economical, and performs well.

Faults:

I've had some normal problems that most others have had:

The biggest problem I've had is kind of at fault of the previous owner, and kind of at fault of VW. I'm guessing the only person that owned it before me was a tailgater or a NASCAR fan, because my windshield and bumper and hood all have small checks and chips in it. Which has caused my clear-coat to start chipping away. However, it's also started on my mirror covers and on my roof. If you've had this problem as well, I was recommended to use Linseed Oil to keep it from hurting the paint. I figured out that if you wipe on a coat of linseed oil until it hardens, then wipe it down and wax it, it stays looking almost new for a couple of months.

The light behind the climate control is indecisive.

The clip that holds my arm rest closed JUST broke the other day. Clip just came out. I can still get into my arm rest pretty easily. I just lift it. Lol.

The ash tray in the back seat won't stay closed. I don't smoke, so I don't care.

The right side of the glove box is broke, but it still operates as it should.

Other than those issues. I've had no problems with the windows, MAF sensor, door locks, brakes (which I haven't changed since I've had the car, almost 30k miles. I'm a big fan of down-shifting, and it's saved me on brakes. I still have well over half my pads left.) or anything else they named. I guess I'm fortunate.

I got a bad batch of gas and I hit a curb, which bent my lower control arm and strut. But those were both my fault and the gas station's fault.

Other than that, I just replaced my original plugs and fuel filter, and I'm getting ready to get some new plug wires. They lasted me 134k, which is pretty dadgum good if you ask me.

I would most definately highly recommend this vehicle to anyone. It's been a great car, and I'm sure it will be for a lot longer. Just take care of it and it will take care of you.

General Comments:

The VR6 is so peppy. I love it. I can cut around corners and stop on a dime. GREAT CAR!