Faults:

Well to start off, this is my first car. I got it on my 16th birthday and was totally thrilled, boy was I wrong. Everything went fine until winter rolled around and there was no heat. I had to get it serviced so I wouldn't freeze.

Next my car, when I was stopped, would flash the lights brake and ABS on my dashboard, followed by 3 repetitive beeps. And then, my car would turn off so I would have to put the car in park and turn it off, and restart it. A big pain in the, but. It also happened when driving, but my car wouldn't turn off, thank God. I have taken my car all over the place to get it fixed, but nothings come up as a problem.

If anyone else has this problem or the solution I would greatly appreciate your advice.

Next, when I drive and reach about 40 mph my car like studders and I get major whiplash. It will also jump from like 2rpm to 5 rpm out of no where and once again cause whiplash.

General Comments:

I love my car, but I think she hates me.

It definitely isn't the car I would chose for a first time driver, or any driver, even though its cute.

Faults:

This car ticks me off sometimes, It hasn't gone completely nuts, but its almost there, I can sense it.

Interior is the most troubling.

Window roller broke;

Cup holder in the back is broken;

At night when lights are turned on, AC lights (below sterio) don't light up;

Key-less entry doesn't work (took to the dealer, said he fixed it, the second day I have the same problem, wasted time and money)

Glove Compartments broke;

Bumper stared coming out without me hitting anything;

General Comments:

Car runs great, the engine is very nice and fast, but small things such as interior plastic cheap parts breaking costs money. You might think its just small parts, but it adds up.

I don't know its its just my bad luck or it's a general problem (from what I see in these forums, its general)

Car looks great, but looks are deceiving.

Faults:

VW no longer means quality and I will NEVER buy another one. But if you don't believe me, read on. I’ve never kept a log, but now I’m going to after this car (best guesses on costs and mileage).

• Cheap, cheap, cheap (did I mention cheap) brakes. <cost me - $500 at 30K, gonna have to do everything again, costing me $1200 - and I drive with the clutch).

• Laughable, poor electrical system (the headlights dim when you open/close a window) <didn’t fix>

• Cheap wiper blades – replaced at 5K

• Floor mats keep popping off mounts

• Cheap drivetrain - tires, shocks, struts. <Tires cost me - $450, shocks and struts if I do ‘em - $1000-$1100)

• Poor fuel system (entirely rebuilt at 70K) <cost me - $900> Still runs rough or has problems starting sometimes.

• Glove compartment broke <didn’t fix – would have cost $200>

• Mirror switch broke off <Cost me - $35>

• Catalytic convert broke <Cost me - $500> (started with a light rattle at 60K and just got progressively worse)

• Center arm rest broke <didn’t fix – cost was $150)

• Mass air flow sensor replaced <cost me - $150> also had the O2 replaced, think that ran me like $50. You can expect to do this every 1/2 year or so.

• AC needs recharging almost every year <at $150 a pop, I use it sparingly>

• Front Driver door rattles - <lived with it since I’ve heard of too many failures of people trying to get it fixed>

• Check engine light is on so often that I’ve given up trying to make it go off (waiting for it to burn out).

• Back lights (brake, driving, and turn) cheap, all died before 50,000. Too bad the check engine light isn't cheap.

• Front grill pops off and I have to snap it back on every now and then.

• The front door locks stick sometimes (so the car doesn’t lock)

• Rear cup holder broke (we’ve used it maybe 3 times!)

• Various squeaks and rattles too annoying to find/fix/pay for

• It's a pain to keep clean.

General Comments:

So…

After 5 years of ownership (loan, costs, insurance, repairs) – almost $40,000. Here's how it breaks down:

Above and beyond needed repairs: +$3000

Additional, would be nice to have, repairs - +$2500.

Yearly costs – $7310, which break down to:

Payments - $392.50 monthy, $4710 yearly

Gas – 600 gal @ $2.15 per - ~$1300

Insurance - $800 a year

Oil changes, tune-ups and misc wear and tear per year - $500.

What I’m waiting for to fail next:

• Transmission

• Fuel system (it’s running rough again)

• Windows.

Good points –

• Looks good

• Stereo is loud (hides the squeaks and rattles)

• 34 MPG.

It used to be fun to drive, now I’m just waiting for the next big bill.