Faults:

My check engine light goes on and off at times, so it's hard to tell if there really is something wrong with it.

The plastic on the interior of my doors is also peeling.

One hinge on the glove compartment is broken.

Had to replace my driver's side window once already because it got stuck down.

Smells like crayons. Thought it was just my car, but apparently it's everyone's.

The seat fabric attracts all kinds of material.

Faults:

The coolant line has burst twice in the two years I've had it.

I've had three mechanics look at it to try and determine why it drains batteries over and over. (replaced the battery 3 times in less than 20,000 miles.) there is apparently some electrical problem that no one can track down, therefore every time it has problems and they can't find it so they just wind up replacing the battery, it costs a minimum of $200 with all the extra labor. In the few years I had this car (also had a Honda civic during this same time with twice the miles and never spent a dime on extra maintenance.) it's cost me more money than the last two Hondas we've had put together.

General Comments:

Interior materials used are horrible, seats collect lint that is impossible to remove, plastic coating on door handles and console is peeling, interior smells like melting crayons in the summer.

Oil changes are also very expensive, needs synthetic oil, and a lot of it. Also requires a more expensive oil filter. And those are the minor problems. The auto roll down feature on the driver side window is broken.

This is the worst purchase I've ever made, and I got it for $10,000 in 2005 with less than 50,000 miles on it.

It is fast and fun to drive and it looks cool... when it's working.

Faults:

Two days after buying this car, I had to have the wiring system replaced. Extended warranty purchased would not cover it... about a $1500 repair.

Shortly after, it was the mass flow air sensor, a/c, new tires, several headlights, airbag light, break light switch.

Catalytic converter was replaced under warranty @ 78,000.

Coil pack replaced @ 85,000. (VW Dealership wanted $1000, and I got it done for $450) Had received a letter about the coil pack being under recall/extended warranty, but per usual, my car just didn't seem to meet eligibility.

Catalytic converter replaced a second time @ 98,000. (VW dealership wanted $1400, I got it done for $500.) Again, my car did not meet eligibility for the extended warranty.

Common problems I've just learned to live with: when using electric windows the headlights dim considerably, inside arm of driver side the plastic is peeling, seat memory works only on occassion, horrible gas mileage, MIL light will never shut off (For the mere 2 years I've owned this car, the MIL light has been on about 95% of the time.), musty smell when no air is on, CD changer won't change cds during winter months (anything under 50 degrees)...and the list goes on forever...

Best advice: if you're going to buy a VW, try to find a non dealership mechanic that will help you, you will save a massive amount of money. (@ $80/hr just for labor, its well worth the research!)

General Comments:

LOVED this car when I test-drove it. Still love driving it, but it's hunger for my hard earned moolah is a getting a little ridiculous!

Another thing I've noticed is that the car smells like crayons. I thought it was just mine, until I read some other reviews, seems strange that this is a common problem.

I had previously owned a 93 Grand Am and was so excited to step up to a "luxury" car. Little did I know that "luxury" meant never-ending trips to the dealership for repairs, recalls that never seemed to be available to my car, yet I was receiving mail from VWoA all the time.

This car is a great looking, and loads of fun to drive, but only buy it if you can afford the repairs you are destined to have to perform.