Faults:

Four ignition coil packs have gone out in 12,000 miles (at 2K, 8K, 10K and 12K miles) causing the engine light to come on and the car to lose power. I don't believe that Volkswagen has a fix for it yet, and they have agreed to repurchase my car under the California Lemon Law.

General Comments:

This is a very fun and attractive car, but it's poor reliability overshadows all else.

Faults:

The car is now in the shop for the second time in four days. Both times the check engine light came on right after starting the engine, per the users manual, I drove the car operating at 1/2 power and shaking the whole way to the dealership. Thankfully, I was within 25 miles of the dealership both times it happened.

To the dealers credit they get me in as quickly as possible (the first time) and returned the car to me within a few hours - to their discredit, I put the car back in the shop last night. The first time they fixed the ignition coil. Either I got two bad coils in a row or they didn't solve the problem the first time. We'll see what they say later today.

General Comments:

I'm feeling a little bit used by our good friends at Volkswagen. I spent what I would consider a good chunk of change on this car, which is highly touted for reliability, and am finding that the used Dodge Neon I had in college was actually more reliable. Hell, I could buy 2 or 3 neons for what I paid for this car.

Faults:

The electronic control module has been replaced twice; the first repair failed before I even pulled out of the dealer parking lot, and the second after 40 miles. The service manager joked that I had warranty work on my warranty work.

The electric wiring harness has also been replaced.

The car was found to have a faulty ignition coil.

I have owned this car for just about a month, and it has spent half of that time in the repair shop.

General Comments:

This is an extremely comfortable car.

It has great road feel and maneuverability.

The brakes are very responsive.

However, I am seriously concerned about reliability issues.

I will probably cut my losses and sell this car very quickly.

Faults:

2,500 miles: heater core leaking, coolant blowing into the car.

4,000 miles: faulty ignition coil, safety light on, had to be towed in for service.

12,000 miles: One of the 4 cylinders stopped working. Car not drivable, needed to be towed in for service.

12,500 miles: breaks worn down.

General Comments:

We bought this car for its good looks, great leg room, and all its safety features. We felt good about spending a small fortune because we would be driving our new baby in this car. We are very disappointed with its unreliability and the fact Volkswagen refuses to take any responsibility, beyond the warranty repairs.

Owning this car makes me feel very used by a large corporation that promotes safety, and yet has left me stranded on the side of the road, with my baby, for hours at a time.

When the car is working, it feels good to drive. However, at this point, I am always anticipating the next break down.