Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong as yet.

When I bought the car, the 'service now' light was lit - and I was aware of VW's 40k or 4 year service, for which I was prepared.

General Comments:

Perfect mechanically.

Amazing build quality, doors, bonnet and boot give a satisfying 'thud' when closed.

Suspension is perfect, and gear changes sporty.

Great throttle response.

I was weary of some comments suggesting less response at low revs, but I haven't found this.

I’m amazed at how pleasant this car is to drive.

My one criticism would be the size. Transferring from a small two-seater to a mid-range luxury is a steep learning curve. Took about a week, and parking isn’t spot-on yet. Rear window visibility could have been better, and I would have preferred parking sensors.

Faults:

The flasher unit failed after few months. No indicators and no hazard lights available. It was replaced under guarantee.

The steering rack started to leak at 30,000 miles. After much arguing Volkswagen and the dealership paid half of the replacement and fitting. Fixing in situ was not possible. I was still stuck for over 600 euros.

The clutch master cylinder was next to fail. This time it was "tough luck" the car was out of warranty.

The same lack of backup applied when the water pump failed; we discovered this when the heater no longer worked.

We paid about 600 euros to have the timing belt replaced. In the next service I found out by accident that the dealer planned to replace the timing belt again and charge me for it. Apparently they had two maintenance computer systems, one not talking to the other.

General Comments:

This was a beautiful car to drive.

However the constant trips to the garage took all of the goodness out of the car.

Faults:

The remote central locking system developed a fault. This was caused by a faulty internal sensor which was replaced under the manufacturers warranty free of charge.

The black cloth seats get dirty very quickly especially, when you have children on board!

General Comments:

The inside is spacious and the boot cavernous.

The climate control is superb, and the seats and ride are very comfortable.

The funky dial lights take a bit of getting used to, being red and purple, but are certainly a talking point when it's dark!

The manual gear box seems quite clumsy compared with some other cars which is a shame, given the otherwise luxurious feeling of the drive.

The build quality is great and you know your in a German car when you close the doors and the car shakes.

Faults:

Oil Pressure switch required at 7,000 miles.

New clutch and gearbox bushes fitted at 12,000 miles.

New ABS (Anti Lock Braking System) wiring looms fitted at 29,000 miles.

New water pump fitted at 30,000 miles.

New turbo booster pressure pipe fitted at 39,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car is quick with excellent performance and economy.

However the ride is very firm and unforgiving.

Faults:

The dealer filled the fuel tank with unleaded petrol, which necessitated a few days in the workshop for the fuel lines and tank to be flushed/cleaned before I took delivery.

No other problems.

General Comments:

Typically German car with solid firm seats and handling. Ideal for motorway travelling, which is what it was purchased for.

Have found the Tip-tronic gearbox and additional 20bhp on the old model have increased fuel consumption. I can only manage about 45 mpg compared to low 50s.

The standard equipment that comes with the car makes it very good value for money: Climate control; Auto-changer CD stereo; Dual and side impact air-bags; Traction control; Automatic windscreen wipers; Trip computer.

With the added extras of: Leather, Cruise control and parking sensors, this is almost an executive car for a family saloon price.

Faults:

No faults.

General Comments:

A really excellent car: a great combination of practicality (estate version) and effortless driving. Especially good for long motorway journeys.