Faults:

Transmission mount broke at 64000 miles.

Exhaust system fell off at 66000 miles.

Transmission blew at 70000 miles.

Convertible top cracked clear across at 72000 miles.

Transmission blew again at 89000 miles.

Ignition switch went out at 94000 miles.

Outer trim has fallen off.

Transmission problems at 102000 miles.

General Comments:

I've been driving stick shift since I started driving, and I have to say that this is the worst vehicle I have ever driven.

The transmission is so delicate that simply backing up a 2% grade can potentially break teeth on the reverse gear. I can't imagine anyone being able to drive this car as carefully as it has to be to keep it running.

The exhaust system rots.

A well-known problem with all Volkswagen MK3's, apparently, is the ignition switch. They all have daytime running lights, and they all have headlights that shut off when the car is off. When the ignition switch fails (and it will), the headlights will not turn on, nor will the windshield wipers or the cabin air fan. Apparently, each year and model that used this faulty item has to have a certain number of dealership orders of the part to issue a recall. In other words, some of the Volkswagens that use this faulty part have a recall for them, but others that also use the same part do not.

Faults:

There is nothing wrong with this car, it couldn't be better!!!

General Comments:

This car is very cute and is in great shape. I love ridding around with the top down. This is overall a great car, and I will keep it until it falls apart. I wouldn't trade my car for any other car in the world!!!

General Comments:

I love my car!!! It is SO cute. I would recommend this car to anyone. I don't know why so many people are complaining about them, if you have one and don't like it, sell it and get another one.

Overall this car is great, and I love sporting it around town with the top down!!!

Faults:

Cat died at 90,000 miles. Left me stranded on Minnesota's busiest highway.

Lights burn out at random. Some start working all by themselves days later.

I have heard from many Volkswagen professionals that the automatics are horrific and often like to be in 4th gear at any speed.

Love the engine so far, but every time I start it, there is a puff of black smoke and it smells of oil.

General Comments:

Cute little car. Love the convertible and the interior is very nice. This car is a Base model so there are no electronics that ruin my whole day. Just enough electronics to bring havoc into my life.

Faults:

The heated seats in this car are disapointing. They hardly warm at all. After a few trips to the dealer they were unable to fix the problem.

The convertible top started to leak after about two years. I would expect this in a less expensive car, but not in one costing about 25K when new.

Just recently the transmission had a fatal "general failure." Something in the transmission failed and was chewed up by the gears in the manual transmission. Many of the gears are now missing teeth. 77,000 and the transmission needs to be replaced. Oh and of course, they are not cheap for this car (approximately $1000 for a used one).

I've also had various electrical problems with power windows, light bulbs, dome lights, etc.

General Comments:

According too many dealership employees, my problems are common to the Cabrio.

If I could go back in time, I'd buy a Honda or Toyota.