Faults:

Only two trivial problems. The taillight lenses were scratched (which IMHO is why I got such a superb price). The key function of the trunk latch has had to be fixed a couple of times (and is currently not working). But it works via the remote and through the inside switch, so that's not much of a problem.

I was alarmed to receive a recall notice for the ignition coil issue yesterday, but haven't noticed any problems there.

General Comments:

The combination of performance, handling, fuel economy and interior quietness is amazing. This is the base model (velour seats, etc., with Monsoon sound system and CD changer the only "extra"), but it seems like a luxury car -- for under $21K! I also love the strong, but still forgiving German-style suspension. The car is whatever you want it to be -- family car, sports car, you name it.

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:

Mysterious electrical problem at 30,000 miles. Everything was great with this car until, on rare occasions, when started the gear shift indicator lights up entirely, indicating the car is in every gear at the same time, and also in "Park." If I shift into "Reverse" it does so with harsh thud. If I simply turn the car off and re-start it, everything is fine. On rarer occasions the entire gear indicator has lit up when I go into "Reverse." Dealer could not get the problem to duplicate itself today. Everything seems fine again, for now. Has anyone else had this problem?

General Comments:

This car is so smooth, making it a dream to drive either in town or on the highway.

The fit and finish is perfect.

The interior is first class all the way around.

Faults:

Everything was fantastic until the well documented dreaded coils problem reared its ugly head. The car experienced power loss. This happened today right around 40K miles.

General Comments:

The service center at VW stayed overtime to fix our coils after I complained. But they did a quick and excellent job to take care of the problem.

Other comments... for a 4 cylinder engine, this car is very powerful and handles excellently.

I love this car, but am not sure I would buy from VW again b/c of the way they handled the coils issue in general.

Faults:

The 'Check Engine' light came on around 25,000 miles. Made no difference in how the car drove. The dealer stated that it was an emissions problem and fixed it under warranty. I have had no mechanical problems otherwise.

The interior door handle frames tend to scratch easily. Otherwise the interior is of exceptional quality and design.

General Comments:

Exceptionally smooth engine.

Plenty of torque and power.

The Triptronic transmission is great.

Cabin looks and feels upper class.

Faults:

Leather is starting to wear and look bad.

Brake pads & rotors need to be replaced when last major maintenance at 22k miles indicated that brake pads & rotors were fine.

Had to take to dealer to repair blown fuse because the engineering of the car does not allow a regular car-owner to get to the fuses themselves.

Terrible customer service, was told that the horrible warping was my fault for driving with the E-Brake on, which does not happen because I don't usually use the E-Brake.

One of the tailpipes is loose and hangs below the other - has been this way since I bought the car.

General Comments:

Have been a loyal Volkswagen owner for many years, I am very unhappy with the dealer service and overall customer service. Will not buy another Volkswagen again and am looking to get rid of this one ASAP.