31st Aug 2014, 11:26
Yes, that is true. On some VW group cars, they actually electronically limit the revs and speed the car will do for the first few thousand miles for that reason alone, to make sure it breaks in properly, even though VW themselves admit it isn't needed as much in modern cars. Engines are better built and are much more durable than they have ever been. The things which are still temperamental on them are electronics, and trust me, in Europe, your Accords, Avensis and Mazda 6s have their fair share of problems, with cracking metal on the Toyotas, DPF filters on Mazdas letting in oil, and automatic boxes being very fragile on Hondas, not to mention the amount of recalls now infamous with Japanese cars.
31st Aug 2014, 04:37
I own a Corolla and an Audi. I am from NZ as well.
Corolla 294k - no usage of oil or water, no smoke or leaks. Service was always done by me every 10-12k.
The Audi we have is nicer to drive no doubt, but problems after problems. As someone said, maybe they are more designed for colder countries, but NZ is not a hot country either. Reliability here on Audi in general is extremely poor. Mine is a A4 B6 series; transmission fixed twice and now needs replacement. Uses oil every 5k; about 1.5 litres. Has done 103k, which I don't consider particularly high, and previously had one owner prior to me, who provided a full service history on sale.
Maybe I bought lemon, but many of my mates owning A3s or A4s go thru lots of unexpected repairs. There are loads of small things (mostly electrical), but it doesn't bother me as long as it doesn't take away full confidence of it being safe transport. Nice cars only when they drive, but repairs are too much to deal with. I like the design, so I'm still keeping it as weekend car. Next time, if I have to get a euro car, I'll get a BMW, but as alternative if reliability is my top priority, then I will get a Lexus.