17th Jul 2017, 20:51
In the past, American cars were often saddled with automatic transmissions, aftermarket A/C units, and additional features, which taxed the engines more than the European cars were designed for.
While the level of features is now about even, there are still differing expectations of reliability; driving environments; and maintenance habits, to account for.
14th Jul 2017, 20:49
Stay away from any post 2000 gas engine VW. They cost more to maintain than a Ferrari, and are notoriously unreliable and expensive to fix. My girlfriend had one; we ended up getting an older Honda Accord with higher mileage than the VW and in worse condition for less than the VW was sold for. Turns out the Honda is much more reliable and costs WAY less to own. Even my high mileage beat up 90s GM pickup is 20x more reliable and 80% less ownership cost than the VW. Why VW is still in business I don't know. They have been rated least reliable in consumer reports for years now. Heck I'd even buy a Chrysler or Kia before I touch a VW again.