OT: Volkswagen ownership experience? Options

[Cracker]

Beyond the cheating scandal...does anyone have direct ownership experience? Are there years or models to stay away from? I am thinking of a used car for my son - heading to college next month. Thanks in advance!

Tony

[mlindner]

I've had many VW's, last four a 2000 Jetta TDI 450,000mile, another 2000 TDI with 350,000 miles, a 2005 2.5 with 200,000 miles and a 2012 Passat TDI. The Passat should have been a piece of junk......first month of production, all new plant(Chattanooga plant) and new employee's.....four years later with 130,000miles the car was perfect, never had to go into VW for any service, just perfect. But then had to give back to VW. I bought the new Golf Sport wagon four motion. I've had a lot of cars, service has been better in the past with Honda/Toyota, but they don't drive as well. VW is a real drivers car and now with great reliability. Best, Mark

[poorsche914]

Whatever you do, STAY AWAY FROM THE AUTOMATICS (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

I have a 2005 Jetta TDI with Tiptronic. At around 200k, started having issues with not going into gear until warmed up. Took a couple minutes at first but after a few months, was taking as long as 20 minutes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) Replaced the solenoids ($300 and a few hours) and problem solved. Rest of car is holding up well.

Bought a 2004 New Beetle Convertible with transmission issues (tiptronic). Thought it would be an easy fix. Supposedly had a new valve body. After reading the forums, concluded it was a mechanical issue within the unit itself. 2.0 ran well. Interior of car was coming apart. Sold the car last week.

My daughter has a 2003 Jetta TDI with Tiptronic that developed shifting issues. I haven't had a chance to mess with it and she has parked it and moved on. I am hoping solenoids will fix that one. Rest of car is holding up well.

VAG-COM diagnostic tool has been a great investment!

The 5-speed manuals are great fun. And I prefer the driving feel of a VW over a Honda (owned a 2000 Civic - over 225k miles - only had to replace the radiator!) and current wife's daily driver, a Kia Soul (great car).