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

[ThePaintedMan]

We just had a big discussion on this in the Sandbox. We basically came down to all VAG products suck after 2000 or so. I happen to have just bought a 2004 Audi A4, which is basically a Passat with the 1.8 turbo. For me, most of the maintenance has already been done, but I did need to replace the coil/FI harnesses, new valve cover gasket and cam timing solenoid. No sludge but you'd need one of those cheap USB cameras to check the one you're looking at. I am impressed with the build quality of MY car, but in general, I think all German cars are overpriced for the shitty quality they've become known for in the past 15 years. A Honda/Yota/Nissan or even better, a Suby is a much better option for any college student. Kia and Hyundai have REALLY stepped up their game in the past 2-3 years as well.

Come to think of it, my F-150 has 250k miles on it and I'm still happy with it, even though it's a 1997. Stay away from the 5.4 and you can't go wrong. Super cheap and man, I wish I had a truck while I was in college. Miatas are also bulletproof, but not as convenient if/when he has to move out of the dorm.