I think it's time to go...

[ffoff]

Buy a mk1 mate, you'll never have any of those problems.

[djorkboy]

I'm always amused at threads like this, it's kind of like walking into a U2 concert and saying "U2 Suck" and then wondering why everyone else doesn't drop what they are doing and say "Hey, you know what? I never realised until you told me but you are right, U2 do suck".

I would guess that most of the people around here driving 10+ year old VWs would understand and accept the cost of owning a relatively high tech relatively old car (I would argue that 10 years is actually pretty old for a modern car).

You could sell a 2000 GTI for about $8000-$10,000 that should be enough to get you a 2010 Kia Rio with a couple of years factory warranty left, if you don't like paying for maintenance of your car that might be good option (just kidding)

I would agree that the cost of maintaining a VW is high, but I would dispute that the actual frequency of part failures is any higher than other comparable brands.

[dubbed]

Plus...

FAULT Lock mechanisms have a life of their own (I know the fix, but don't see the point wasting my time)
FAULT Driver's lock barrel broken and needs replacing
FAULT Boot barrel broken and needs replacing
FAULT Engine air con fan squeals on initial start up
FAULT Air con flapper is confused
FAULT Sometimes indicators don't flash (they stay on, probably a relay fault)
MAINTENANCE Suspension squeaks like crazy
MAINTENANCE (or a fault considering how often?) Brakes need attention, again
FAULT Bolt came out/snapped from one of the front suspension arms

I can accept it's old and needs repairs, but I just find it crazy how many. I'm not going to debate about VAG reliability because I've read and heard enough from other owners, reports, surveys etc.

My father in law spent $8,000 on his 7 Series BMW at 5 years. Needed new gearbox, rear suspension failed. Was in the shop for more than 6 weeks.
His other BMW a 3 Series cost $4000 at the 3 year service.

So BMW may not be as reliable as some say. Some people have a bad run other get by unscathed.


Consider the items the OP listed as being addressed already
Maintenance - Replaced water pump
Maintenance - Replaced timing belt (same time as pump went, previous owner was too tight to do pump at same time he did belt)
Maintenance - Replaced temp sensor
Fault - Replaced MAF
Fault - Clutch pedal repaired and welded
Fault - Made and installed external resistor mod for fans (internal resistors fried)
Maintenance - Machined front rotors and new pads
Maintenance - Replaced front rotors and new pads
Maintenance - Replaced dogbone mount
Maintenance - Cleared and drained sunroof pipes because of blockage
Maintenance - Five 17" tyres
Maintenance - Replaced battery
Maintenance - Standard servicing (air filter, cabin filter, oil, oil filter, wipers etc)
Maintenance - Light globes have been replaced so often it's a joke

Total 14 items
11 items are Maintenance 3 are not = 78% Maintenance

[kapowww]

Bad luck dude that's life. If you don't want the headaches then follow your brain and get the Corolla. Instead of buying a higher end second hand car buy a lower end brand newy...

[dubbed]

I'm always amused at threads like this, it's kind of like walking into a U2 concert and saying "U2 Suck" and then wondering why everyone else doesn't drop what they are doing and say "Hey, you know what? I never realised until you told me but you are right, U2 do suck".



I would agree that the cost of maintaining a VW is high, but I would dispute that the actual frequency of part failures is any higher than other comparable brands.

So you're saying other owners don't know they suck?

Fortunately you own a V6 which from my knowledge has less issues. Although if you've only had it for nine full tanks time will tell.

I think you're sorely mistaken about other brands having as frequent issues.

The point of my post is to provide knowledge to potential owners of what they might expect. If I can save someone the heartache, money, being stranded and having to get repairs done on a daily driver then I'm glad to have helped someone.

[balkanac]

My father in law spent $8,000 on his 7 Series BMW at 5 years. Needed new gearbox, rear suspension failed. Was in the shop for more than 6 weeks.
His other BMW a 3 Series cost $4000 at the 3 year service.

So BMW may not be as reliable as some say. Some people have a bad run other get by unscathed.

Tell him not to buy another 7 series and take his 3 series to a specialist, not to BMW. Imparts sells exactly the same parts BMW uses for 1/4 off the price. I dont see why should you or anyone else take their car to a dealer, they make their money on servicing, not selling cars

[JustCruisn]

Tell him not to buy another 7 series and take his 3 series to a specialist, not to BMW. Imparts sells exactly the same parts BMW uses for 1/4 off the price. I dont see why should you or anyone else take their car to a dealer, they make their money on servicing, not selling cars

Both Bemmers sold and replaced by a new 5 series and a Mazda 3.

[mikk]

how often are the bulbs being replaced? that's really odd, is someone/something touching the bulb glass before putting them in?

do you drive over rough roads or potholes?

i'm surprised nobody has asked how many km are on this car. the maintenance things are normal, but the rest is strange.

[bullsta]

hey dubbed I got a 4 GTI
2 years now and noi ssues whatsoever.Keep hearing the horror stories but all good my end.
Chipped too

[dubbed]

mikk, I made sure to use cotton gloves putting in the light globes last time. Think that would help.. Last night I learned another brake light has gone! By the way, it hasn't hit 150k km yet.

bullsta, lucky you!

So turns out the sway bar bolt has made its way loose and was out. Nice and easy fix. Mechanic charged me nothing. Amazing, right?

Brakes need replacing all round which I suspected anyway. But the best part? I start the car and well what do you know? The plagued piece of **** is misfiring again - brought back memories of when the MAF was faulty. No doubt it won't be cheap whatever it is. Surely not another MAF.... Coil packs? They haven't been replaced yet lol