Warranty repairs - who's got the biggest lemon?

[Angryman]

Bought a 2007 GT Sport TDi from new in Nov 07. Six weeks into ownership it broke down on me. Towed to VW and had the crank angle sensor and ecu replaced. Just broke down again yesterday and its on a tow truck this morning. So hasn't been a bad run with 92k on the clock. I'm thinking its another ecu malfunction

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[Transporter]

Four VW's here and not real problem.

Comparing to other cars, we still have 1999 Subaru Forester and Forester needed rear wheel bearing (left) every 50,000km approx. had leaking engine oil pump seal (replaced with timing belt, it was leaking from 60,000km). And don't get me started on the Jeep Cherokee.

So, are the European cars less reliable?
Not the one that we own.

[anthony]

It is not only Volkswagens.Suprise suprise.

Five months ago I bought a MY11 Honda Accord Euro to replace a very much loved but written off MY07 Jetta,and it has been a huge lemon.

Faulty drivers seat,needed new door seal,intermittant rattle coming from right/B pillar...has been in 4 times for this,last time was for 3 days,and now a vibration coming from left front door when going over cats eyes ...

Going in next week for a week.

I cannot wait for the new Jetta to be launched,it will be lovely to have a reliable car again....lol.

[Mountainman]

My cars usually get serviced at a dealer who is a Subaru/VW dealer. Talk to the staff and mechanics there and they will tell you which of the two brands has by far the biggest warranty claims and problems - and it isn't the Jap brand. All brands have lemons and cars with some problems but you are more likely to have trouble with a VW than a Subaru. At 201,000km my Forester has been faultless, even still on its original brake pads. I hope my Golf that I love is as good.

[little beast]

Mmm, seems that K's in the odometer are not necessarily the reason for breakdowns. Hopefully my recently bought Golf 08 with 9 months warranty and barely 15K in its reading holds up or show its "true colors" before warranty runs out. But will definitely purchase extended warranty for peace of mind.

[dubrav]

Hi
I've just received email from a dealer , apparently VWA will cover 80% parts only so repair comes to $778.
When I talk about repairs done on my car since October last year I'm not talking about door seals,squeeks,rattles or gear selector chrome trim, I'm talking about major gearbox and engine problems and since October car spend 3 months at the dealers either awaiting on feedback from VW or for the parts, so in my books VW doesnt look good.My other car ,grey import from Japan,Mitsubishi Delica diesel 1996 which i owned for 5 years and never had any major problems
I've never owned Subaru myself but my mate did and it was 2001 Forester and he did 320000 with that car before it was written off,only problem he had with it was rear bearing which was done at 80000 (upgraded to Liberty bearings on both ends).

[Dr Block]

I think European cars are fragile period.
those who argue that European cars are less reliable because of the new technology should look at Lexus
and shut up.

So far so good with my car, approaching just on 14,500km since 30Jun10. With regards to Lexus, stepped out of an IS250 Sport Luxury to the R36, never had any trouble with my Lexus over 3 years of ownership and 100,000km.

[little beast]

Agree with Subaru. I have MY06 Forester with 79K on the clock and noticed that its drives smoother now compared to say, when it had 30K. I did not encounter any problem since i bought it new in 06. I hope i have the same luck as with my Golf now...

[PassatB6]

Using extra oil is normal in VWs and not a problem as such.

VW's often have cutting edge tech and hence a bit buggier. Skoda is VW components after the bugs have been ironed out, hence the high reliability.

BTW Meibus9, What novel technology does Lexus have ?

[passatpout]

Geez.. after reading about this, I'm gonna quit my bitching about the reliability of my lemon.. I must only have a slice, others have the full box... but it does mean that I won't be buying another, and thinking that I'll be offloading it when the warranty expires..