LAC! VW gti 20th aniv.

[Chris Hall]

On 6/30/05, Robert M <porter_t_dog at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
>    Only a general caution regarding the quality of the more recent VAG
> products.
> 
> My personal experience is with my ex's 99.5 TDI.
> 
> Purchased used at ~47k mi.
> 
> ~52k miles AC compressor kaputt
> 
> ~65k MAF dies, VW want $400 *for just the part*.   Nasty carbon/oil sludge
> (result of poor EGR/PCV design and calibration) removed from intake tract.
> Estimate ~35% reduction in cross-sectional area as a result of sludge
> buildup.
> 
> ~75k Battery needs replacement.

I'm surprised it lasted that long... that's no fault of VW.  Batteries
should be replaced every 3-4 years... come on now.

> ~95k E-brake cable is frozen, wipes out rear brake pads/discs.  (One would
> think the operator of the vehicle would be aware of this.  One would be
> wrong).

Rusty?  Salt on the roads in the winter?  Gotta wash the underside of
the car too... Again, not really VW's fault if that's the case.

> 
> ~120k Alternator needs new.

Sounds about right.

Hope she's had the timing belt changed every 60,000 miles!

You wouldn't start complaining about the shocks and struts going bad
at 130,000 miles too would you?  :)


 
> Various failures of interior/exterior plastic bits.
 
> Balky window regulators.
 
>   Nice car other than that.  Quiet, fun to drive, comfortable.   I
> personally am done with post-1990 VW products though.