VW's aren't known for their reliability.  They aren't known to cost the least to own over the course of 5 years.  In fact, not unlike other more expensive European cars, they can be downright frustrating and expensive to own.  So why on earth would someone who prides themselves as a car fanatic buy one?  

It all boils down to the feeling you get when you slide behind the wheel.  Without even starting the engine, you will find the best interior fit, finish, and materials in it's class.  You'll notice the subtle touches and hidden features that will make you think, "why have I owned other cars wtihout this?"  You'll admire the attractive, timeless design.  In fact, if you hid the VW badges marked throughout the car, you may think you're sitting in the next uber-mobile from the "3-pointed star" or the "propeller" guys.  

What I have always admired about VW is thier total disregard for how other cars in the same class are designed and built.  Their strive for innovation and safety is basically unheard of is this class.  I bet you can't find a more finely crafted car for the money.  But......

As with anything in this world, there are downsides.  They require a stricter maintenance schedule.  They only consume the best and most expensive fluids and parts....and the parts that you expect to last a lifetime in other cars simply give out without warning.  

This provides owners an opportunity to learn more than they ever cared to know about their cars.  It was never made for the weak.  Those who choose to do most of the work on their cars themselves are rewarded with a car they will find hard to get tired of.  Others will take out second and third mortgages just to pay for the 56th control arm that went out after 37,000 miles.  

With the DIY crowd (which I fall into), all this glory and failure lends itself into support groups that consult each other and console each other.  This is one of the best features of owning a VW.  If you are ever in doubt about something with the 'dub, you can rest assured that someone before you in these "support groups" has been in the same scenario.  It's a culture that is only understood when you own a car that you have an emotional attachment to.  

Unfortunately, most cars that you can easily get emotionally attached to are far beyond the reaches of my income....except for VW.

Be prepared to ass up money to maintain it and keep it running when it gets over 80k miles. I wish I had the TDI version but the 1.8T is efficient and clean enough. The 1.8T was known for sludging, but I change the oil every 5k miles with fully synthetic oil. That seems to deter the sludge. When it was newer I could race and almost outrun a base V6 Mustang. Turbo lags a little bit but one day I will get the turbo rebuilt. It still looks almost as new as it did when I bought it. It's worth the cost, though, because it's so fun to drive and the seats are very comfortable for long trips. Use SilverStar headlights, and disable the DRL's to increase the life of the headlights.

I bought the car as new.  After about 50,000 miles things started to fall apart, coincidentally that was right after the warranty ran out.

Inside door trim fell off.  Glove compartment latch broke and it cannot open.  Moon roof opens and closes at its own will.  Lose connections for front lights.  Bulbs burn out too often.  Protective shield under engine fell off.  

Difficult to change light bulbs, rear lights need special tools so you need a mechanic.

Had to get new waterpump, it is in the timing belt compartment, so also got a new timing belt.

Now flex pipes are leaking.

Check engine light comes on even when no problems can be detected.

VW service dept. always trying to sell you unneeded and expensive service/parts.  Like a $600 brake disc.

The actual engine and transmission seem to be functioning well.

I will not buy another VW nor will I recommend it.

Has good acceleration despite only having 1800cc.
Good to handle, very well-built, good-to-look-at.
Nice Tiptronic.  All in all, sorry to have to let go of it.

Great stance, added votex and 18´s on the way.