Reliability and 33 Years of Experience, Not looking good. Options

[Series9]

As the owner of an indy VAP shop, I have to say things are not looking good.

I started in VWs with my grandfather's '71 Super Beetle when I was 14. I would enthusiastically tell everyone (for a very long time) that German engineering was the way to go.

Fast forward 33 years. What I say now: "Do NOT buy any VAP built after 1998." Even before 1998, I now realize that drivers of American and Asian cars have generally had a more reliable experience.

My Vanagon is on it's third engine in ten years, my Jetta requires attention at least twice a month, my 914 (before it became the RS) required an engine replacement in the five years I owned it as a /4.......etc, etc.

I'm basically making money on the flaws of German engineering. Yes, it tends to be more precise than the others. BUT, that precision comes at a cost. Small flaws amplify themselves in such a way that the whole system will stop working harmoniously long before other manufacturer's vehicles.

What's my most reliable vehicle/mile/dollar/hour of maintenance? 2006 Ford F250 6.0 Diesel (and that truck has the "unreliable" 6.0).

If someone came to me tonight and said "you have to drive to Washington state and leave right now", I would get right in the Ford and not worry one second about making it there and back.

If I had to take the Vanagon or the Jetta, I would be highly stressed. Both cars are great, but great for within 100 miles.

That's it. I wanted it off my chest.

My VAP specialty will continue at S9, but I may be driving something else..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[SixerJ]

100 percent agree and have Audis as daily rides for a long time, build quality is not what it was

Currently have a 2007 A6 Allroad (115k miles), failure list beside the regular service parts that are expected to wear

Rear wash wipe pipe failure at the hinge (I have the absolute best repair method and is how it should have been engineered in the 1st place - PM for details)
Toasted Bose amp due to leak (had it repaired)
Corroded and minor leak on rear wiper box - replaced at the same time as the pipe
New throttle body
New intake swirl valves (both banks)
Intermittent fault on 3rd break light - had to drill / break out the original light & then file the bottom of the new one to make it clear the rear screen which is clearly fitted after the light
Drivers door is starting to drop due to wear in the top hinge

Before the current car I had a 1996 S6 avant, that had a failed exhaust sensor and one coil pack.......car died at 220k after a hose split and it cooked the head