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)

[somd914]

I can remember VW products of the 70's and 80's were far from reliable, at least the 74 Beetle we had and a few friends with Rabbits and Foxes. I wouldn't go saying German cars of yesterday were better, but given the advances in engineering / design tools, machining, and materials, I expect better. I also don't expect to have to drop an engine tray and bumper cover to replace a headlight bulb...

But anyway, I wouldn't blame country of origin. China can produce some high quality goods, and they can produce low quality, but the same is true of products built in the US, Germany, etc. Ultimately it comes down to the company. If Ford trannys are made in China and have a high failure rate, that is due to Ford, not China. Blame the auto manufacturers.