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)

[GaroldShaffer]

The best I have had was the 96 F150 with I6. That engine was bullet proof. Put over 200k miles on it. I used it like a truck and other than standard stuff (oil, tires, belts....) had no issues with it. Rust is what finally killed it.

Now my 1990 Dodge Dakota was a total POS from day one. Alt in the 1st week, front diff in the 1st year, transmission 2nd year, had a water leak in the cab, radio went out twice, passenger window kept falling out of the track. Got rid of it in 93 for a 93 V6 Ranger ext cab. Great truck, put 100k on it little over 5yrs. Sold it after I bought the 96 F150 and finally was give a company truck.