I think these are all very valid points.  Given my experience owning several
Jetta's/Golf's/Passat's I can say from experience that the l4 engine is just
about bullet proof.  From what I am finding out about the cost of a *used*
Subaru engine I think, for myself anyway, the l4 is the best way to go.

In a message dated 5/20/00 12:55:24 AM Central Daylight Time,
vanagon@volkswagen.org writes:

<< -- No bottom end torque as compaired to a 2.0L I4 or WBX
 -- Japanese engine in a German van
 -- The VW dealer will laugh at you if you come in for repairs
 -- The Subaru dealer will laugh at you if you come in for repairs
 -- A 2.0L I4 can easily make 130hp with a mild cam and a chip
 -- The VW engines can be fully serviced by the VW 1551/2 computer (assuming
 you get a used North American spec engine).
 --  VW I4 engines are cheaper than the Subaru engines. >>