>I've heard that failure can be pretty catastrophic. Van stops - won't go.
>Balls in CV can get crunched up and not allow axle to turn (I think that's
>the idea).

I've had experience with worn CVs in diesel Toyotas. They are quiet when
the front wheels are not at full lock but make clicking or rattling noises
on U-turns etc. They can do big milages in this condition. I'd imagine the
VW CVs aren't all that different, but if they are making noises as you
drive along they probably need attention.

My mother's 75 Scirocco broke a noisy CV once. Outer axle-end dropped down,
disconnected from the hub. A flailing axle-end at speed could cause further
damage.

Maybe Totota CVs are just a better design?