I constantly here people saying, "VW's are always breaking down".  My
response to them has always been, "Yes sometimes minor stuff usually, but
that is because most of the VW's out there all have over 150k on them."
   I ran my 84 GTI to 175k sold it, and saw it around town for another 3
years.  No major engine work.  I took my audi 4000s quattro up to 265k, and
sold it running fine.  I drove both vehicles very hard.
  I dont think you would see many ford escort GTs getting that kind of
mileage.  The other nice thing is the resale value.  Many times you can pick
up a VW drive it for a year or two and sell them for about what you paid for
it.
Alan H.