I disagree.  My last two cars have been Jetta diesels, a 1984 which I owned
for 16 years and the current one a 2000 TDI.  Both great cars, never let me
down.  The 84 was by far the best car I ever owned.  In all those years the
engine and transmission just keep on going.  Mind you I only put just over
300,000 kms on it.  Had to replace stuff that wears out like tires, exhaust,
battery, brakes etc but that's just normal wear and tear. Don't know about
the new one but after three years it seems to be doing just fine.  Maybe you
got lemons.

The Other John Rodger
Ottawa, Canada
88 Westy
00 Jetta TDI

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Bryan Jones
Sent: March 31, 2003 8:29
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: gutless AND unreliable...(C'mon Volkswagen!!)

I just had to throw in my two cents.
Reliable Vanagons seem to be about as rare as people who smoke and live to
be
85. Sure there are a FEW out there, but it is not the norm. Oh, and by the
way, things have not got much better over the years with VW reliability. I
own a New Beetle (at one time I owned two) and they are plagued with all the
same pain-in-the-A. problems. You would not believe the number of repairs I
have had with these "New" Volkswagens. Seems like when you buy a VW you need
to be prepared to make your car payment and set aside an equal amount each
month to keep the thing running.
That said, I still love the design, marketing, and drivability of VW
products
(when they are running). It's just too bad that one of the largest auto
manufacturers in the world can't seem to make a reliable vehicle after all
these years.

Bryan Jones
'91 Westy
New Beetle
'63 356 Porsche