After reading the other responses I recalled my own exhaust system hassles 
as well as my short list below.

10.     Welds broke on exhaust system brackets (great German metallurgy).  I 
rebuilt the brackets myself (twice) from angle iron.

11.     Broken brackets (10. above) resulted in exhaust pipe break on a 
trip.  Welded on the road at Midas then replaced from the VW junk yard.

12.     Replaced muffler.

Total under $100, no change to my overall conclusion.  CEV

>1984 GL
>127,800 miles
>1.      2 replaced to repacked CV joints at about 60,000 mi.
>2.      2 replaced batteries, bought an alternator but didn't need it
>3.      1 water pump
>4.      blown head gasket at 115,000 mi., dealer rebuild
>5.      dealer rebuilt master and wheel cylinders on brakes at 115,000 mi.
>6.      occassional valve lifter rattling throughout life of vehicle
>7.      repaired ventilation blower switch and heater control cables
>8.      1 plugged fuel filter at 120,000 mi.
>9.      normal hassle with gas overfilling
>
>Overall this has been a very trouble free vehicle with about $2000 of 
repairs in 10 years.

>
>Charles Vaughan
>Woodinville, WA
>