BenzBoy, I did have a good look and appraisal of the cars featured in that blog. Quite frankly, unless you sport a happy, albeit somewhat uneasy smile, it's all quite depressing. High cost of spare parts, lack of specific skills and knowledge, high cost of labour - they all play a very significant part in crucifying a lot of cars, even the ones that are relatively new - say no more than five to eight years old.
That's why one finds it almost adamant to purchase relatively new cars and keep hoping for the best.
Sean, VWs frighten me - perhaps unnecessarily so, but I look at the complexities of engine, gearbox and electrical complexities, and I turn my cheek the other way. Remember, the 1.4 litre turbo/supercharged engine - I believe that this engine is now out of production, so would one want to purchase a second hand example with an expired warranty ? How about twin clutch arrangements ? Again, a feature discontinued by VW? Food for thought. Regards Styria