Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryland
My old room mate had his timing belt brake twice, each time with 70,000 miles on it and my parents owned VW's for years, replacing timing belts, cv shafts, suspension and other major parts on a regular bases was common.
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That is unfortunate... I can only say that I don't think the experience you were exposed to is "typical" for VWs. I do know that the timing belt service has to be done "right" for it to last the 100K miles, meaning that everything the belt rides on must be replaced (water pump, tensioner, rollers) along with new bolts & seals, and unfortunately some service shops (including dealerships!) cut corners in order to entice customers with a lower price. I can't say that's what happened with your old room mate, but that is one possible explanation.
I'm not going to say that my VW has been all sunshine & roses, but considering it's got 350K miles on the clock, I think it has really held up well. Most of the common problem issues I've fixed myself and it's been far from a money sink. On the other hand, my Honda VX has given me all kinds of headaches... none that make the car undriveable, but enough to irritate me to the point that I'd rather not drive it. Luck of the draw, I guess.