Daniel J. Stern wrote:
> On Thu, 26 May 2005 wrote:
>
> > > > When properly maintained (and they're really not that finicky) VW's
> > > > are VERY reliable cars.
> > >
> > > *IF* you happen to randomly get a good one.
> >
> > I would suggest that getting a bad one is the random event.
>
> If getting a bad one is a random event, then so is getting a good one.

Only if the probabilities are exactly equal.

They aren't, and there is not a shred of reliability data that even
implies it.

But hyperbole is fun when you're bashing.

> > A lemon is a lemon, no matter who makes it. But for most things, once a
> > VW is fixed, it stays fixed.
>
> On some planets, perhaps, but not on this one.

Funny, I've driven on this planet in VAG products, and that's the way
it is.

> > VW diesel vehicles did not get a reputation for being reliable and
> > durable from some slick marketing campaign.
>
> As far as I'm aware, they've no such reputation except amongst VW
> fanatics.

I guess your awareness doesn't extend beyond your own biases.

> > And yes, I do realize your one experience with owning VW was with some
> > car made 16 or so years ago,
>
> I've got enough friends and family members with enough recent- and
> current-model VW experience to see they and their stealer network haven't
> changed significantly at all.

On the stealership issue, I agree completely. I have heard of some
that are actually good to the customer, but the stories of the other
kind are much more numerous.

The mid-A2 - early-A3 (early '90s), especially Mexican-production, cars
were dreadful. If you are suggesting that the current crop is
unchanged from that low point, then you are just deluding yourself.

E.P.