Arizona Kid wrote:
plagued with problems.
Sorry to hear of your problems- the ones I have seen seemed pretty dandy.
underpowered yes I think so too...they'll be in the slow lane on 6% grades... designed and geared better for flatlands.
The 2001+ version has about 10% more power.
parts/service- like anything if you are not DIY, then call around. If you are married to dealer service then your options will be fewer- dealers will accept all your cash in the first few years- but will orphan a vehicle as soon as they are free of mandated obligations to stock parts...call around.
VW stuff is pretty easy to get, the chassis is a std VW chassis...millions and millions served.
Mike