If driven like the car was intended( i.e. no racing) then I dont see why it wouldn't last that long. But at the same time, spare stock turbo's go for under $200.

But since both the USDM WRX and the Jeta 1.8t have not been out long enough to see 200k miles, it's anyones guess.

 

I would say stay away from a Jetta or any VW that is under $28k... The lower-end VW (anything below Passat) are built primarily of Brazillian-made and Mexican-assembled parts. I'm not trying to slight my comerades south of "the Border" -- they are certainly just as capable as any German of creating a quality automobile -- but the idea that the VW is a "German made and engineered" car was a victim of rising labor costs long ago.

My brother-in-law had a 01 Jetta that went through a huge number of problems, and eventually was completely rebuilt (at dealer expense, luckily). It would fail to start after it was rained on; it fried its computer twice, causing extremely choppy idling and terrible fuel economy; the spedometer cable broke, and the dash lights dimmer also got "stripped" and stayed on DIM -- not good!

Now that VW is clearly trying to market themselves as a luxury car manufacturer (trying to fill the space left by BMW and Mercedes, both fighting to get into the $22k range) the higher-end cars might be improving; I drove a Passat with the "W8" engine (which, dissapointingly, is covered entirely in a black plastic housing so you can't see the engine AT ALL) and it was really nice -- NOT FAST at all, despite the ads, but still nice.

My brother's Legacy wagon just passed 68k, no problems; my Legacy wagon is at 36k, no problems. My WRX just crossed 10k, and no problems there despite 110-degree weather and some leadfoot driving. Take that for what you will!

However, it is fair to say that if your goal is to make an engine last 200,000 miles (a crazy idea -- who would want to keep a car for that long?) then any Japanese or German car with a tiny, hot, high-compression, high-rev engine is a bad idea. You'd be far better off with a diesel Volvo engine if long life and low maintenence (and not performance or value) is your goal.

Michael

 

Volkswagen has had numerous re-occuring problems with the Golf and Jetta IV series. To my knowledge:
1. Oil consumption problems in 2.0 liter engines at under 20K
2. Ignition coil pack failure in all models
3. Window regulator failures in all models
4. ABS pump problems
5. Blowoff (diverter) valve problems in 1.8T

I have seen 3 good friends purchase 99 & later Jettas (2 with sedans, 1 wagon). All three are severely regretful.

I was going to buy a VR6 Golf back in Jan 2002. Then I test drove the WRX. To date, I have had only the 2002 year clutch shudder (being repaired under warranty probably next week).

The VW's are nicely finished, run well and seem to be the 'hip car' (like the Mini) right now. But drive a WRX and then drive a VR6 or a 1.8T. You'll see which car is the better 'driver's car.'

 

I've never owned a VW, but a girl in my office does. She was explaining the costs of service ofr her car and they were ASTRONOMICAL. She tried to take it to a non-dealer to get the coolant changed and they didn't have the right stuff. It ran her ~$200 to get the coolant flushed at the dealership. Her replacement parts cost as much as my aftermarket performance parts, and her '98 Jetta runs like crap and hasa lot of broken pieces in the cabin.

Granted, my WRX has had some issues (fraying of the seat under my wallet, and the way the floormats DO NOT STAY IN PLACE, whistling from the mirror at speeds 120+) I have had NO serious maintenance issues and I beat the CRAP out of my car.

I can do my own maintenance with off-the-shelf parts/fluids, and I can drive my car at auto-x, track days, and drag strip without fear.

I'd go Subaru. Unless you want an S4. Then get the S4. I like the S4. A lot.