Echoing a couple of points above...
Wish i had learnt more from my own experiences of a new 00 Passat. General durability of VWs does not seem to be what it was....lots of daft niggly faults too.
My 1995 mk3 cabby is definitely better built! Just through another MOT with one advisory, the rear number plate is essentially "worn out" and no longer reflective enough!
That said, many other brands have sufferd similarly, and at least I was smart enough not to pay even more for an A3 that is essentially the same!
Wish i had spent more time doing my homework, using this fantastic web site. What an amazing resource. Well done guys!
Very glad that I held out for an Eddy to re-start my modding! However, also wish that I had realised how soon I would run out of traction - i underestimated just how much power/torque was available, and so easily!