Of late I've been considering jumping ship as well. Whilst I can still afford to run the GTI without having to sacrifice anything else and can't fault the car at all 99% of the journeys I do just don't lend themselves to using the GTI to anywhere near its full potential. My priorities have changed a bit since I've got the car and when I would happily pay the 'tax' that comes with running a hot hatch I now grudge it as money thats basically being spent for no return (happiness).
I'm also getting fed up having to care for it and worry about its wellbeing all the time. And look on somewhat enviously at my fiends who treat their cars as thing or just another white good. The GTI deserves better than that but I'm not sure I can give it anymore.
I think I've fallen out of love a little bit not just with the GTI but with driving as a passion. Fuel costs, potholes and getting a bit older I guess (silence Robin )
....
I was literally poised with words in my head to respond when I read "silence Robin"!
I'm lucky in that I no longer have a mortgage and no wife to maintain but just my 19yo daughter - I don't understand why so many people say that bringing up children is expensive, it really doesn't need to be and hasn't been, though I did put money away to cover her uni.
Obviously it would be nice if V-Power was cheaper, also road tax etc but I am absolutely still in love with my GTI after nearly 6 years and have not lost any of my passion for driving. For a joke, my VW dealer once lent me a Toyota Yaris for the day and I nearly lost the will to live, let alone a will to drive! It's because my GTI is what she is that I enjoy driving so much and consider her worth the cost. However, I do understand you younger folk in having other priorities such as wives and family and houses etc - Been there and done that, got the T-shirt, and have now returned to my childhood.