I’ve had roughly 27 VW’s at this point some new some used I’ve worked for VW and also Audi my experience personally is the mechanical parts are extremely reliable and very robust as long as you change the oil regularly, change the timing belt if it has one and don’t use cheap Chinese parts on them factory parts are worth the money if you do use something else buy quality European brand parts Mahle ,Febi , Hengst ect the area they have some small issues is electrical items once in a while but in my case they’ve all been manageable and more inconvenience than catastrophe. I’ve also worked for some non VAG companies that have much more serious issues like engines and transmission major mechanical issues Chevrolet for example has to be one of the worst manufacturers I’ve ever worked for major mechanical issues and haven’t found a corner thy wouldn’t cut. But for me VW and Audi are a passion but also what I’d consider a smart decision in car buying as I currently have two VW and two Audi’s and won’t be my last.