Purchased my car in 2006 (new) and treated very nicely. My car suddenly left me stranded at a parking lot a few days ago with 72,900 miles. Had it towed and the dealership says that the timing chain failed and it caused major damage, and estimates that it will cost $6,700 to fix ($5,050 for new engine + $1,575 labor). I did some research to educate myself on timing chains and they are supposed to last to 100,000 (maybe longer), and that a random failure of the timing chain at low mileage is a known issue for this model. Of course, VW has never acknowledged this and they quietly redesigned the flaw in later models.

Some people have had luck getting VW to assist with the repair even out of warranty. I did not. The "customer advocate" would only offer me a $500 credit towards a new VW purchase!! LOL!!! I will NEVER be purchasing another VW!! I was given a bullshit answer that by default it was under the 60,000 powertrain. I want to add that the dealership held my car for a full 3 days b/4 I finally got them to look at my car and give an estimate. I'm pretty sure they are trying to sucker me into a new car purchase from them too, but given their lack of concern (not getting an answer to me 3 days after my appointment) that will never happen either.