Volkswagen Problems

I wouldn't consider any of the European brands, they're too expensive and cost too much to run. That rules out the Up. Asian brands, particularly the better-known and well-respected Japanese brands are a much better bet, which rules in the Echo. The Asian brands tend to be more reliable and cost much less to run. Another to look at in your situation is the Suzuki Alto. 

It's easy to be cynical about the car industry, when it always seen to find new ways of getting money out of owners. So-called diagnostic checks do seem to be a way of charging for work that should be done by the dealership in the normal course of events when trying to find out what is wrong with a car that is playing up. They do appear to be the new norm in the industry. As for your resolutions regarding VW, I couldn't agree more.

We haven't had specific reports of this problem, but it does sound like a serious one that needs fixing urgently. It can be hard to determine the cause of a problem if it doesn't happen while the dealer has the car, but I would suggest you take it back to the dealer and ask them to check it again. I have heard of one car that had a problem with the throttle pedal position sensor, which on the surface sounds like a likely candidate for you problem.

I would take the Touareg over the Discovery but the real outback towing champion is the Toyota LandCruiser — which gets a big tick from me — because of its bulletproof reliability and Toyota's service network. The badge is not as prestigious and it will cost more for a fully luxury package but the 200-Series 'Cruiser is still The King.

Buying on-line requires the same careful consideration as buying from anywhere else. You certainly don't buy sight unseen; always see the car for yourself. Be wary if the seller suggests meeting in a public place, or at night, or somewhere that might make you suspicious. It's always worth having someone else with you at the time. If you want something a little more exciting you could look at various European brands, Like VW, Renault, Skoda, but in saying that I need to add that the Asian brands like Honda will generally be cheaper to run and maintain than the Europeans.