Volkswagen Problems

It's usually because the wiper blades are not flipping over as they change direction at the end of the stroke, so they're effectively travelling at the wrong angle to the screen. Check the arms to see if there is a reason they are not flipping over. Did you use VW blades when you replaced them? If not try the factory blades. You could also try cleaning the screen and then using something like Rain-X.

I would be going directly to VW with the piston problem. It is a known one with that engine and in my view should be covered, at least in part by VW. The statutory laws that apply to new goods don't apply to secondhand ones, so it's going to be hard to make a case on the back of those laws. I would be pressing VW hard, looking to get a goodwill deal.

That’s usually a result of using the wrong key, or of wear of the key or the lock barrel. As your car is relatively new it shouldn’t be wear, but I would suspect that the key is not mating perfectly with the lock barrel. I would approach VW for a solution, perhaps a new lock and keys.

This is just another example of VW dodging a problem they know exists. Yours is not the only Amarok to suffer this problem, other owners have experienced the same thing. The auxiliary belt fails due to dirt and dust and bits of the belt find their way into the timing belt and cause tat to fail or jump teeth. The end result is often a destroyed engine, as has happened to your car. It's poor design, inadequate testing, and questionable ethics on VW's part having discovered the problem. Even though the warranty has expired on your car VW is still responsible through the statutory laws around consumer protection. The car as it was sold to you is clearly not fit for purpose, it has a design flaw that led to the failure of the engine. Do not take VW's denial of responsibility as the end of the matter; they are only trying to fob you off. Go straight to the top of VW Australia and contact the company's boss, John White directly.

You've managed to shake VW out of its natural lethargy and agree there is a problem and to do something about it. The explanation of a problem with the synchro sounds logical and should be pursued. I would go along with what VW has suggested, but keep on top of them to make sure they do what they have said they would do. As you have been reporting it for some time I would expect it to be fixed without cost to you.

In theory the DSG is a no-brainer, but it's different in practice because of the troubles that have plagued the DSG in all brands. The safe option is to go for the Focus; the riskier one is to go with the DSG. If it weren't for the well-documented reliability issues I would go for the DSG.

Mazda2, from a classy brand and great against its size and price rivals; Hyundai i20, great value and probably still with some of the factory warranty; Volkswagen Polo, not necessarily to buy but to provide a quality benchmark for the others.

The lock barrel spinning is usually a sign of the key being worn. When it happens remove the key and insert it again, or use the spare key, which presumably won't be worn.

You've done the right thing by contacting VW as they're the people who can help you. You're right, airbags should last the life of the car so to have to replace one is unusual. Ask the dealer to explain what is wrong with the airbag and why is needs to be replaced. If there is no satisfactory response from the dealer then press VW for some help towards the cost of replacing it.