You're right, the timing belts were initially 80k, but they got better, and the replacements then last 100k. All of that is basic European/German car ownership

You're right, the timing belts were initially 80k, but they got better, and the replacements then last 100k. All of that is basic European/German car ownership... it's definitely not for everyone. But to me, these cars are a lot of fun to drive, and tinkering on them is a fun hobby. To me, the driving experience on any of the low maintenance Japanese cars isn't even in the same ballpark, but not everyone notices or cares about that. I drive a TDI Touareg right now and it is 10x the cost/hassle of those ALH TDIs... it is funny hearing your perspective about the ALH being too much hassle. I don't think it's illegal to turn down the EGR- I'm not talking about turning it off. The system still reports its settings and passes emissions tests. I think the clogging rate is accelerated by driving them too gently... mine wasn't that clogged yet when I took it off to check at 150k miles, with the stock EGR settings. Not singling you out in particular, but these cars are so well made and hold up so well, that lots of people seem to complain that they need start to need a few $k of work at 150-200k miles when most other cars would be headed to the crusher.