Just a little update on the VW's. My son has two VW diesels. One a Jetta and the other a Passat. A couple of weeks ago the injection pump on the Jetta had to be rebuilt, I think it cost over $1000. Last week he called to say the Jetta now has an engine problem and was towed to the shop. Turns out a piston broke off the connecting rod. After closer inspection, they found the remaining pistons were about to break also. At about the same time, Consumer Reports put VW on the top of their list of problem cars.
The Jetta has now been sold for junk at $3000 and he is getting rid of the newer Passat as soon as he can after replacing the Jetta. He is looking at a Toyota hybrid because there are no other diesel cars available in the US. It seems the emissions laws in the US are preventing some other good diesels from being sold in the US.
