Cat, PCV hose & differential

So my check engine light goes on ... I find out it's the "Warm Up Catalyst below threshold" on both catalytic converters at the same time - right after I had it in the shop ... (hear, hear)

I took it back and the techs replace both cats ($3400 - covered by VW warrenty 'cause <80K miles) - BUT they also "find" two other things to do: A "PCV hose" that appears to be fractured ($166) and the rear differential axle flange ($266) apparently need replacement.

Now I JUST had it in the shop twice - breakes and 55K inspection. How come every time they have to do something "for free" they wedge something else in there that cost money ... :banghead:

I'll try to have a 3rd party mechanic do the job and save some $$ - will let you know what happens.

Any thoughts, comments, suggestions, input, ...?

(2000 Passat GLX V6 4Motion with ~60K miles)

V6 4-motion rear diff seals go bad. Unfortunately you can buy just the seal because the seal is part of the flange. And you have 2 drop the exhaust to get the driveshaft off.

There is a pcv hose on the front of the v6 engine thats next to the ignition coil that is very prone to breaking at higher mileages. Its made of plastic.

Also, you got $3400 worth of repairs for free... shouldnt be complaining

Cat's shouldn't go bad @ 60K miles, that's why the federal govn't forces manufacturers to warrant them at least 80k. I wouln't call it free repairs, it's VW fixing a defective product. The same thing with the seal & PCV hose (& all the other things that commonly fail), but too bad they're long out of basic warranty. Compared to their cars in the past (pre '93) it seems to me VW isn't interested in building a car that is relatively problem free for 120K+.