Question for veedubmechanic or anyone else who knows...VW maintenance

[doogieduff]

Looking for a different car, driven SAAB's and now an Alero. Not happy with the Alero. VW's seem nice, but don't know much about them. My mechanic seems to think they are good cars but very expensive to fix. He said a VW fuel pump could be anywhere from $800-$850. Is this true? He loves american cars because he's "patriotic," but says I can't go wrong with a Honda or Toyota. Thoughts? (veedubmechanic, I noticed you drive a Toyota yourself.)

Also, just looked at an '03 Jetta, White, 2.0, 115hp, beautiful interior, 32,??? miles (highway-to and from in-state college). Dad bought for daughter NEW for college, she got in trouble, and Dad wants $13,000 for it. He gave it to a used car dealer, and they want $13,750. Whaddya think?

[veedubmechanic]

VW are nice, but they break just as much as other cars (there just more $$$ to fix). If you do alot of HW miles get an asian import (even a new hyundai is only about 12,000 fully loaded with 32mpg.

[greennike]

Good deal for that car, but once problems start, they keep coming