 I've owned this VW for almost 3 months and about 5,000 miles. It is a very pleasant automobile with balanced and predictable handling and a neat, well designed cabin. I don't care much for the exterior design. I worried a bit about reliability after reading too many horror stories, but so far it has been a flawless performer. I bought it because it just was a deal I could not pass on: a loaded car with 20,000 miles and almost perfect cosmetically. It seemed that nobody wanted it because manual shifter. I paid $17,000 for it and feel that I got a great car that has years of use left in it.  The 5-speed is just fine, and it doesn't bother me even in heavy city trafic. I like this car and intend to keep it forever...