 I purchased a 2006 GTI in June.  My vehicle is has less than 3,000 miles on it.  I gave it to my son for doing well in high school and earning a college scholarship.  On his first trip to school from Clearwater, FL to Florence, SC the A/C compressor cracked in half, backed off the enginge and shreded the belt. He made it as far as Orlando. The parts are back ordered three weeks. The mechanic at VW informed me that he has three Passats waiting for the same part. It appears to be a recall candidate, yet VW America denies any issues. I purchased this vehicle for piece of mind as my son's campus is about 500 miles away and it breaks down on first trip to school.  VW's customer service has been terrible. Beware, 2006 GTI may be fun to drive, but it has problems.