 When I purchased my GTI, I thought it was the best looking hatch inside and out! The fact that it was rated as Motor Trend Car of the Year was an added bonus. After almost a year driving the GTI, I got rid of it in a heartbeat.  I've been to the dealer three times for a failing oxygen sensor and two more times for burnt out light bulbs.  To top things off, I found out that the GTI is nowhere close to being a performance car.  0- 60 in 6.8 sec COME ON! WHAT A DOG OF A CAR.  The fact that it cost almost 30k is even worse.  When I actually read the Motor Trend article comparing the GTI to the MS3, WRX, and Rallyart, I found out that the GTI falls behind all three cars in almost every category!