 I own a 2006 VW Jetta TDI and my husband owns a 2002 Buick LeSabre.  My vehicle has less than 140,000 miles whereas his has 165,000 miles.  Other than front wheel bearings, he has had no major repair issues.  Before my VW reached 100,000 miles, I needed to replace the engine turbo and have my manual transmission (not the clutch but the synchro "gearing") rebuilt.  I now have learned that the vehicle has an engine "belt," not "chain," which needs to be changed every 80,000 to 100,000 miles at a mere cost of $1,700 (inclusive of water pump which, because of its location creating labor costs, has been recommended to be replaced now as well)!  The black sprayed knobs on the radio had peeled off within two years after purchase, and the dealership says that they cannot be repaired short of buying a new radio.  There are many "blind spots" when driving the VW chilling dependence upon rear and side mirrors when changing lanes.  The Buick has great visibility. Those who say German engineering is superior to American ought take heed that, in my opinion, such generalization is false.  Next time I buy General Motors!