My 2006 VW Passat that we purchased in '09, with approximately 25k miles and now has 70k miles, has been in the shop a dozen times. It was to repair everything from the radio, window switches, A/C compressor (went out right after warranty and VW would not fix for $2k), struts, and the list goes on and on. I paid $22k for this used car and have spent thousands keeping it on the road. My timing belt just snapped at 70k miles. We are looking at a $3k repair. I don't mind spending $20k on a car. But when I do, I don't want to be in the shops with all the older cars that cost $500.really trouble ,right?

 

You don't say if its a TDI but they do suffer with timing belts breaking its a very common problem. The change interval is 80k but something on yours has caused it to snap earlier like a faulty tensioner or idler.