Could anyone recommend a cheap reliable code reader for VW.

 

There are plenty of cheap EODB II scanners on the market but they give bad results for VAG vehicles. There is only one DIY scanner VCDS they aren't cheap.

Your other post was asking about Measuring Block Values (MVB)

There are cheap Chinese cloned cables of fleabay but they are unreliable. Some forums won't discuss these as they are banned subjects.

 

or you can get yourself VCP, little bit cheaper than VCDS, can do little bit more, but VCDS is (may be) easier to understand