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I am late 20s tall driver (6"4', 194cms). I'm hunting for a car that fits me (I'm quite long in the body). Ideally I'd like a reliable Japanese car, maybe a hatchback (really ideally, with a little bit of style), but I've tried most of the usual suspects (eg Mazda 2, 3, 6, Camry, Axela) and I don't fit comfortably or at all. I fit better although not perfectly in the new 2012 onward Carolla, but at $20,000 or so for a second hand car in good condition, it's a bit more than I'd like to spend for something that's still a little bit of a compromise). My budget is about $10-12K max and ideally, I'd like to spend less and eventually go electric (have looked at the nissan leef but fit isn't perfect, the range is low (about 110kms on full battery and they appear to be about $20K as well for one with a relatively good battery, with replacement battery then running to USD$6K).

So, I investigated the "dark side" - European cars, specifically a VW wagon. It seems like the VW seats are designed in such a way that at full adjustment they are upright and there is still comfortable room for me - ideal! I looked at a 2.0 TDI golf wagon with a sale price just over $8K, which was also in by budget. BUT, I have been worried by their famed unreliability and cost to repair. I was getting desperate, so I got an AA check done - the overall summary was that it was in good condition and shouldn't need unscheduled repairs, but on the basis that specific issues were picked up and resolved. The key ones were:

Driveline: Driveshaft – Right hand rear boots; Leaking
Air filter – container missing
Assembly – Front area: oil leak; wet, should be investigated
Assembly – bottom area: cover inhibits complete inspection
Transmission -Assembly – oil: unable to establish level (sealed unit)
- Body – partial repaint

The dealer has taken the car to its service people to look at and resolve the issues, but the fact that issues came up seems to confirm my worst fears. I'm not committed to but worried this might be a lemon / the VWs are lemons generally. I've got a good job and would accept a bit of a premium on repair and maintenance, but don't want to be taken to the cleaners. Frustrated because there seem so few good options.

Am I crazy to be looking at this / are the good fitting, reliable cars I'm missing out there somewhere? I've heard the toyota Avensis might have good headroom, buthaven't managed to sit in one yet.

All views/help gratefully received!

Hi there,
I made the switch from Japanese to European (Audi A4) I have found the car to excel in every way except they do cost in repairs as they age. There are lots of switches and plastic components that can eventually give out from around 10 years old onwards. The things listed may not be classed as deal0breakers, cv boots are full of grease and can be normal for the clamps to require tightening from time to time, the oil leak can be a little more, or just residue from a service. The transmission may need a service- this would be one of the main concerns with these cars, making sure the transmissions maintenance has been up to date as it can be very expensive to repair.