[quote=NicMM]My 8 years old Passat needs big repairing, costing over $3000. I bought it brand new.[/quote]

Do you drive hard? How about following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance?

I ask because I have a Ford that I bought new in the Fall of 2001 (9 years!) and it runs like new; nothing has broken down ever. Granted, I drive nicely, and I’ve followed all the maintenance. I also have low miles in it. But still, I’m used to think of an 8-year old car (such as yours) as a “newer” car.