The VW is no more complicated than most luxury vehicles. Couple problems is that it is a foreign made vehicle where parts take a while to get and the biggest factor is the lack of qualified technicians to work on them while the same technologies are present in many American cars. Actually, the Touareg, Phaton are difficult for many dealers to work because they are not quailifed while the Passat, Jetta, Golf,,,etc,,, are not nearly as hard to deal with. Part of the problem is how technology has evolved. The fact that most systems are computerized, the fix is also a command to replace this or that. The mechanics have a harder time learning the dynamics of how the systems operate when they just replace parts. The Cadillac SRX is a sweet car but VW built basically the same concept in 04 (9 years ago) with the Touareg. Most cars today require an education to repair and the higher end luxury more experience and education. The car technology is child's play in the grand scheme of things but qualified dealers is the main problem. The lack of VW dealer in comparison to the entire market and highly qualified mechanics contribute to the high cost of service. I had a problem with the Tiptronic function of the transmission. I researched it on line and seen other with the same issues and I also consulted my nephew. While doing the research I learned some people experienced the dealer replacing a circuit board under the shift handle, reprogramming the trans or replacing a magnetic slip cover. While I did the research to understand the dynamics of how the entire system worked I cam to the conclusion I needed to replave the magnetic slip cover. I searched around and found a dealer on line who stocked the part and was very reasonable compared to some, I was able to remedy the issue for $112 where a dealer would have charged me 4 hrs $170 pr hr and $225 for the part for a total of over $900. My nephew said he is the only Mechanic qualified at his shop to repair Touaregs and I believe him. He also said it is a joke on how many non-quailfied mechanics take a stab at repairing a vehicle and watches the bill go up and up.
I say it's just a friggin car which is all mechanical and electronic, how hard can it be. If there is a will, there is a way. I say all this to illustrate why many believe (and in fact you are correct) that VW is expensive to service but not always the case. More and more highly qualified mechanics are coming up and will lessen the outrageous bills consumers pay but the same is with cadi, Lincoln, navigator, some chrysler rigs, etc,,,,
