Recent developments:
1) Passenger door latch failed. Can't open the door from outside; inside handle works. New latch to be replaced in a few days.
2) New ignition lock cylinder installed. Also replaced ignition switch (2nd time), just because I was in there and didn't want to have issues in a few months, having to do it again.
3) Airbag clockspring broke while replacing ignition switch. Dumb installer
! Bought a used wheel assy...broke that one too! At least I have a spare airbag!
Not sure what happened there!?!?! Have a new VW clockspring to install sometime this weekend.
4) 10k oil change...moved to 5W40 (was using 5W30)...cold start valvetrain noise seems to have reduced. We'll see, as the oil wears.
5) Ordered an Evo skid plate; moving to a rural area. On backorder
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6) Added Euro headlight switch, wire, and bulbs for rear fogs. Nice addition. Actually used it to subtly get someone off my rear while on the freeway last week.
7) Had to go through the AC system again. When you do this, MAKE SURE TO USE A REPUTABLE SOURCE. Short version: Last summer the AC clutch died, and they replaced in just within the warranty period. Their installer left too much slack in the wire, such that over the winter, the wire was cut by the pulley. They would not stand behind their work. So...$400 and an afternoon later, I have icy AC again!
Tony