I kinda have to laugh, because driving an old Volkswagen that is properly cared for is great, because they are reliable, but they do take the proper care to be that way. It is like being part of an exclusive club. It isn't rocket science. The regulars are fine, it's the ones that get neglected that become the turds.
Now the newer ones.... eesh... it seems sadly that unless/until they get deleted, there's going to be some problems that you just cannot escape from (speaking of the CR TDIs)... the gassers are just you get what you get, and you have to deal with it.