[hcoles]

I'll go out on a limb and say any car more than 9 years old is not likely to be trouble free. Especially German cars. In any case, boy kids tend to thrash things so something that was reliable becomes unreliable. Do they check the fluid levels e.g. oil - NO, do they watch for leaks - NO, do they listen for odd noises - NO, do they feel for unusual suspension pulling or wheel vibration - NO. Do they check inflation pressures and tread depth - NO. You get the idea. They turn the key and go until the car stops and then they call you.