While CR rates VWs poorly, that does not mean they will cost you a lot to repair. CR rates anything wil 3% or worse repair record as poor; averge is about 2% and excellent is better than 1%. VW also has free maintenance for up to 2 years or so. That’s several hundred off right there. I wouldn’t woory about going to the poor farm with any new car these days, unless you buy something you can’t afford to begin with.