Bubble Meister wrote: I try, where possible to use VW stuff. My philosophy is that it's lasted this long so it must be worth investing in the same quality again.
A very good point, where there is an origional vw part available or a half price aftermarket I try and go for VW or OEM if I can afford it. Some things like G12 coolant I don't think are worth the money but things like engine parts, I would now from experience.
I also keep spares of second hand origional parts when I see them come up at the right price even if I don't need them I can always sell them but I have used much of them over several years and they often make fault finding much easier.
e.g. Alternator, starter motor, dizzy, ignition module, coil fuel pump, carb, coolant pipes, exhaust parts, switches.
I even have a spare gearbox that I used while mine was rebuilt and a spare engine in bits waiting for when mine fails again.
Although she liked the idea of using a tailgate in the front room with the TV mounted in the middle!