An expert Porsche+Audi corporate structure, I am not. On the cars, I may well be. Can we agree that Porsche and VW are not the same company? To whatever degree they are "connected" they simply are not the "same" company. Trying to show how ~closely~ related they are, really just emphasizes the fact they are indeed seperate. However you want to slice it, that's just how it is. If I failed to explain their complicated and ever-changing relationship in a scentence or two, I apologize.
Gary, I am far from young. My experience with Porsches and VWs began when I started tweaking my Dad's cars at the age of 14. Since then I have owned 15 Audis personally and 5-6 Volkswagens. Right now I maintain 4 or more of the gruppe. Mom's 1996 Passat, never needed more than a odo display in 11 years. Rides as solid as a cinderblock. I maintain on a regular basis my old 1987 Coupe GT w/ 230k. That car is on it's original TB/WP/Rad/Clutch. Paint and interior are excellent. It got struts, exhaust and a starter. Little stuff like hood release, etc. Is that car "expensive junk?" At $14k new, it was the same price as Mom's 1987 Accord. It's sedan version, the 4000S is simply one of the best cars ever made. Few with valid experience would disagree. I also maintain my MiL's 1995 A6, which is the pinicale of glitchyness, but never dissapoints in the areas of performance, comfort and overall driver satisfaction. I also maintain my Cousin's 1992 Cabrio. It needs a Hall Sender and shocks at 10 years and 160k. Can we agree on a 1992 vehicle that is as durable? There are some other makes of cars from 1991-92 that are quite comical, if you think about it. So, that runs the gambit, excepting the 5000 that you loathe, I have a set of opinions on that car too, but I can simplify it by saying if you see any f/s 5000 wagons in quattro, let me know.
So, can we finalize by saying VW and Audi are the same company, Porsche is not. I'll assert they are not the worst cars on the planet either.
This thread is worthless without pics.