I have a 98 New beetle----- I adore it!
I have owned VW's in the past, a Golf and a Rabbit.
I NEVER use a dealer, in fact, the only work that's been done on her in the three years I've had her--- has been done by me.
I know how they can be and bought the Haynes and Bently manuals, a vag-com scanner and belong to NewBeetle.org.
VW's are like Harley's----if you love them, you learn how to fix/maintain them.
Want reliable? Buy a Honda.