Comment by tibbydudeza

VW has a good aftermarket parts market for wear and tear items (clutch/brakes) for the Golf Mk2/Mk3 which is very popular with car modders.

B5 Passat - dealer only for brake pads/discs - when the car needed a clutch replacement the cost was one of the reasons why I traded it for a Corolla.

There should be viable non OEM parts market.