For years, in the UK, we've relied upon Germans to make cars for us. They're good at that. The cars are a bit boring/ordinary but they are almost as reliable as Japanese cars. They have been found guilty of naughtiness. Should we buy Japanese now?

After what I've read, the people at VW should be ashamed of themselves. Japanese cars are great cars but they've had their problems also but they never tried to hide it or cover it up. Personally after working on cars for so many years, I prefer Japanese cars over German cars although they kept me in business. I don't know if I would just switch over just yet. Give them a little time to see if they make good on what they did. Meanwhile, go rent a Camry for the week-end and you may never go back !

I mean sure I'm disappointed at VW and all. But the Golf GTI and R are absolutely terrific cars for the money. In terms of affordability, usability, and fun factor; nothing on the market beats these cars. Audi has always been my brand of choice.

I don't think Japanese cars have much to offer these days in terms of fun factor. I  drove the the Lexus RC F Sport, and thought it was pretty bland. Acuras are ugly in my opinion. If I had no other choice, a Honda Accord Coupe v6 with a manual would be alright for a budget car (They always have the best looking butts). But then I even prefer a Ford over them these days. Those new rendition of the Mustangs are quite the beauty. Along with their budget friendly hatchbacks Focus and Fiesta ST.

Do note, that I am American. Volkswagen doesn't have much of a market share compared to Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura. So what's considered as blandmobiles to me might not be for you.

Why not buy a car built in the UK?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_industry_in_the_United_King

My German husband who is a master mechanic isn't overly effected by said scandal. While the Germans have made quality beers, sausage, and most things well, when it came to their cars he hates them. My husband would shoot himself in the leg before EVER buying a VW. As someone who works on cars their design is azz backwards he says. Not too excited by the Japanese "rice burners" either. Although, he does like Honda, Accura and Lexus. He'd say buy American.

What do the street racers in the UK use?
In the US ... Their "starter car" is usually a Honda Civic.

As to VW ... I think their solution is going to be the simplest one - "correct" the software so the emissions control is on ALL the time.  Even though it will result in less power/etc - it will allow them to easily, quickly, and cheaply meet US EPA standards.

Being a ex mech for Chrysler dodge I can tell you that they would set the carb so lean to meet EPA regulations but it ran like cr*p. Every carb had to be adj this is the same thing with vw, they will change the computer or software and it will run lean and the customer will see it runs like cr*p.

Are you talking about the VolksWagon scandal?