I think it is obvious that there are some emotions involved in those last responses, funny how cars can do that to us. Basically, when the Eos was first introduced, they had major issues, and they mostly corrected this by replacing the materials used in manufacturing the seals.
In order for these new materials to work effectively, they must be kept soft and pliable just like in any car. People who don't use something like Krytox on their seals regularly are the ones that complain about their car leaking in a few years; I should point out that many dealerships include seal lubrication in their regular maintenance process.
With the Eos (and other convertibles) seal maintenance is really important because there are so many more seals than on a "normal" car.
Lets turn back the clocks a little. My first convertible, a 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider, was a great car. It was a manual top, and required seal maintenance regularly. In fact, the engine's service recommendation was for every 4000km. That included a major roof maintenance. Even after maintenance, it still leaked. Thankfully, technology has improved a lot since then.
So, maintenance cycles have moved from 4000km due to this improved technology, and the VW now requires an 8000km cycle. That is a good thing for us. But, the seals, even with the newer materials and technology, still need regular maintenance to remain soft and effective. This contributes to the problem since the car doesn't get into the dealership often enough to get lubed properly-- especially on those cars that don't do large mileage.
My Honda's seals are the same. So are my friend's Porsche. If he leaves his top without lube for 8000km, it leaks just like the VW ones do. He actually learned of Krytox from me, and was amazed by what a difference it made to the leaks and to the rattles too.
So, we have two issues that sparked the "oh my, these things leak so bad" syndrome. First, the original seals were not effective; that is why they were changed (my kudos to VW for recognizing the problem and dealing with it). Second, dealerships were not including the lube process in their pre-delivery process. The car was made. Sat in a lot waiting for delivery. Sat on a ship during delivery. Sat at the dock awaiting clearance. Sat in the dealership waiting for the inspection process. Then sat again waiting for you to pick it up. This process could be months. THAT is why the seals are not working properly. Because they DO require lubrication in order to be effective-- as to all seals in any car.
Your next rebuttal is probably going to be "well, my other cars never needed seal maintenance and they don't leak". That is probably not exactly true. Seals around doors and trunks usually have a second line of defense in case some leakage occurs. Drain spots, etc. A "normal" car doesn't have seals sitting above your head.
Maintenance for cars with sunroofs usually include seal lubrication and maintenance for the sunroof. It is a "high visibility" item where leaks are noticed because water falls on your head.
Before you tear apart the Eos for being defective, I think it is important to do your research. Many of the original complaints were made by people who had the "first off the line" cars, and dealerships just didn't know enough about the car to deal with this issue properly-- they made intrusive changes designed to fix the problem but made it worse (this happens with ANY brand new product due to first time problems). Some were due to factory mistakes-- but all car companies have issues like that.
The owner complaints about leaking Eos cars are starting to die off now; most of the current threads on the subject are by people who are, like the OP here, thinking of buying one and want to know about the problem.
The Eos is FAR less money than any car that can compare to it. Although there aren't too many with a sunroof/convertible that have a breakthrough transmission within the price point that this car sits at. If you are thinking about buying an Eos, but have some new-car-worries that you want answered, then go to your local dealer and talk with the Eos expert (not the sales person, but the service one). Tell him that you like the car, and that you have heard of issues with it leaking, etc. Ask him what training he has had on the car, and how they go about dealing with these types of problems.
Most importantly, build a relationship with him. Then you will know that your issues will be taken care of by someone that understands the car. I strongly doubt that you will have issues. I've spoken to far more Eos owners that are having trouble free driving and enjoyment than otherwise.
Basically, everyone here is absolutely right. When you buy a product, you are risking your money. That is true for any products that you buy, from a pack of gum up to a new house. You can risk your 20000 pounds on a VW Eos that is most likely going to be a great car with no issues other than the occasional seal maintenance, OR, you can spend 30000 pounds on some of the other branded cars and have them perform the roof maintenance for you during your regular maintenance... Some people opted to wait for a year or two until the Eos has a little more history behind it-- I decided that I'd rather enjoy driving it now, and I am personally glad that I did.
Would I have bought the 60000 pound high-end car? Yes, if I could justify spending that much on a car. Am I happy with the Eos? Absolutely. I'm actually spending our upcoming long-weekend going on an EDA! (Eos Driving Adventure).
Take care, and let us know what you decide!
Off Topic Note: I was trying to keep personal emotions out of this post. I'm hoping that I achieved a calm debate that shows the "other side". I know, in my heart, that I'm an Eos owner; I love the car and have nothing bad to say about it. I probably wasn't successful, since we are all emotional bags-of-water.
Now, don't get me started on the Ford Explorer Tranny Issues.
