German Engineering?

I'm experiencing major problems with my biodiesel burning Jetta at the moment that are rapidly deteriorating my state of Fahrvergnugen.

Without diving into great detail I will say this; I am beginning to believe that "German Engineering" is best enjoyed while living a "German Lifestyle".

Disclaimer: My impression of "German Lifestyle" is informed solely by my German friends and business colleagues. And, while I associate with a substantial number of Germans, it is definitely a small sampling. Nonetheless my definition of "German Lifestyle" includes things like; getting paid substantially higher than market value for your job, leaving work at 3 or 4 in the afternoon, and getting most of the summer off.

Since, like most of you, my live is rooted firmly in the "American Lifestyle", I get paid far less than I should, commonly take a lunch break at 3 or 4 before working late into the night, and feel guilty taking a Sunday or two "off" during the summer to make a rushed day trip to the beach. So, from my vantage point the constant maintenance, repair, pleading, adjustment, coercement, prayer, and capital required to keep German machinery functioning is becoming less and less attractive.

I for one would like to welcome the new era of "Asian Engineering"