I've been reading this forum for a couple years, but just registered for this thread. Was surprised at the comment that VW's aren't well thought of, I never noticed.
I have the same car (2014, 1.8T EA888), but do a little more driving than you do. Currently at 84,000 miles, no issues at all. Have been using Mobile 1 0W-40, but did use castrol the first few changes. I only went to the dealer for the first change, took 3 hours, so free or not, that was the last time I went. I use ~7,500 OCI.
Also have a 2002 Jetta TDI - 245,000 miles. I've had some leaks (injector pump, valve cover), but it's also been incredibly reliable. I may just be lucky (had a volvo with 214,000 issue free miles too), but I always chalked it up to keeping them maintained.
Good luck, and enjoy the car.
I have the same car (2014, 1.8T EA888), but do a little more driving than you do. Currently at 84,000 miles, no issues at all. Have been using Mobile 1 0W-40, but did use castrol the first few changes. I only went to the dealer for the first change, took 3 hours, so free or not, that was the last time I went. I use ~7,500 OCI.
Also have a 2002 Jetta TDI - 245,000 miles. I've had some leaks (injector pump, valve cover), but it's also been incredibly reliable. I may just be lucky (had a volvo with 214,000 issue free miles too), but I always chalked it up to keeping them maintained.
Good luck, and enjoy the car.