Car Stereos: monsoon radio/cd/cassette 2003 jetta gls, radio cd cassette, factory radios

Question
From the day my sister bought the car the cd player will not play cd's. If you diconnect the system and then plug it back in,the cd will work for two cd's and then on the third try an error message comes on.VW tells me the cd cannot be repaired;must buy a new unit $799.00

Answer
It is strange that it plays exactly 2 cds, then has error on third.  With todays factory radios, it is hard telling what the exact cause is.  I think your problem can be repaired.  I would call a local electronics repair shop and see what they say.  Most car stereos can be repaired.  You just have to find the right shop.  If, for some reason, the unit cannot be repaired, you can buy radios off ebay with decent warranties to work okay when you get them.  Or you can go to a local salvage yard for imports, and they should be able to get you one for much less than 800 dollars.  I would say a used radio for about $100- $150.  Hope this helps, Scott