Volkswagen: My crazy VR6, cant live with it cant live without it, vw jetta, radio code

Question
About 8 months ago a bought a 1997 VW Jetta III GLX VR6 2.8L and after about a month of driving it everything started to go one by one.  Started with the transmission (AUTO) which cost about $3,000 at a major transmission place, they had to fix it every 2 months until after 3 attempts they got it right. Of course the radio code compared to this is not much. After this my front engine mount goes out of whack, they charge me $500 for the mount and an hour after I get my car back it doesn't start.  I don't know what to do with this car because it's a great car and I don't want to get rid of it.  The engine won't crank or anything when I try to start it, should I invest in a OBD Tool? Maybe try to diagnose the problem.
I have no trust in ANY mechanics and thinking about going to the dealership even though am not sure if I could trust them either.  You can check out a picture of my engine bay and I made an arrow pointing to the torn hose which I beleive may be affecting the engine starting. If the engine can be started with a jump start but not on it's own good battery, what does that mean?
The picture is here: http://www.insightfulit.com/loosehoze.jpg

Thank you very much for your time,
Dave

Answer
Hi Dave,

That hose should be hooked up, I looked at your diagram.

Also, the best thing you mentioned is getting the OBD Tool.  If you can give me the codes, we can properly diagnose the car, and leave the dealer out of it entirely.

Sounds like they keep giving you a story each time.

As far as the battery goes,  it may hold a charge, but it may not be strong enough to crank the engine.  Bring it to a local auto parts store and have them put a load test on it.   Usually, they do this for free.

Good Luck,

Ron