Volkswagen: Could you please help me?, japanesse cars, maintanace

Question
Hello John. I have a question for you.

Is it normal for the Diesel engine to get loud  after a while? I have been test driving some golf's GLS TDI diesel, and some of the engines are louder than others? Is that commom? Should I be scared by that? Is it due to some kind of problem with the engine? What you you sugesst?

What does it mean when they talk about (HB)GLS TDI?
What do they mean (OBO)? 12,500 OBO?

Wich one in between 2000-2001 you considere to be more expensive as far as maintanace and repears wise?

If I was to compare this car to a honda let say. Wich one do you think would be a better invesment on the long run considering: relaiability, maintenance & repears expenses,fuel economy? etc,etc.

Thanks a lot.
Alberto.

Answer
no two engines ever sound the same. it is quite normal for the engine to be a little louder as it warms up as the fluids become more viscous (lower density) which allows more noise to carry thrue them. i don't know what obo stands for, and i couldn't rerally give a fair opinion on comparison to another make. this is due to me only working on vehicles within the volkswagon group. i understand that japanesse cars are reliable but that is all i can really say.