Faults:

Slight oil leakage now and then. This is normally just my reminder that I need to give it a little attention.

The interior head liner dry rotted over the years and needed replaced in 1999.

Replaced muffler around 250,000 miles. Muffler was difficult to install because it needed to be bent around framework of the car's body to avoid it rubbing slightly here and there, causing noise. Easy fix though.

General Comments:

I have owned many different cars, mostly Volkswagens. By far, this car has been my pride and joy since I purchased it used in 1997 for a mere $600.00.

The person who sold it to me said that he was frustrated that it was always under repair and just wanted to sell it off. I jumped on the deal and she has never let me down one time.

I have driven my Golf in the snow in Northern Pennsylvania and on the sunny highways of Southern California. She always starts, she always has a hard time keeping under the posted speed limit, and in most cases, is the first leaving the light in response as well as the first to hit the next light.

The rear hatch area holds a ton of gear for anything from a bicycle to baggage. My four kids love the car and with over 500,000 miles on it, I still plan to give it to one of my sons. I am that confident that it has only reached half of it's lifetime.

Gas mileage is outstanding and that combined with reliability and performance makes my Golf the best purchase I've ever made. (The 14 inch rims I installed helped over the manufacturer 13 inch rims) Just remember that before you complain about a car needing repairs all the time, try giving it a little required maintenance and it will never fail you.

Faults:

Replaced the starter at 135000 miles.

Oil pump gave out at about 100000 miles.

All belts and some hoses need to be changed every 10000 miles.

CV shafts both changed at 120000 miles.

Brake flex hoses changed at 70000 miles.

Air conditioning hasn't worked since I got it.

Muffler at 100000 miles. Was replaced one time before.

Tires lasted 65000 miles after I got it. Excellent.

Door handles break every 10000 miles, or so.

Fuel pump inside the gas tank at about 100000 miles.

General Comments:

I got this car for $1300, with only 68000 miles on it.

I've had to repair some things, but I have never been unhappy with this car.

It handles corners well, and chases every car on the road up the big hills.

I usually don't have to shift down.

The fuel economy is excellent, if I keep it tuned, and the comfort on long trips is wonderful.

My son and I can fit everything we need into this car for a long trip.

Everything is adequate, including performance, roominess, reliability and safety. I actually rolled the car one time when driving in the snow without chains, and the worst part was a big dent. My mechanic checked it out afterward, and said he was amazed, that there was nothing wrong mechanically. My son and I were okay due to the two part seat belts.

My mechanic loves my car, as do I, especially because it never needs more than the regular service.

Don't ever take your Golf to the Dealer. Build up a good relationship with a mechanic who understands VW's.

Car was aligned once, at about 70000 miles, and is still holding that alignment. I have it checked a lot, and everything is tight.

Interior is wonderful, sunroof has never leaked, dash and dash cover all look new, car makes no strange noises or vibrations, just goes wherever I need it to.

I'll never buy anything other that a VW. This is my 7th one, and I'm still hooked.

Previously, I had a Quantum with 280000 miles. I sold that for $2000 and it had a blown head gasket. VW's are awsome.

Faults:

Had to repair the clutch at 109,000 km.

Front bumper has needed to be re-secured over and over again (minor).

Trunk lifts have given out this year.

I've had to replace the struts 3 times since buying the car.

Insurance on this car at 10 years old is unreasonable. At 10 years old, it just can't be considered one of the top 10 most stolen cars in North America.

Find a good mechanic. The dealers charge far too much for repairs on Volkwagens.

General Comments:

I have to tell you that this has been the best car I have ever driven. It is so much fun to drive. Anyone that gets behind the wheel cannot believe how much power it has. For 105 HP, this little car has spunk that can compete with any other 4 cylinder out there. I test drove a brand new Neon (132hp) in 1994 just before I bought this car. There was no question which was the better deal for performance, economy and dependability. The Neon paused after giving it gas to accelerate.

This is a deceptively little car. I've folded down the back seat and brought home a glass-top 6-seater patio table and 4 chairs.

The seating is very comfortable. The lumbar support is still there after 10 years.

I love my Golf. In 2 years, I am passing it down to my daughter as her first car because I have confidence that this little car will be dependable and reliable right until she has graduated from university.