Faults:

In three years I had to change on this car:

Head gasket.

Clutch.

Radiator.

Water pump.

Muffler (3 times).

Springs.

Rust never stopped coming out on the body.

Red engine light came on especially in summer time.

With the beep noise, the car was burning oil (2 litres in 5000 km).

I would never ever buy a VW made in North America. Generally VW it's not worth the money, the worst car I ever had... In Europe they have a good reputation, but here...

Faults:

Dealer replaced both the head gasket and rear brake master cylinders after 4 or 5 years, dunno if it was really needed or not, but it was expensive.

Most problems are breakage of controls/trim: heater control switches, glove box latch, rear hatch release.

Parts however are not the most expensive, and used parts are readily available.

General Comments:

A very simple car by 2009 standards, but this car hasn't left me stranded once in over 430,000 km.

Can't justify replacing it, frankly, as it still only uses 6.9 - 7.0 L/100 km and it was paid for a decade ago.

Somewhat harsh ride, and the noise level makes long trips a dreary prospect.

If you have a trusted mechanic and can find parts, this is a very economical, safe and reliable ride.

Faults:

The muffler needs to be replaced.

The air conditioning does not work properly.

General Comments:

This car is very comfortable. The seating positions are well thought out. This car is reliable, good on gas and very smooth and fast on the road. The Volkswagen is a very common car because it is durable. It lasts a long time due to the excellent way that it has been built. Although this is my first car, I am very pleased with my purchase. The only thing that I have really had to do is oil changes.

Faults:

Automatic all door lock mechanism: too flimsy; If you turn to much using the car key, trigger breaks. I bought improved replacement parts (cheap) and replaced them myself. Np problem since.

Trunk key: when you push too hard, plastic holding plate breaks: It seemed to be a good job to repair so I plugged the key socket and now open the trunk from the glove compartment.

A bit noisy: door gaskets are not too efficient.

Brake shoe pads jingle on rough city roads: quite annoying. Never was able to have them fixed properly. After 2 or 3 months, starts over.

Coolant temperature gauge: never seem to indicate the right temperature.

General Comments:

This is a diesel car. When I bought it, it had 150,000 miles. I added another 200,000 miles since and it is still running perfectly. Of course, there's regular maintenance to do: change timing belt, shock absorbers, brakes, wheel bearings, glow plugs, and so on. But the motor, transmission, steering, cooling system: absolutely nothing to do. Incredible for the mileage it has.

Before, I had a 1993 Ford Escort I had bought new: I also liked this car. At 100,000 miles engine was running well, but everything else was falling apart. Then I bought a Mercedes diesel: I sold it when it reached 400,000 miles and bought this Volkswagen.

This is the best car I ever had. 100% reliable. Had it towed only once because of ice in the fuel tank during extreme cold. But now I add gas treatment in the tank when temperature falls below 0, and everything is OK.

Faults:

Three holes in the floor

Transmission fluid often leaked

Starter cable often popped off

Thermostat broke at 160000 km; fan would not turn off, therefore draining the battery.

Head gasket leaked oil

Fan electric system short-circuited, resulting in an electrical fire which lit the whole car up

General Comments:

This car gave me nothing, but trouble since I bought it. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

If you own a 94 golf and your fan makes a smell like burning rubber when you turn it on, get it fixed fast or else your whole car will light on fire.

Faults:

Distributer went out at 90,000 miles.

Intermittent electrical problems.

Driver seat is broken.

General Comments:

The Golf is a good, solid, and reliable car.

It isn't fast, but it runs like new, even with 145,000 miles.

Overall, even with some of its quirks, it is a very good car and I would buy another Volkswagon.