2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS 2.0

Summary:

A Lemon

Faults:

Broken windshield wipers.

Replaced tires and brakes at 40 000 Km's.

Headlights constantly burn out.

Snow build up can bend the metal on the door.

Broken cup holders.

Broken glove box.

2 different sensors in the engine had to be replaced.

Catalytic converter.

General Comments:

Dealer service was terrible, they actually broke my car when getting warranty repairs, we were forced to pay, VW Canada refused to help because they don't own the VW dealerships.

I have serveral friends who purchased redesigned VW's and I have yet to hear any positive feedback.

My old VW was amazing, the company, its service, its dealers, and its product has gone way down hill.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th July, 2003

30th Jul 2003, 17:19

I totally agree. It's a lemon.

My story: 2001 VW Golf GLS 1.8T

At 36,000 I already have had:

-Two broken windows, replaced AC Compressor at 14,000 miles, Cooling Fan bushings worn out, a Fisher-Price type of fan, should have not cost more than $40.00, VW price: $350,00. I had to get a bushing manufactured, and repaired myself, like in the old days.

Now, AC evaporator is leaking. Parts: $800.00, labor $500.00. I am reparing it myself. I had to dissasemble half the car apart to get to the evaporator.

I bet it gives the best lemonade you can get.

8th May 2006, 22:15

Sadly, I must agree. I have a 2000 Golf and I'm having serious problems. I purchased the car used at 45,000 miles from a VW dealer.

So first the good things. I love the stereo system. I stick in 6 CDs and drive and drive! The heated seats are great and are comfortable for me (I'm short). And the car is really stylish. I love the acceleration (I have the 2.0 engine).

But...the transmission is loose and the gears are grindy.

I'm ready (again) to replace my starter motor...one has already been replaced.

My headlights and tail lights burn out regularly.

My catalytic converter rattles and shakes, and recently I couldn't pass the smog test for California (repair estimates are $400-$500). My oil pan (?) needs replacement before I can get another oil change ($400).

The service rep at the VW dealer (where I purchased the car used) told me to come in for my last warranty service when I come in for my next oil change, but imagine my surprise when I discovered the warranty had run out by then, but the service rep was gone. The dealer refused to do the warranty work. Yuck!

My previous VW (a wonderful 68 bug) lasted 14 years with minimal problems. This 2000 Golf costs me $$$ every time I turn around. I'm getting ready to sell it. I will miss it's looks, it's stereo sounds, and it's speed.

2000 Volkswagen Golf GL TDI 1.9L

Summary:

Great fuel economy + fun to drive = Great Value

Faults:

Fuel Tank Sender.

Relay.

Windshield Wiper assembly seized from road salt.

General Comments:

Overall this car is fun to drive and reliable. It has started on even the coldest of days during our Canadian winters without the assistance of a block heater or indoor parking.

It's very comfortable car for me. I'm 6' 2" and fit nicely. Ride is a bit soft for my taste, but road manners are excellent and 50mpg is a bonus.

For the money though I think VW could have used better plastic in the cabin.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 2003

12th Apr 2004, 14:07

Sucks.

2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.9 liter TDI diesel

Summary:

A reliable keeper, if maintained correctly

Faults:

Front passenger window regulator/clips were replaced under warranty.

Mass Airflow Sensor replaced at 45,000 miles.

Cruise Control switch/Turn Signal Stalk replaced when Cruise Control failed (due to chafed wires).

General Comments:

Fun, fast, comfortable, solid.

Only current diesel option in the US. Great MPG, lovely sound, and can operate on B100 (100% Biodiesel made from vegetable oil).

Great road car. 45-50 mpg on trips and around town.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 2003

2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS 2.0 Gas

Summary:

Upscale, practical little car

Faults:

Power mirror malfunction twice and repaired by the dealer under warranty.

Glove box cover had been replaced 3 times already - very weak hinges.

Heated front seat malfunctioned twice (AGAIN!). Have to wait for several weeks before the dealer is able to get the replacement parts.

Fluctuation in engine speed (+/- 50 rpm) during idle vibrates the whole car. Ignition system replaced by the dealer and the problem still stays.

Some creaks around the roof during cornering, but too minor to get it fixed though.

Overall, I have only minor problems with the car, but never serious enough to get me stranded on the road or to get it fixed right away (as opposed to my friend's experience with the same model)

General Comments:

Good - overall design, ride quality (read: not absolute sharp handling!), interior design, materials used, cabin ambiance, amenities, general ergonomics.

Bad - reliability, warranty coverage, cost of ownership, radio buttons layout.

My 2000 Golf GLS is a fully-loaded one with all options ticked except the auto tranny. Overall I'm impressed with the option list and their good value. Compared to other manufacturers the asking price for each option is reasonable, sometimes a bargain not to be missed.

Overall the car feels very safe and solid not found in other cars of the same size. Material used feels upscale that should only appear on cars $10k more expensive (aka, Audi...).

Apart from the ownership cost / reliability issues I would whole-heartedly recommend this car. (Looking forward to Golf V - it's on my shopping list!) EVERY passenger I ever took on board commented positively.

Love the torquey engine around our hilly West Coast environment. It would be better if I can have 50% more horsepower though (V5 engine to N America?).

My Golf came with only 2-year comprehensive warranty, which is the worst in the industry at that time. Now VW comes with 4-year warranty that makes it more attractive and worry-free.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2003