2001 Volkswagen Bora 2.0 SE 2.0
Summary:
Solid Car with great performance, safety and reliablility
Faults:
Wiper motor failed after 2 years. This was replaced under the manufacturers Warranty.
General Comments:
I have to say I think this car is fantastic. Have had it from new and it has never missed a beat and is now nearly 5 years old. It's extremely well built too, as you would expect from German Engineering.
It's a comfortable cruiser on long distances and the car feels very safe and competent on all roads. It is also surprisingly economical for a 2 litre petrol engine even though its quite a heavy car. The steering and general handling of the car is also very good.
The only downsides are that leg room in the back is on the small size and it does tend to burn an above average amount of oil. However, The VW say this is quite normal on the 2.0 litre engine. Strangely enough as the engine is getting older it's consuming less oil than when it was new. A design feature maybe!!
These cars are extremely good value 2nd hand and offer better value the golf. I test drove both cars before buying the Bora and I thought the Bora was by far a nicer car to drive with better equipment levels for the same money.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th March, 2006
16th Mar 2006, 10:30
Yup, VW continues to see the US as their dumping ground for horrible cars. Only a great advertising campaign saved this company, as the cars sure aren't.
Latest proof? We are FINALLY getting the Mark V Golf after Europe had it for 15 months. Now given the US could equal or surpass European sales of VWs if they tried, why didn't VW do anything?
NEVER buy a VW made in Mexico. I'm waiting to see how the new GTI, made in Germany, fares reliability-wise. Be nice to think it would break the VW curse given its amazing reviews in every car pub, but I doubt it.
I see now why current VW head Berdnt Piestrader (I know I spelled that wrong) wanted to buy Rover when he was head of BMW. He has a thing for turning out horribly unreliable cars.
16th Mar 2006, 17:59
Got a chip on your shoulder?
24th Oct 2009, 14:41
I'm from England, and I have a VW Bora, on a 51 plate. I don't know if I just dropped on a bad one, but mine has been nothing but trouble. Cat box, engine misfires, head gasket, exhaust manifold, then stupid things like the glove box and interior lights. That could just be wear and tear. Who ever said it is good on fuel is very much mistaken. I get on an average, urban driving, 24 miles to the gallon. I would advise against a Bora.
23rd Apr 2010, 11:40
VW Golf 2001 2.0L.
I live in Canada and bought this car 5 years ago, these engines were bulit in Mexico. They were also built with the seals put in backwards. So they leak oil into the cylinder heads like crazy and of course misfire. I have to replace the plugs every 3 months. It uses 2 litres of oil every 2 weeks. These engines should have been recalled years ago. I will NEVER buy a VW again.
16th Mar 2006, 01:01
These cars are the ones called the Jetta in North America, however, the Jettas are all manufactured (not just assembled!) in Mexico. Take note that most Golf and Jettas reviewed by North Americans appear to be much poorer in overall reliability than those reviewed from outside the area.