Faults:

Far too much to list, but mostly just maintenance items - exhaust, suspension, brakes, oil and belt changes, etc.

A/C is dead, electric windows very slow, central locking stopped working on the rear doors, minor problems like this here and there, but the car is 20 years old.

General Comments:

Solid VeeDub from 2002, cannot believe I have had this car so long. I have enjoyed most of my time with it.

SE model is nicely equipped. 2.0 petrol engine is not lightning fast, but does a good 35 mpg, good for a petrol engine from the time.

My previous 1995 VW Vento was just about as good as this Bora. The car drives very well even at 20 years old, this is one solid car. Realistically it will not last much longer and I will have to change it for a more modern car soon, I'm thinking a Passat or something from 2010 onwards would be nice.

Faults:

Timing belt, water pump, clutch, flywheel, brakes, etc all the mechanicals of high mileage.

Rear windows stuck.

Air con had seen better days.

Cosmetically the car was surprisingly unmarked even at nearly 20 years old. Interior looked very worn however when I was done with it.

General Comments:

For those that do not know, the Bora is basically the UK name for the Jetta and Vento, which were basically a VW Golf with a boot. And the more modern version is back to being called Jetta!

This had been a good reliable car for me. Nice in silver, this S model is very basic, electric windows and A/C, that was it. Cloth seats were comfortable however and the radio had a quality sound. Loved the solid feel of VW from this time even in their basic cars. Cabin is spacious and reasonably refined.

1.9 turbo diesel was not fast but it was economical.

Scrapped in 2021 - (failed MOT, not worth repairing) almost made it to 20 years old! Will remember it as a reliable car.

Faults:

Suspension bushes.

Wear on side bolster of the driver's seat.

General Comments:

Overall a quiet place to be.

Reasonable acceleration.

Beautifully illuminated dash.

Lots of toys, but why on earth is climate control missing? Just air con is penny pinching, as the basic Passat gets climate.

I have NO faith in VW dealers in prepping used cars. I collected mine two weeks after buying, no glovebox light (strange, did the previous seller nick it and sell it on eBay?), O/S mirror inoperble and rattling.

Got cruise control fitted a month after buying, only to be told that the rear suspension bushes were "separated" - MOT failure, WHY CHECK BUSHES when having cruise fitted? All fixed by supplying dealer though, but PLENTY of inconvenience.

Not a patch on the way Volvo hand over a used car, they're superb.

I will not buy another VW, especially as my wife bought a used Polo 2006 1.2 S and that was very badly prepared. After complaints, we eventually got all new seats, engine fixed and bodywork properly prepared.

VW dealers just get a used car, sling it on forecourt at an inflated price and HOPE you do not notice its MANY faults.

However, the 2 litre SE gives a good ride, but you do feel hemmed in, but it's quiet.

Strangely I get a funny grinding noise if I pull away with anything other than light revs.

My next car is a VOLVO for sure.