Faults:

Oil leak, rust, door seal leak, electronics, clutch, the list went on!

General Comments:

Early 2000's Golf GTi with the ordinary 2.0 engine. A very boring and overrated car.

No idea why this model was badged as the sporty GTi - the car felt slow, and not that economical either at around 33 mpg at best. Maybe the 1.8T was better for the GTi? This 2.0 engine felt out of place with low power for its size.

Inside was sporty and comfortable though.

OK to drive, smooth on motorways.

Just a really boring experience, everyone seems to remember their Golf GTi's with fond memories, but not mine, it was overrated and over priced. Not that reliable either. I thought VW from this time was supposed to be among the best cars, I was into VW at the time. But looking back, they were nothing special.

Sold back in 2010 and I have never returned to VW ever since, and doubt I will ever will again.

Faults:

Lots, but most was the wear and tear expected of the age and miles.

Suspension, brakes, exhaust, usually needed attention at MOT time.

Blew bulbs often, auto electrician could never find the fault. Battery and alternator replaced. Windows stuck and some other electrical issues were present.

Clutch went at 100K miles.

I did every service, found an oil leak in its last few years with me, never bothered fixing as it never leaked enough to top up. Coolant hose at the radiator needed attention at one point however.

Interior plastics broke, not as hard wearing as VW's reputation suggests; I actually think this car could have been built better. Loads of rattles even when I first got it.

Rear hatch failed to stay open (gas struts). Rust starting around arches and fuel cap.

General Comments:

Had this 2003 Golf a long time, it had its issues, but not quite as reliable or well built as their "legendary" reputation suggests.

That all said it was a decent family car. The space inside was OK for its size, "Match" model was a basic one but it had enough equipment for its time.

1.6 had nice power and managed around 38 mpg on average.

Pretty boring to drive, nothing special. Comfortable seats. Good for short or long journeys.

I found VW main dealers rude and expensive whenever I went it for service or repair; as with any car this age you are better finding a friendly local garage.

Overall I liked it, not a bad car at all, but just not as good as people say either.

Faults:

Drivers electric window switch replaced under warranty at 22,000 miles. It took about 1 hour to replace. The switch was still working, only when I wanted to flick it to do "auto" close it didn't close itself, I just had to keep my finger on it. Nothing much really.

General Comments:

This is definitely the best car I've ever owned. I hasn't cost me a penny in 4 years of over 55,000 miles of hard driving.

It's very light on diesel considering the power that I'm getting out of it.

Only cost I've had was servicing and a set of front brake pads.

Comparing the Golf TDI to its rivals out there, ie, Corolla, Focus, Almera, it's head and shoulders above them, when it comes to power and style. I've driven these other cars and was glad to get back to my Black baby!

My last car was a Honda Prelude. 2.2 petrol, dead as a maggot, heavy on petrol, not comfortable and certainly not reliable. In 11 years I had to replace a power steering pump and much more. The last straw for the Prelude was a snapped timing belt at 43,000 miles.

My Golf is a breath of fresh air for me, I love it. Now my brother has bought the exact same car!