2002 Volkswagen Bora SE 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It can last a long time

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th September, 2022

2002 Volkswagen Bora S 1.9 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Solid

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2022

2002 Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion 2.8 V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

All things to all men

Faults:

Centre arm rest latch broken.

Gear lever boot prematurely worn and loose.

Slight muffler rattle.

General Comments:

First the bad:

Speedometer is hard to read at a glance.

Trip computer fiddly to operate.

Hard to find parts either stock or performance.

Now the good:

The Bora is a real stealth bomber - looks ordinary but goes like a rocket. Quick enough off the line, but it's around corners where it really shines. The grip is simply amazing, and the car rounds bends at ridiculous speeds so calmly you forget that most other cars would be a smoldering wreck in the same situation.

Power and torque everywhere. Very smooth power delivery but just enough of a tail-pipe rasp to keep your right foot buried.

Superb leather seats, nice sounding stereo. Even the fuel economy isn't too bad!

Luxury + Performance + Handling + Reliability = Bora V6.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2009

2nd Jun 2009, 04:04

Yep. I bought a 2001 4Motion in 08 too. A great car - very efficient too when, like me, you do mostly freeway driving. I even averaged 7.5L/100km into the city once.

But some bits on it do seem a bit crappy around the 100k km mark. The latch on the centre armrest seems to be unavoidable; and some parts are pretty expensive.

Still, a great car. I love it.

19th Aug 2009, 05:19

I also bought a '02' model Bora last year, and as with everyone else, my arm rest latch also broke. Previously owned a '00' model, just the 2.0 litre was a bit of a nugget, but now with the V6 4motion there is just no comparison. A fantastic car and I would advise anyone to get one..

7th Oct 2010, 22:14

Yep, great little car. Just picked one up, and yes the armrest latch is stuffed, but apart from that, it's a ripper! I live in the hills, and it's a dream through the bends.