2003 Volkswagen Bora 1.8 turbo from Romania

Faults:

After one year and a half, my Lambda part broke. That's the only thing that has gone wrong in two years of usage.

General Comments:

A very good car indeed. A very steady car, I really can't get it to loose its control. For someone taller than 1.80 m and heavier than 80 kg, this is a somewhat small car. The room isn't enough, especially in the back seats (where someone could easily touch the deck).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2005

2003 Volkswagen Bora SE 1.8 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Super safe, quick and economical quality saloon

Faults:

The car has performed perfectly in all respects.

New tires to the front wheels at 20K miles.

Brakes due for replacing within next 5K Miles.

General Comments:

Despite traveling with two dogs on most occasions, the seats have shown no signs of wear or deterioration.

The ride is comfortable and the roadholding excellent.

An ideal long distance cruiser.

Air conditioning and cruise control are particularly good.

Excellent acceleration and fantastic economy - average 54MPG+ on all runs over 20 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th August, 2005

2003 Volkswagen Bora SE 1.9tdi 130BHP from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great performance and great fuel economy

Faults:

From new there has been a rattle in the roof headliner, it has been in twice, but the dealer has never been able to pin point it.

Problem with the electric mirrors, when you move the right one the left on moves as-well.

Very noisy drivers door hinges, happen twice, but each time the dealer just adds some grease.

At 18,000 miles air conditioning packed up. Having taken this to the dealer they said it was due to a small stone coming through the lower grille and hitting the condenser. They said it was an act of god and therefore not covered under warranty, but it is a obvious design fault as there is no protection for the part. The bill for this is around £800, Volkswagen will not accept any liability.

General Comments:

Apart from faults this is a great all round car, with excellent performance without high fuel bills.

Handling is not great.

Also do not buy this car in the hope that the Volkswagen reputation for their cars holding their value is true. This car will depreciate quicker than the golf.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th July, 2005

16th Nov 2007, 04:44

Just to add to the previous comment and to inform the initial poster, in vw's you set the drivers mirror first, flick to passenger side and adjust accordingly. You then set your mirror switch back to your side and leave it there. In the future when someone else drives your car, they only have to adjust the mirror on they're side and the other will adjust itself accoringly. Rather than being the problem you thought it was, it is actually an excellent feature that works very well.

11th Dec 2007, 08:24

Great value on the used market as nobody wants them.

I picked up a 53 reg Reflex Silver TDI 130 Sport with one company owner, 67,000 miles and a full VW service history at auction in September for £5k. About 30% of its new value, and about £3k less than an equivalent Golf would have set me back.

I use it as a station car and a weekend runabout and plan to keep it until it drops (which hopefully will be a few good years yet).

19th Aug 2009, 03:18

Strange about Bora resale values: I'm looking for a Golf TDI on the used market but they all seem to be overpriced and very high mileage. There are Boras on the market for tons cheaper - the head wants but the heart doesn't... for some undefinable reason they are not nearly as desireable, even the name sound like Bore - her!

2003 Volkswagen Bora 4 Motion 2.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A true comfortable high performance car

Faults:

One small rattle due to a loose piece of trim below ashtray.

General Comments:

A very quick car.

Holds the road like the white line.

Traction is excellent.

Boot is small.

Without doubt one of the two best cars I have ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2004

27th Jul 2004, 19:17

What's the other car?

10th Jan 2005, 20:58

Your problem with indicator blinker switch relay must be a common VW thing. Because it happened on my 74 Superbug, My 91 GTI and now my 2003 Passat!

A German mechanic once told me. leave the mechanicals to the germans and the Japanese will fix the wipers!!

Happy motoring..

Id rather a VW any day.

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