Excellent cheap reliable car with GTI looks
Waxstat twice.
Excellent car - handling good, cheap to maintain, reasonable performance, very reliable. Happy doing a 130 mile commute after 10 years and 170k miles. Sadly written off by a minibus driver who decided to overtake on a blind bend. Would buy another new one if I could.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th July, 2000
Very solid, reliable car, still looks good even at 10 years old
Passenger window winder cable snapped, easy to fix.
Heater matrix failed at about 128,000 miles.
Engine misfires slightly at idle, but I think this is due to carbon build-up. I don't want to take it apart for a de-coke as it's never been apart before. I'll try the Forte cleaner stuff (it's meant to be good).
Although expensive to buy, this car is worth every penny. Very reliable, at 130,000 miles, the car uses absolutely NO oil. No leaks, no rattles (apart from the last owner who left a socket rolling around in the cross member!), no real mechanical failures so far, and it drives like new! Bodywork great, not a sign of rust, and interior is keeping clean nicely. Very pleased with this car, especially after a Ford (it drives better than the new Fords!) Looks good too (all it needs is those bigger bumpers!) It also turns out cheaper to run because it doesn't need constant trips to the garage for work every other week.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th July, 2000
Looks more expensive than it was!
Misfiring/stalling when wet (read damp!)
Temperature sender unit broke after engine got hot.
Misfiring/stalling on longer journeys. New tyres (GTi alloys need 195/50x15 - very expensive).
Drivers side driveshaft damper came loose, causing a clunking noise.
Front engine mount had it.
Drivers window rattles.
Looks good in Midnight Blue metallic with BBS alloys - people are convinced it cost me a fortune.
Bought from salvage. Little things hard to find (new parcel shelf in grey, new rear seat cushion etc etc).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th June, 2000
Takes all the crap you give it (just)
Complete exhaust system.
Both front CV joints.
Water pump.
Fantasic fun to drive.
After upgrading to this from an Escort 1.3 you can feel the power but after time you want something with extra beef.
Wicked 2nd car and worth every penny.
Even though it's only a 1.6 I've got 115 mph out of it!!
You can trash GTi's, Jags, well just about anything as long as they are flooring as well !!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th May, 2000
Problem with release bearing. Fixed by dealer under warranty.
New alternator after 6 years.
New power steering pump after 8 years.
New battery at 3 years and 6 years.
2 windscreens.
New exhaust after 6 years.
Many tyres!
Very reliable and economical. 35mpg easily when driving sensibly! Parts cheap if buying from independent parts suppliers. Good handling, good brakes, loads of space. Wears well. Faithful companion!
Cons? Noisy, tyre noise. Lack of torque. Needs revs.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th January, 2000
Engine rebuild - 1994 - fan problem causes engine to overheat, manifold gasket to fail, oil leaks into coolant preventing coolant guage to show a problem before it's too late.
1999 - lost manifold gasket again, oil in coolant, must be flushed many times.
Many repairs, may just be a lemon.
Replace glow plugs often, causes battery damage in colder climates.
Tooth broke off third gear and lodged in reverse gear causing major repair.
According to consumer reports this car has already exceeded normal repair costs.
Great for city driving, gutless, don't take it on the highway or you'll get run over by a transport truck, loaded with passengers you can actually feel the extra weight, it greatly affects already poor performance.
Engine noise unbearable.
After a few years it hates the cold weather and refuses to start (common with diesel engines), new battery every few years, block heater necessary but doesn't help when you are at work and can't plug it in, carry cables.
Fuel economy pays for car in the long run.
Dealership is arrogant and expensive.
Warranty at the time was not long enough to protect against major repairs after only 3 years.
Standard 5 speed, caution if you plan to keep a car for a long period of time, a standard can be very tiring
Air conditioning is not a luxury, it greatly reduces traffic noise especially on the highway (I don't have it).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 11th January, 2000
I don't trust anyone who says things like "a standard can get very tiring." What kind of driver is this?
1991, turbo diesel golf.
Purchased in June 1991, with 90,500 miles on the clock. due to inexperience also had AA check it out (a huge mistake on my behalf) and they said it was OK, but had a couple of problems that should be 'monitored'.
Anyway have had endless problems with it, you name it, I have had it replaced!
Show me the VW diesel car that apparently everybody has said is good for over 200,000 miles. I have only heard of the myth. any comments would be much appreciated.
Nothing.
The car has covered over 150,000 miles, I have run it for the last 80,000 of those. In which time I have only had to replace consumable parts (Tyres, Exhaust, Shock Absorbers, Brake Pads etc).
The cheapest, most reliable and fun mass produced car I have owned.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st February, 1999
Well, nothing serious.
Had an exhaust go on me - beware, VW original part price was 1,863GBP! Now has Supersprint replacement.
Minor electrics problems with doors.
Adjustable suspension very susceptible to knocks. Cars with suspension mods eat tyres!
Fabulous. A wonderful refined alternative to an Integrale. Get a UK car (SE) if you can, leather and electric windows/sunroof are creature comforts the Euro cars didn't have.
Beware high running costs - mine returns 26-28mpg when I'm being gentle, and 24 when I'm not. Runs cleanest on 98, does okay on 95. Watch for tired superchargers. Make sure all recall work is done on cars with lapsed Service History - heat exchangers needed doing on mine when bought.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 10th January, 1999
Usual stuff (ie tyres, exhausts etc).
Minor trouble with choke.
Pinhole leak in inlet manifold caused some coolant loss.
Rough idle needs attention occasionally.
Current mileage stands at 146,000 (original clutch, gearbox etc) always
had it serviced by VW who are not cheap.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th January, 1998
28th Jan 2001, 17:33
It's so true! My 92 Diesel Golf has treated me in more or less the same way!