Faults:

The muffler needs to be replaced.

The air conditioning does not work properly.

General Comments:

This car is very comfortable. The seating positions are well thought out. This car is reliable, good on gas and very smooth and fast on the road. The Volkswagen is a very common car because it is durable. It lasts a long time due to the excellent way that it has been built. Although this is my first car, I am very pleased with my purchase. The only thing that I have really had to do is oil changes.

Faults:

The head gasket blew. Very expensive.

Suspension went.

Power steering squeeked.

Didn't like going from 1st to 2nd gear when engine was cold.

General Comments:

Handled like a tank (and I've been in a tank simulator so I should know).

Expensive to run.

Solidly built.

Good interior for car of its age.

Faults:

Automatic all door lock mechanism: too flimsy; If you turn to much using the car key, trigger breaks. I bought improved replacement parts (cheap) and replaced them myself. Np problem since.

Trunk key: when you push too hard, plastic holding plate breaks: It seemed to be a good job to repair so I plugged the key socket and now open the trunk from the glove compartment.

A bit noisy: door gaskets are not too efficient.

Brake shoe pads jingle on rough city roads: quite annoying. Never was able to have them fixed properly. After 2 or 3 months, starts over.

Coolant temperature gauge: never seem to indicate the right temperature.

General Comments:

This is a diesel car. When I bought it, it had 150,000 miles. I added another 200,000 miles since and it is still running perfectly. Of course, there's regular maintenance to do: change timing belt, shock absorbers, brakes, wheel bearings, glow plugs, and so on. But the motor, transmission, steering, cooling system: absolutely nothing to do. Incredible for the mileage it has.

Before, I had a 1993 Ford Escort I had bought new: I also liked this car. At 100,000 miles engine was running well, but everything else was falling apart. Then I bought a Mercedes diesel: I sold it when it reached 400,000 miles and bought this Volkswagen.

This is the best car I ever had. 100% reliable. Had it towed only once because of ice in the fuel tank during extreme cold. But now I add gas treatment in the tank when temperature falls below 0, and everything is OK.

Faults:

Three holes in the floor

Transmission fluid often leaked

Starter cable often popped off

Thermostat broke at 160000 km; fan would not turn off, therefore draining the battery.

Head gasket leaked oil

Fan electric system short-circuited, resulting in an electrical fire which lit the whole car up

General Comments:

This car gave me nothing, but trouble since I bought it. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

If you own a 94 golf and your fan makes a smell like burning rubber when you turn it on, get it fixed fast or else your whole car will light on fire.

Faults:

None really. But I have'nt had it that long.

General Comments:

A good car, usual VW build quality.

Interior is very nice, bucket style seats, good layout.

1.8 8v engine is smooth and quiet, but not enough go. But that's only me. Most would be happy.

Handling seems a bit nervous. It has got power steering, but when you push it hard, it dips and weaves. Nasty. In general, OK.

Time to sell, sad to see it go, but I have other priorities.

Faults:

At 24000 miles, the exhaust dropped off while I was driving down the M25.

General Comments:

Excellent performance and economy; 28MPG urban, 33MPG extra urban.

Automatic gearbox is excellent, as well as the 1.8 litre engine is very punchy; 0-60 in 8.6 seconds, top speed 129 mph.

The handling is excellent. I could take a roundabout at 30 MPH, and think nothing of it.