Faults:

Had to replace part or a part that was connected to the axle (front). That costed $300.00 USD. At that time, I could not go over 55mph. That was at 70000 miles. Ignition cylinder has been changed 3 times in a two year span. I had a really hard time with that. Power locks did not work at 80000 miles. Door key lock cylinders do not work either at 98000 miles. Front tires usually experience heavy ware.

General Comments:

It is a great little car. Extremely sporty. Its dash is nicely balanced. Just the normal problems for a car with 98000 miles.

Faults:

Side moldings replaced twice..

Heavy front tire wear.

Cold sensor replaced.

Very difficult to start.

Oxygen sensor replaced.

General Comments:

Car performed well for 60000 miles, went downhill after that.

The car is very difficult to start. It takes a minimum of 3 attempts till the engine will finally turn over. I've had this car to 3 different VW mechanics, including the dealership from where it was purchased. None of them can fix the starting problem. It's to the point now where the dealership doesn't even want to be bothered.

I've always had all my services preformed in a timely manner. This car should not be redy for the junk pile yet. But in my opinion it is.

Faults:

Tyre wear heavy on front.

Rust under door seals.

Front right wheel bearing.

General Comments:

Good little car.

Rust fixed by Honda using a 'smart repair' (cheaper than a full repair).

Dealers let down VW with poor after sales service.

Faults:

The first week, the automatic transmission stick fell apart. I've lost the plastic undercarriage cover twice. I had to have a new transmission. I had to replace several components of the fuel/air mix system. The plastic molding on the sides has come off three times. I had to get a new starter. Most recently (and I've stopped having it worked on for the time being), I've been told I need a new ignition system.

General Comments:

I initially liked this car a great deal: it had a lot of pick up, was comfortable, and seemed reliable, except for a few problems with the moldings. Over the last year, I've had endless mechanical problems that, with the exception of replacing the transmission, were not covered by the warranty. The bills for these repairs have been extremely high, and the service has, most recently, been unreliable, i.e., work requested not done or done incorrectly. I have serious concerns that a car that has been well maintained is have so many problems, and that the dealership tends to find things that need repair that aren't necessarily malfunctioning. The cost of the repairs at the dealership, too, are very high. Unfortunately, I would never buy a Volkswagen again. While the Golf is inexpensive, I can't say that it is reliable.