Faults:

Oil leak, rust, door seal leak, electronics, clutch, the list went on!

General Comments:

Early 2000's Golf GTi with the ordinary 2.0 engine. A very boring and overrated car.

No idea why this model was badged as the sporty GTi - the car felt slow, and not that economical either at around 33 mpg at best. Maybe the 1.8T was better for the GTi? This 2.0 engine felt out of place with low power for its size.

Inside was sporty and comfortable though.

OK to drive, smooth on motorways.

Just a really boring experience, everyone seems to remember their Golf GTi's with fond memories, but not mine, it was overrated and over priced. Not that reliable either. I thought VW from this time was supposed to be among the best cars, I was into VW at the time. But looking back, they were nothing special.

Sold back in 2010 and I have never returned to VW ever since, and doubt I will ever will again.

Faults:

Lots, but most was the wear and tear expected of the age and miles.

Suspension, brakes, exhaust, usually needed attention at MOT time.

Blew bulbs often, auto electrician could never find the fault. Battery and alternator replaced. Windows stuck and some other electrical issues were present.

Clutch went at 100K miles.

I did every service, found an oil leak in its last few years with me, never bothered fixing as it never leaked enough to top up. Coolant hose at the radiator needed attention at one point however.

Interior plastics broke, not as hard wearing as VW's reputation suggests; I actually think this car could have been built better. Loads of rattles even when I first got it.

Rear hatch failed to stay open (gas struts). Rust starting around arches and fuel cap.

General Comments:

Had this 2003 Golf a long time, it had its issues, but not quite as reliable or well built as their "legendary" reputation suggests.

That all said it was a decent family car. The space inside was OK for its size, "Match" model was a basic one but it had enough equipment for its time.

1.6 had nice power and managed around 38 mpg on average.

Pretty boring to drive, nothing special. Comfortable seats. Good for short or long journeys.

I found VW main dealers rude and expensive whenever I went it for service or repair; as with any car this age you are better finding a friendly local garage.

Overall I liked it, not a bad car at all, but just not as good as people say either.

Faults:

So far:

Catalytic converter (needs OEM replacement or will throw a code).

Tension pulley (could have blown the head gasket).

Various front suspension and handling.

Rear hatch mechanism (mechanical failed and replaced, then electronic door button and key FOB failed, but able to open using the key).

Rust in the wheel wells (fair warning that between the plastic covering in the wheel well and your rocker panel is a 2 inch gap of space that collects dirt and debris. This area needs to be monitored and cleaned out. I was too late to discover this and I am now in the repair process).

General Comments:

I'm 46 years old and until 5 years ago I delivered pizza as a second job in New England for 17 years. 3rd owner backyard mechanic and I just love this car. True it's expensive to fix, but the problems in my instances were just due to its age and were as likely on any other car. The mileage is still sticker accurate and cylinder compression is as strong as new. I'm not into modifying it. I use it as my daily driver. Were I to still be doing the pizza gig, I would have opted for the non-turbo 4cyl. Since I'm not though I'll pay the extra gas for the sheer pleasure of hearing and feeling the factory designed motor in this thing. Nothing but smiles.

Me and my girl take it camping with all our stuff fitting nicely. Handles awesome in the snow with the extra weight of the VR6 motor over the front wheels. It's nice and small for parking. And she can do some amazing moves through traffic. I love this little car, and will drive her till she turns to dust.