2013 Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion SE 1.6 TDi from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Expensive to buy and run, but worth it
Faults:
Timing belt, water pump, battery, rocker cover gasket leaking oil, new shocks and springs at front, brake disc and pads all round.
Air con weak but works.
Alloy wheels looking rough/corroded.
Rear wash/wipe stuck.
General Comments:
The Golf is a fine looking premium hatchback car. My 2013 car is silver and looks very nice with the window tints.
SE model has all you will need, electric everything. Seats are very nice, the car is easy and relaxing to drive. Cabin is quiet and you only hear the engine at higher revs at low speed. On the motorway it is very refined. Spacious inside and the car handles very nice. Boot space is also decent for as small hatch.
1.6 TDi is a great engine, fast and economical. I do get a genuine 60 mpg or more on average, but I drive very carefully. It has been reliable enough for me though I have heard of others having expensive problems with injectors, EGR valves, and DPF's. The trick is I think to give the car a nice long drive now and then (clears out the DPF) and use quality fuel and oil for the turbo and injectors to stay in good condition.
They are expensive cars to buy used even with a lot of mileage on them. But it is worth it in my opinion for a good one. Then when you get a nice one, find a friendly local garage - VW main dealers in my experience are terrible, they only want to sell you a brand new car and nothing else.
In short the Golf is what it always has been - a fine mid sized hatch, a little more expensive than the rest, but worth it for those who know how to keep running costs down.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th February, 2023