21st Aug 2007, 02:27
So, after paying through the nose for the car, you have to pay for a separate insurance policy to be able to get a courtesy car when it breaks? I have never heard anything so ridiculous in my life. Not
Why does anyone buy a Volkswagen these days? The quality's gone to pot, the dealers are useless, and the driving experience is "average" at best. And they're still 2-3 grand over priced on a model by model basis. You're not
I owned three VW's in succession until I had constant problems with a mkIV Golf GTI. Sold that after 6 months as I never had confidence in it, and have since owned a Ford Focus ST170, a RenaultSport Megane 225 and (currently) a Honda Civic Type-R. All more reliable, all better to drive, and with the exception of the Ford, all better supported by dealers.
I would never put another penny of my own cash into a VW. There are better cars out there for less money.
22nd Aug 2007, 08:09
Just to add my comment - I don't think that the original review is true. For a start, I don't know of any dealer (that I have visited) that will not offer a courtesy car while a car is in for warranty/service work! Unless he gave no warning.
The SDI Golf is slow being a non-turbo diesel - but I've never heard of one doing less than 45mpg!!!
Lastly, the SDi does not have an alarm system (because the SDi is only available on the basic S model) - so how can it 'not work'? Very suspicious!
On another note, my Mark 5 Golf is fantastic in every way - very pleased that I didn't go for anything else! My dealer cares and the car is faultless. I had a Honda Civic before and it was not a patch on the Golf!
21st May 2008, 13:59
To the comment above - the SDI is a DIESEL and the review says the car is a 2.0 PETROL. As the owner of the above heap, it was a 2.0 petrol with an alleged 115 bhp.
Yes, it was always possible to get a courtesy car - if you could arrange your breakdown about 3 weeks in advance. Unfortunately, when a car breaks down and it's a virtually new car, I sort of expect to be given a replacement. I only ever managed to get a courtesy car out of the dealer for routine services - booked a minimum of 3 weeks in advance. Tricky in itself when I find it entirely possible to rack up anywhere between 200 and 1,000 miles per week. Trying to book a courtesy car 2 weeks in advance got me the "I'm not sure if we can do that" treatment.
Please don't call me a liar it makes me cross.
I was unfortunate enough that this was my third Golf and first lemon. My wife has also owned several VWs previously and now also drives a Honda. 12 months on from getting rid of the Golf, I can't see me going back to VW.
22nd May 2008, 11:16
True about the petrol. However, the petrol is the 150hp unit in the MK5 (04-) and therefore would come in the GT Trim - not S. I still think the review is dud.
28th Dec 2009, 03:02
The 2.0 comes in 8v single cam 115bhp, how can you say a review is dud?, I've owned several VWs over time and they've been disappointing to say the least...
11th Jan 2010, 06:10
It was my car, and it was fitted with a 2.0 8V PETROL engine with an ALLEGED 115bhp - the same engine as used in the Mk2 & Mk3 Golfs I believe. It was a Mk4 Golf Not a Mk5 (UK W registration, model year 2000).
Please get your facts right before criticizing.
It was my car, it was rubbish, the dealers were rubbish and VW UK were arrogant, rude and unhelpful. I've now got a Honda, which has been near perfect over the past 50k miles, and the dealers are much better.
VW are living on a reputation that has long since been proved a lie.
11th May 2010, 21:45
All I can tell you is congratulations on getting rid of the VW and getting a Honda Accord.
We all make mistakes. Mine and your was getting a Volkswagen. We learned and moved on.
My review is the VW GOLF CL 2.0 North America (with about 13 comments).
You're absolutely right. Why get a VW when there are so much better cars around? Who in their right mind would get one?
Here's to a VW-free, relaxing and happy future!
9th Jan 2007, 05:10
Not sure what the previous comment is all about, but if a new car goes wrong and needs fixing, VW should be capable of providing a courtesy car. It's got nothing to do with insurance. Anyway, I sympathise with your case as my VW also went wrong several times in the first few months and again VW were unable to provide a courtesy car, until I complained like mad and then they gave me a Seat Leon. The Seat costs about 15% less, but was about 10 times better and I was gutted when I finally got my dismal Golf back. Alas I can't afford to get rid of mine now. Despite claims to have a high retention value, I've lost 20% in 6 months, and the car was already 2 years old! It's garbage, and I regret ever visiting the VW dealer.