Faults:

Front suspension ball joints wear out very quickly and are expensive to replace.

Catalytic converter ceramic matrix broke up at 105,000 miles. Caused a severe drop in performance.

Climate control panel is faulty and the system has leaked Freon gas.

Hydraulic pipe between the slave and master cylinder to the clutch leaked, because it chafed on the gearbox. Took FOUR DAYS to repair!

General Comments:

Big interior and very economical on fuel (typical 60+mpg in everyday use).

Comfortable for a family of five and plenty of luggage space.

Let down by suspect build quality.

Faults:

Too many to list or to remember, but those which caused three days or more off the road include gearbox, starter, suspension, electrics, water ingress etc.

General Comments:

By a long way the least reliable car I have ever owned. It has been out of use at least ten times. At the moment the car is off the road - I am in the 12th week of what VW tell me will be a 14 week wait for parts to repair the failed suspension. The car is just three years old and it has failed its first MOT on several significant grounds.

Faults:

Aircon drain hole blocked - water in footwell.

Welds missing on NS A post - creaks.

Control arm replaced on NSF susp - bushes failed.

Temp sender replaced - 3 week back order from DE caused starting and engine running problems.

Water leak in front wheel arch damaged central locking ECU and harness - 3 week back order - car has been at dealer for 2 weeks awaiting parts and is not expected back for at least 2 more weeks.

Squeaking/sticking clutch pedal, and lots of other minor faults.

General Comments:

This could be a great car but this is the worst built car I have ever owned.

Faults:

Speedo sender intermittent, unlocking with key sometimes opened windows (fault cleared without intervention), poor glovebox fit. Need to watch oil consumption in first 5000 miles.

General Comments:

Very good chassis (unlike previous VR6 Golf which was awful) if slightly inert compared with BMW 3-series. Well made, comfortable, good performance and excellent economy - especially if you take it easy.

Faults:

FM radio cuts out intermittently.

General Comments:

Big car refinement at family car price.