1997 Volkswagen Vento CL 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great reliability

Faults:

Nothing at all, unless changing one blown bulb at 50,000 miles counts...

Ultra-reliable so far.

General Comments:

The boot is very big.

The acceleration at higher speeds is very good (i.e. between 55mph and 70mph.)

The Vento hasn't needed anything doing apart from routine servicing each year.

Manual aircon works well and is fast.

Only complaint is that the road noise is noticeable - will get different tyres next change and see if this helps.

Radio-cassette volume push-buttons are fiddly compared to a turn control.

This was a very good buy - can't understand why the depreciation/resale value is so unfavourable given the high quality and reliability of this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2004

1997 Volkswagen Vento GL 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good solid family car if you're not in a hurry!

Faults:

A few electrical problems radio, windows.

General Comments:

Only owned for a short time so points of interest to prospective buyers.

Poor acceleration even for an Auto!

Very smooth and quiet at Motorway speeds.

Poor handling especially when loaded.

Excellent brakes, bit thirsty!

Built like a tank feels a safe car.

Small rust spots appearing around glass.

Excellent boot-space, but legroom tight in rear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2002

11th Feb 2005, 16:37

Well, I own a Vento myself, and I have not had any problems with it. I find the acceleration fairly good, plus, it's a amazingly good car during the winter.

I simply love my Vento GL.

8th Mar 2005, 16:44

I noticed how you said poor acceleration "even for an Automatic."

I don't mean any offense by this, but it is basically common sense that automatics are horrible for any kind of performance, or at least worse than their manual counterparts. A 5-speed Vento will outperform an auto simply by the ability to control the engine speed.

5th Jul 2007, 05:13

I have a 1997 Vento GLI. I find the acceleration (0-100km/h in 10.4seconds) just fine for a 1990's 4 cylinder engine in a safe, solid car. Also the handling for a front wheel drive is simply mind-blowing, although I have low profile tyres which do make a difference. As for the economy... I'm completely satisfied even with today's fuel prices.

1997 Volkswagen Vento CL 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A MkIII Golf in Sheeps Clothing

Faults:

Auto gearbox can be slow switching from drive to reverse.

General Comments:

Typical VW - slightly 'dull', but fantastically reliable. Being basically the same as a Golf MkIII, it has more weight over the rear axle, which actually makes it handle better. But with a tiny engine, in a straight line it isn't very fast.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st March, 2000

20th Jun 2003, 10:25

What you said about the switching from drive to automatic was slow, is because that's a way of protection and that's perfectly normal.

When you stop you are supposed to wait like a second and then switch to reverse, but not immediatly.

The same thing is for manual gearboxes, you stop, wait a little and the gear reverse. Maybe you have noticed than if reverse is geared quick it makes some sounds.