USED Volkswagen Bora Saloon (99 - 05)

My car

I am into the third year of ownership of my second Bora which is a 1.9 TDI Sport.

My last one was also a 1.9TDI but the 115BHP model. My current car is the 130BHP model which I find comfortable, reasonable to run and a good drive. It is the most economical car I have owned, but one of the few downsides to it is its poor performance on bad roads, which is a rarity.

A few of my colleagues have bought one on my feedback and are as satisfied as I am. I am a bit apprehensive at what the new Bora will be like so I am reserving jugement until I see one in the metal so to speak.

My car

I have owned this car for just over a year now, and have enjoyed driving it.

I can say that it does handle and ride better then the golf it is based upon. The 2.0 8v engine provides good performance and decent mid-range, while delivering O.K MPG.

This is the only car I automaticlly felt comfortable in as soon as I sat in it - it helps that the interior is classy, and well screwed together *still* - esp as there is 104k on the clock.

The blue-lit dials and controls give the interior a calming, classy ambience like no other.

The car's exterior comes across as a clean-cut, corporate, stylish design, and it is a good fusion of the Golf and Passat - not overtly "sexy" but stands out from Ford/Astra/Honda fidder.

The only problems I have are: 1 - The cost of parts for this car are scary - and they cannot be justifled. 2 - Some of the VW dealers do not seem to know what they are doing - I thought Alfa dealers were bad, VW really do need to look at they their after-sales service as it can seem a gamble to buy any VW if you not 100% certain what level of service you might get from a VW dealer.

Overall, I think the What Car? grading is a little unfair, my grading for "new" would be 3/5, compared to the Golfs 4/5 as to me this is the only way the Golf makes more sense. But for "Used" it would be a 4/5, as a used Bora is better value for money then the equivent used Golf.

My car

I bought the Bora 2.0 SE as it offerred a great interior specification far in excess of the Golf.

The 2.0 engine delivers good performance without breaking the bank. The alloys and wide wheels make the car look sporty and provide good grip and handling.

I also have a Golf, and the Bora handles and rides much better. The brakes are responsive and the ride is quiet at speed, comfortable and safe.

Although they don't hold their money as well as a Passat or Golf, there are good deals to be had.

I'd recommend this car and think the grading from What Car? is a little on the harsh side, try using one every day, you'll change your mind.

My car

It is a good car but it is noisy, especially after 110 kmh, and the responding of its auto shift is slow.