USED Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (04 - 09)

My car

I've had 6 VWs now including this one and it is a mixed bag. In no particular order the economy is poor despite the FSI badging and in town never betters 25 mpg which is poor. The engine is noisy when you pull away and I think is underpowered. The car struggles quite badly when trying to power away up a hill. The equipment levels are poor with no front fog lights, no rear electric windows and a poor radio/speaker set up. The speakers rattle at even low volumes and the rain sensor is rubbish. You'd be better off applying Rain-X or Audi's glass coating. The engine cut out three times in the first three days and the dealer VW Driftbridge correctly diagnosed a faulty engine speed sensor. They also replaced a rear tyre that had a slow puncture which showed goodwill. They also lent me a 2011 reg 1.4TSI Golf which did impress me but sadly I can't afford it. The good points remain for any Golf which are good handling, nice steering, good practicality & visibility and solid build. The car is a very nice colour that I haven't seen that often ( coastal blue ) and has a very clean engine bay. I think that my Jetta diesel was a far superior car but who knows as the years and miles go by this car could still own its keep.

My car

I've owned this Golf for four weeks now and I can't understand what all this fuss about VW? So far after having gone through the car with a fine tooth comb I have found; gearbox selectors on their way out, two airbag crash sensors need replacing, tandem pump is failing so oil is mixing with the diesel. There are other bits more they are more age-related. I took the car to my local VW independant and when I told him the problems he replied 'I bet that it's the 2.0 TDi, the worst engine that VW have ever made'... After having a good chat with him, he tells me that the injectors are such a common fail that at times he can be doing 2-3 VAG cars a week. Please bear in mind that these injectors cost £700+VAT each, so on a 4 cylinder engine that would be 4 injectors totalling over £3k plus fitting! The same injectors on a Mercedes are £180+ VAT. So if you are really thinking about paying over the odds for a Golf or any other Audi/VW I would strongly recomend that you do your homework because their supposed great build quality is a sham!!!

My car

Often given 5 star ratings but that's not the full story.

Bought in 2006 and it’s been serviced annually. After its 2008 service was informed that the delivery suspension blocks had been removed. These were missed at PDI and original service, great! Now informed the suspension brushes require replacing but the 2 are not connected! Fortunately, the car is under warranty just. Complained to both the dealer and Volkswagen UK but got nothing more than a reluctant apology.

This aside the car has more rattles and squeaks than a baby’s playpen and the radio has been replaced, oh and the windows fixed (sort of). They go down when you press up, I just need to remember.

Previously had a Focus TDCI, not as glamorous but much better all round.

My car

Since the 1.9TDI seems to be the model most commonly seen on the roads yet you have virtually no reviews of this popular version - here goes. Briefly the Golf is a strongly built, well-designed, comfortable (even over v long distances), economical hatchback, greatly enjoyable and reassuring to drive and fully fit for purpose. The diesel engine is audible yet induces a relaxing style of driving, but the power is there when needed, up to a point! I'm not interested in the traffic-lights Grand Prix since I own my car and pay for all its costs, so am not going to treat it with anything other than care. 45000 miles so far and very few faults. I love it! I have the greatest admiration for Gilbert Lawton, VW main agent in Altrincham - they've given me the best customer service I've experienced since I bought my first car (1932 MG J2 for £35) in 1964. Yes of course I'd like a better equipped, more powerful model (Mk VI maybe?) - I'm a man and where toys - sorry, cars are concerned I think we're all acquisitive. Thanks VW.