USED Volkswagen Sharan MPV (95 - 11)

My car

Having previously had a Ford Galaxy, we just wanted a newer model and went for the Sharan because we preferred the interior to the Galaxy.

The car has been absolutely fantastic. It's very economical, reliable, and great to drive.

There's plenty of storage space for items large and small. Yes, the seats are fairly heavy to move in and out, but it's no great problem. I would recommend the car and buy another.

My car

This has been my company car for almost four years.

There were early gripes such as the climate control failing and the heated seats ceasing to work, but it has been a very reliable car. All were repaired under warranty.

Build quality is excellent, as is the metallic paint, and the car still looks brand new despite being on a 52-plate.

Performance isn't exactly exciting, but what do you expect from an MPV? It will cruise all day at 80-100mph if you need it to, and load space is spectacular. The car converts easily to a luxury four-seater with armchairs for the rear passengers.

My only gripe is with my local VW dealer, which is without doubt the worst main dealer in history. They simply don't care, and not because this is a company car either. Both my sons have used VWs purchased from Heritage and they are treated no better.

My car

Having just read all the previous Sharan reviews, I'm left wandering if we are talking about the same car. I love my Sharan - I think its great! Mine is a 2001 model, and nothing is broken inside or out. The only things that have been changed on it are wipers, bulbs, and tyres.

I have found the seats remove easily, although maybe they could be lighter, but it's not as though they are removed daily!

We have filled it to full capacity with a full roof box and still had it over 40mpg. It handles our windy lanes perfectly and the height means I can see over some hedges to see what's coming. I have never felt so safe in a car. The kids love it - especially the view from the built-in child seats.

Recently I managed to lock my baby and the keys in the car. With the spare doing a vanishing act, we were left with the only option of smashing a window to get inside. We chose to smash the pasanger front window... easier said than done. A rock just bounced off leaving not a scratch. The sledge-hammer bounced off twice before smashing - that's good glass!

To sum up, I'm really pleased with my Sharan, and when this one has seen better days, I may get a newer version. I have a friend with an Espace and it seems to have a huge list of problems. I'm so pleased with the VW that my husband is awaiting delivery for his VW Bora of the same year and trim. His and hers VWs... sad!

My car

Had a 1998 Espace that lasted just under three years from 1998 to 2001. At that point the gearbox and engine packed up after 60,000 miles.

So the Sharan has been a light relief to own by comparison. Our five-year old 115bhp auto has done 100,000 miles and the gearbox is now packing up. I am told it's a €4,000 replacement job! Nice, eh?

The air-conditioning packed up years ago - I told my family to put a coat on if they get cold and open the windows in the summer. We tow a caravan, trailers and a boat. Irish road surfaces are awful, so the suspension gets tested to its limit - it's pot-hole season at present.

We have three kids as well as their pals - usually, there's six of us plus six bikes and a caravan in the summer to France. It has survived the football, rugby, hockey, cubs, scouts, and guide runs no problem.

I will probably stump up for the gearbox and change the car next year for something to teach my 17-year old to drive in. It never ends, it just changes!

In my opinion, the Sharalaxy has done its job well and after we sell it, I have no doubt it will serve a less demanding user well for more years after us.