Used Volkswagen Golf Plus MPV 2005 - 2009 reliability review

The extra space is useful, but it's no MPV

What should I look for in a used Volkswagen Golf Plus?

As the Plus is essentially a VW Golf with a bigger boot, you can expect to encounter the same sort of mechanical problems that Golf drivers face. These include problems with headlamps and electric glitches. On a more serious note, the 1.6-litre engine has suffered from faulty timing belt tensioners.

Also, check for tell-tale stains on the ground, as there have been reports of leaking fuel pumps on the diesel engine. And, avoid high-mileage diesels that produce clouds of black smoke under hard acceleration.

Although Golfs enjoy a good reliability reputation, treat your test drive as you would with any other car, paying particular attention to the clutch, gearbox and all electric components.

Tips & Advice

Used cars available now

In partnership with
AutoTrader logo
Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.9 TDI PD Luna 5dr

Volkswagen Golf Plus

1.9 TDI PD Luna 5dr

£800

Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.9 TDI PD Luna 5dr

Volkswagen Golf Plus

1.9 TDI PD Luna 5dr

£949

Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.4 TSI S Euro 5 5dr

Volkswagen Golf Plus

1.4 TSI S Euro 5 5dr

£990

Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.4 S 5dr

Volkswagen Golf Plus

1.4 S 5dr

£995

Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.9 TDI PD Luna 5dr

Volkswagen Golf Plus

1.9 TDI PD Luna 5dr

£995

Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.9 TDI Luna 5dr

Volkswagen Golf Plus

1.9 TDI Luna 5dr

£1,190

Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.6 TDI SE Euro 5 5dr

Volkswagen Golf Plus

1.6 TDI SE Euro 5 5dr

£1,193

Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.4 TSI S Euro 5 5dr

Volkswagen Golf Plus

1.4 TSI S Euro 5 5dr

£1,195

Volkswagen Golf Plus 2.0 TDI PD GT DSG 5dr

Volkswagen Golf Plus

2.0 TDI PD GT DSG 5dr

£1,295

About the writer

Stuart Milne, digital editor

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

Follow Stuart Milne on

Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

News & Advice

News

Used car of the week: Volkswagen Golf Plus

* Used versions of the Volkswagen Golf Plus from £7500
* Real-world examples 
* All part of What Car?'s Approved Used scheme