Used Volkswagen Golf R 2016-2020 reliability

Although the Golf R is a hoot on open roads, it will of course have been subjected to the ravages of supermarket car parks and school runs, so check the extremities of the car for any scuffs or dents. Look at those handsome alloy wheels for any kerb damage – they are susceptible to scraps and repair can be expensive.

VW had largely sorted out the most expensive of its DSG automatic gearbox problems before this generation of Golf was launched, but there are still some early cars for which problems have been reported. Make sure the gearbox changes smoothly and there are no signs of temperamental behaviour.

Timing chains fitted to petrol engines have been known to snap prematurely, which can cause significant engine damage but is often prevented by having the car serviced on time. This means a full service history is critical. Golf Rs can also suffer from high oil consumption, so it’s important to keep checking the oil level, even between services. If the level gets too low, it can cause damage to the engine or timing chain.

Faults with the navigation and entertainment system, as well as other electrical niggles, have been reported on some models, so it’s worth checking that all the electrics work as they should.

On the whole, owners report favourably on the Golf R.

In our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, the standard Golf, in petrol form, finished 18th out of 28 cars in the family car category, with an overall score of 90.4%. It finished above the Mercedes A-Class and Seat Leon but below the BMW 1 Series and Skoda Octavia. Check out the full list here.

Volkswagen, as a brand, finished in 22nd place out of 32 manufacturers, with an overall score of 90.2%. It finished above Mercedes and Vauxhall but below Honda, Seat and Skoda. Check out the full list here.