VW Golf Estate 1994-
  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Wouldn't spend £16k on a similar car now.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    VW servicing ok if little wrong, but cambelt services are pricey. Economy around 50mpg dropping to 46mpg with a topbox.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Feels like a tractor compared with Mk IV, but ok acceleration for overtaking. Doesn't go round corners like a MkII.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    See driving.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Fine until 80k miles, then replaced steering rack, clutch, gearbox, steering pump and rack again! Finally inner diff bearings, at which stage I had had enough at 135k miles.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Stodgy.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Soggy GL seats - CL better.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Not renowned for this - suffered 1 break in through passenger window.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Ok - make sure you have a VW warranty.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Steering, diff bearings.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes