VW Golf Estate 1999-
  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not much kit considering it cost more than £18,000.

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Disappointing fuel consumption, usually between 38 and 41 mpg. Eats headlight bulbs.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Uninspiring handling better when loaded. Auto with ABS and traction control great in the snow, though!

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very quick once it gets going, but irritating (and dangerous) hesitation in the auto box while it works out what gear to select! VW say it's supposed to be like that... Transmission ruins a good engine best to buy a manual version.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Never actually broken down (in 80,000 miles).

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Anonymous.

    Comfort

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Uncomfortable front seats I can last about 90 minutes tops in them. Rear leg room is pathetic, even for teenagers. There's more space in our Peugeot 205!

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Has deadlocks etc but passenger lock and tailgate lock broke, so not very secure. Passenger door lock has resisted garage attempts to fix it. I gather this is fairly common.

    Service

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Disinterested main dealers.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    None.

    Other

    Frequent blown bulbs, broken door locks, climate control failed, engine undertray fell off.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No