Volkswagen Golf GTI (2005 - 2008) 2.0 GTI 5d DSG (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I've bought an overpriced, overly common, badly built but good fun car. They do look classy from the outside.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They loved it as they had read the reviews of new ones so believed the hype like i did but were amazed when i showed them how quickly it all falls apart and how awful the DSG gearbox is.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I will never touch a VW again. They have really let the build quality drop and the dealers are well known to be one of the worst. Customer service is appalling. Such a shame as the chassis and engine are amazing. Just let down by DSG gearbox and build quality. So er... no

What are you likely to buy next?

I have bought a 2005 BMW 130i. It outshines the VW in every way except ride quality.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£12,500

When did you buy the car?

April 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Peter Cooper Southampton. I think I paid exactly what I should have so yes and no.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I read all the rave reviews and got one over by the hype, especailly about the DSG gear box

What was the dealer like?

In my opinion awful from start to finish. As soon as they had my deposit customer service went out the window. I ended up selling the car back to them 4 months later with a loss of £2.5k due to endless problems with the car.

What's it like to drive?

Handling was faultless, best handling car I have ever driven. Great engine although when Idleing it sounds like a diesel. Good power but let down by gearbox which could never decide which gear to stay in or go to.

What's it like to park?

Very easy. Visibility was great.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Too many to list. Main one being the gearbox never working properly. Trim falling off, rattles, corroded brakes and many more problems.

What's most practical about your car?

Good space. Big boot. Very comfortable. If the build quality had been better, the car hadn't been such a dog and the dealer been so poor I would have kept the car as when it was new it was probably great.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Steering wheel was great. Ipod adapter. DSG box was awful