Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (1997 - 2004) 1.4 S 5d (1998/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm not your typical 18 year old boy racer. Settled into a good job early.

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

Most are jealous, Seems odd to see a 18 year old in a family type hatchback but I value the quality

Would you buy this car again and why?

The 1.4 was purely bought for cheapness on insurance if I got rid of my current, I'd be likely to get a 130 or 150 gt tdi. Just because I'm starting to do a fair few miles

What are you likely to buy next?

130Bhp 3 door gt tdi

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,000

When did you buy the car?

April 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I went to the dealer with a family friend who had been MOT mechanic at VW for 15 years so we bartered down a massive amount from on the ticket...goes to show that these guys value commision

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The smooth refined ride, very low insurance as I was only 18 when I bought the car. Being young it gave me a classier ride than the usual 'corsa,clio,fiesta,nova' teen image.

What was the dealer like?

The orginal salesman was faultless really, No pressure, helpfull as he had a gti 150. Made it really easy...I got lucky I guess.

What's it like to drive?

Underpowered as I expected but 73bhp in a car weighing 1100kg was never going to set the world alight. The ride is smooth, original cornering was wallowy, mines lowered 40mm and has stiffened up nicely. Revs high on the motorway 4000rpm at 80mph, doesn't have too much effect on economy because Its easy to get 40mpg, just sounds like your doing damage

What's it like to park?

Very easy for the size, the steering is light enough to swing it around asda but doesnt make it twitchy at speed. Good visibily. Very practicle, as you'd expect from the germans

Have you had any problems with the car?

It uses 5 litres of oil every 10,000 mile. All manner of servicing and replacing parts has been done at VW to try and rectify this, concluding that it's just a car that uses a lot of oil. VW and the dealer were actually very helpful in this respect

What's most practical about your car?

For me the wide loading space in the rear, the boot is huge, deceptively huge so I can throw my push bike in the back

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

First car I've had with ABS, not a gadget but I've found it invaluble a couple of times...cupholders are cool too. Electric petrol cap