Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (2004 - 2008) 1.4 S FSI 5d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Probably that I'm a down to earth, non-flashy guy. Slightly boring perhaps and I want to buy a bit more exciting car next time.

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

They like being passengers in my car, plenty of space in the rear, low-ish noise. The ride isn't brilliant though.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not in this trim/spec, it's a bit basic and gutless. I wouldn't mind a GT TDI or something.

What are you likely to buy next?

I don't need such a practical car anymore so I want to get an old MX5 next and modify it a bit.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

June 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I wanted to get the facelift model and this was the cheapest one with good history so I thought I got a pretty good deal. Paid £150 or so for 12 months' guarantee, which I didn't use in the end so could have done without that but otherwise not too bad.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a solid, reliable, economical, spacious car with a bit of prestige.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was a family business in a small village in West Yorkshire, lovely old chap who helped me through the process and arranged 7 days' free insurance for me on the spot. Not pushy and was very pleasant, unlike a lot of dealears in Bradford, Rochdale, etc.

What's it like to drive?

It's my first car so I haven't got anything to compare with apart from other cars which I test drove at the time. I found it more engaging than the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3.

What's it like to park?

No trouble. Rear wiper engages automatically in the rain when reversing.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I've owned the car for nearly three years and only a couple of things went wrong so not too bad for a car with over 100k miles on it. Ignition coil went and lost power one time driving along motorway doing normal speed, cost about £50 to fix on the spot, the radiator fan motor burnt down and caused overheating of the engine one time £200 fix, the door catch on the passenger side seized up, £30 fix.

What's most practical about your car?

It's a Golf - definition of practical hatchback!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

My model was a basic S model so not much gadgets at all. The CD/radio is fine and the sound quality from the speakers is decent.