Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (2004 - 2008) 1.9 SE TDI 5d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Safety conscious.

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

It's a bit boring but does the job it is intended for.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No - having only ever owned VW cars, I am hugely disappointed with this one - design faults are not officially recognised by VW and therefore expensive to solve. It has spent more time in the garage than my 14 year old Polo did. It feels like a 'friday afternoon', car on the manufacturing front.

What are you likely to buy next?

Unless I see some improvement in VW reliability, then it will probably be a Land Rover.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£13,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Car was only 3 months old with a few hundred miles on the clock; seemed like a good almost new buy.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My old Polo was on its last legs.

What was the dealer like?

Good

What's it like to drive?

Comfortable; I don't find the diesel particularly noisy; poor acceleration but that's a diesel for you! Feels safe to drive.

What's it like to park?

Good - decent turning circle in general. Easy size to fit into smaller spaces in carparks.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Oh yes - constant EMS problems with warning lights coming on for no reason, car stalling at speed on the motorway, unable to start engine in the first place. Also bonnet catch rusted and needed replacing after 4 years. Also, ESP/ABS warning lights come on frequently - wheel sensors seem to wear out very quickly!

What's most practical about your car?

Diesel, so economical and always starts in any weather. Front wheel drive, so I fair better in the ice and snow.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Automatic lights and rain sensors but this is fairly standard on most cars....