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Volkswagen Golf

If only every used car was as popular as VW's Golf, the motor trade would be in heaven. Second-hand demand for post-1997 models is huge. Rock-solid resale values, a reputation for build quality and reliability, wide availability and a superb range of diesel engines make the German family favourite a sound investment.

April 2003

If only every used car was as popular as VW's Golf, the motor trade would be in heaven. Second-hand demand for post-1997 models is huge. Rock-solid resale values, a reputation for build quality and reliability, wide availability and a superb range of diesel engines make the German family favourite a sound investment.
But that means it's expensive, and the best used examples always fetch good money. Is it really worth spending the extra over a Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra? For some examples, yes. TDIs, GTIs and some 1.6 petrols will cost less to own over three years, as they'll lose little from depreciation.
Steer clear of non-turbocharged oil-burners, which are devilishly slow. Also avoid the 1.4-litre petrol, as it's off the pace of rivals thanks to poor specs and a distinct lack of mid-range punch.
Estates don't have the same chic appeal as the upmarket hatchbacks - and don't be fooled by the Cabriolet. It might look like a Golf MkIV, but underneath it relies on ancient technology. Stick with the popular three and five-door models in good colours and trim levels, though, and you can't go wrong.
Checklist
* Examine the underside carefully, as Golf engines are low in their mountings and can be damaged by road debris.
* Cam tensioner failure can affect 1.4 and 1.6-litre models with high mileages. Listen for a rough idle or a ticking noise under acceleration.
* Crunching between gears is common, but isn't a clutch or gearbox fault. Slave cylinders can weep, and a loss of fluid causes the gearbox to stiffen up.
* The car has a tendency for the rear screen washer pipe to split, squirting water inside the boot. The flat rear screen means the window gets filthy.
* Golfs eat rear light bulbs, and there's no apparent reason for this. Always carry a few spares.
Glass's View
The Golf is a perennial used car favourite, so don't expect to pick up a bargain, says trade bible Glass's Guide. Even with a new model on the horizon, prices will remain firm. Expensive purchase costs are offset by slow depreciation, though, so while you pay out initially, you get more back when you come to sell. Diesel models have particularly strong residual values, especially 2001-on PD models.
My VW Golf...
Jo Wymer reckons her Golf is a far cry from the Renault M

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With the Golf, VW has given the car industry a lesson in making diesel desirable. There's no reason to buy a petrol model unless you crave the performance of the V5 or 4Motion. Avoid the 90bhp TDI and non-turbocharged SDI, and aim for a 110, 115 or 130bhp oil-burner in Sport or SE trim.

For a review of the new Volkswagen Golf visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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VERDICT

    With the Golf, VW has given the car industry a lesson in making diesel desirable. There's no reason to buy a petrol model unless you crave the performance of the V5 or 4Motion. Avoid the 90bhp TDI and non-turbocharged SDI, and aim for a 110, 115 or 130bhp oil-burner in Sport or SE trim.

 

OTHER EXPENSES

Depreciation:5
Running costs (ppm):40-72p
Insurance groups:4-18

HISTORY

    1997: Golf MkIV launched with choice of 75bhp 1.4, 100bhp 1.6, 115bhp 2.0, 125bhp or 150bhp 1.8 turbo and 150bhp 2.3 V5 petrol engines. Diesel options are normally aspirated 68bhp unit and 90bhp or 110bhp turbo, while trim levels are basic E, S, SE and GTI. 1999: Estate version is introduced, while the power output on the 110bhp oil-burner is increased to 130bhp. 2000: Cabriolet launched with MkIV front styling. 1.8T and V5 engines offered on estate, while 2.8 V6 4Motion appears with 205bhp and four-wheel-drive chassis, available as hatch only. 2001: 115bhp TDI engine replaced by 110bhp or 130bhp units. Six-speed gearbox standardised on TDI models. 150bhp TDI flagship introduced. Sport trim introduced across the range.
    2002:     1.8T GTI gets power increase to 180bhp and six-speed box is fitted. Anniversary GTI and GT TDI models launched. All Golfs get ESP as standard. Cabriolet production ceases.
 
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