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.

Auto Express Car Reviews

April 2003

Rating:

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 Mégane it replaced. "The two cars are so different," explained the 35-year-old shipping administrator from Islington, London. "Whereas the Renault was flimsy and not particularly well thought-out, the Volkswagen is ergonomically superb. You know where everything is and the whole car feels as though it was built to last."
That said, Jo's 14,000 miles of Golf ownership haven't been completely trouble-free. She's had two electric window motors fitted under warranty, the boot handle has broken and the ABS pump needed to be replaced - and all within six months of her taking delivery.
Jo's car is a 1.9 TDI SE, with the 130bhp engine and six-speed manual gearbox. "I love the performance and economy," she said. "It holds the road really well, is incredibly nippy and is far more economical than a petrol car. I'm so impressed that I'm considering the 150bhp GT TDI as a replacement."