VW Golf MkV

With a brand new VW Golf just round the corner, the MkV is about to get a lot cheaper... And thanks to a huge range of engines and bodystyles, there’s a variant for everyone, whether you’re after an eco-friendly hatch or an agile powerhouse.

Because it has never been the cheapest model around, the Golf has traditionally been priced out of reach for many. However, values will soften once the new MkVI appears in January – so here’s how to pick a good MkV.

History
The fifth incarnation of the Golf went on sale in February 2004. There was a choice of 1.4, 1.6 or 2.0-litre petrol engines, and 1.9 or 2.0 TDI diesels, along with a normally aspirated 2.0 SDI unit. The GTI didn’t arrive until January 2005, followed by the 247bhp R32 within the year.

In June 2005 the taller Golf Plus appeared, and in the same month in 2006 the 138bhp 1.4 TSI replaced the 2.0 GT. A year later, the estate was launched, alongside a 170bhp 1.4 TSI.

What to look forALL MkVs had a variable service indicator, but only buyers who opted for it had it activated. You can get it switched on no matter how old the car is – vital if you do high miles, as it can allow you to go twice as far between checks.

A squeaky clutch on 1.9 TDI points to weak release bearings. Also, high oil levels on TDI PDs could mean diesel has got into the injectors, ruining the engine.

Alternatives
the premium Audi A3 is worth a look thanks to its build quality, dynamics and excellent brakes. BMW’s 1-Series offers prestige and fine handling – but ride and practicality aren’t as good.

Less money gets a Honda Civic, which is great to drive, practical, looks funky and costs less to run. While Ford’s Focus is a top all-rounder, it doesn’t have its rivals’ premium image.

Verdict
One of the few cars that can sell in big numbers while still being perceived as exclusive, the Golf is a safe place to put your money. It’s reliable, plus as it’s always in fashion it’s easy to sell on.

Although the car fell seven places to 16th in our Driver Power 2008 owner satisfaction survey, that’s still pretty good.

If your budget permits, this VW is well worth considering.

How much?

Model - 57 ('08) / 56 ('07) / 55 ('06) / 54 ('05) / 53 ('04)

1.4 TSI GT 3dr - £14,295 / £12,295 / N/A / N/A / N/A
2.0 FSI GT 5dr - N/A / N/A / £9,895 / £8,595 / £7,495
GTI 3dr - £16,995 / £14,795 / £12,895 / £11,195 / N/A
1.9 TDI SE 5dr - N/A / N/A / £8,995 / £7,895 / £6,895
2.0 GT TDI 5dr - N/A / N/A / £10,795 / £9,695 / £8,595

Golf MkV ownership starts at around £5,000 for a 2004 53-plate 1.4-litre example; for an extra £1,000 you could choose between a 1.6 FSI S or a 1.9 TDI S, both on an 04- plate. The cheapest 2.0 TDI is £8,000 (a 53-reg GT), but if you prefer 170bhp you’ll need at least £12,000.

The brilliant GTI starts at £10,500 for a 54-plate three-door, while the earliest R32, on an 06-plate, can be picked up from £13,000. Five-doors carry a £150-£200 premium over equivalent three-door models, and an automatic gearbox typically adds £300-£500 to the asking price.

Running costs

Model - Ins. grp / Pence per mile / % price retained 3yrs / Annual road fund licence

1.4 S 3dr - 4 / 34 / 59 / £170
2.0 FSI GT 5dr - 13 / 46 / 60 / £170
GTI 3dr - 17 / 51 / 64 / £210
1.9 TDI SE 5dr - 6 / 39 / 60 / £120
2.0 GT TDI 5dr - 13 / 42 / 60 / £145
R32 3dr - 18 / 64 / 59 / £210

Most MkV Golfs have a variable servicing system, allowing up to two years or 20,000 miles between maintenance. However, cars without this set-up don’t reap the benefits and need attention every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Service costs range between £160 and £280 depending on mileage, variant and the car’s build date, while all diesels and most petrol engines are chain driven so there’s no need for a fresh cambelt.

Two things to keep an eye out for are the air-conditioning, which often needs recharging, and the brake fluid, which requires renewal every two years. Fresh radiator coolant is needed every three years.

Partwatch

Part - Dealer price / Independent price

Front brake pads (axle set) - £63.66 / £35.99
Brake disc (pair) - £94.16 / £64.99
Door mirror glass (electric) - £34.49 / £34.99
Radiator - £134.55 / £96.99

Extra Info

Buyer beware!
Variants with the FSI petrol engine work better on high-octane fuel; using regular unleaded will cause running and starting problems.

On diesel models, the turbo oil seals can fail. This can mean the turbo, intercooler and exhaust manifold need replacing – meaning a hefty £3,000 bill.

GTI air-con compressors and condensors are a weak point: most sorted under warranty.

Recalls
Mar 2005: There may be fuel leaks on TDI PD models built between Mar and Aug 2004.

Feb 2007: The heating element could overheat on Golf diesels made from Nov 2006 to Jan 2007.

Jan 2008: Diesel cars built between Jan 2007 and Jan 2008 could catch fire as a result of an overheating auxiliary heater element.

Reader review
James Carr from Exeter has owned two MkV Golfs. “I bought an early 1.9 TDI which I later swapped for a 1.4 TSI. The diesel is so much better thanks to the torquey, more economical engine,” he told us.

“Both have been good, rather than exciting, to drive. However, some servicing costs are high. The Golf’s reputation for reliability is well deserved, but when I traded in my first, I lost more money than I’d have hoped after only two years.”