Volkswagen Bora (1999 - 2005) 1.9 TDI SE (130ps) 4d (2004/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I know how to choose a car well, and I want it to last.

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

My partner is really envious of the performance and economy - having just paid 6 times as much for a new BMW 520d estate !

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, if I could find one in such good condition. It's a perfect balance of performance, economy and comfort and I'm getting better than the stated mpg, which is welcome with fuel prices so high. It has really exceeded expectations.

What are you likely to buy next?

I might very likely buy the same car again if I could: though I would like something with a slightly higher top edge to the windscreen (I'm tall), and with more ground clearance under the sump guard (a problem on all Mk IV Golf and Bora PD diesels. (For about 3 weeks a year I wish I had 4-wheel-drive, but it wouldn't honestly be worth the money overall.) The performance and economy are great!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,695

When did you buy the car?

January 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

I paid a little over book price, but an immaculate 6-year-old car with 23k on the clock has rarity value. I don't regret it. Also, got a great trade-in on the diesel-auto Golf.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had the Golf estate, 1.9TDi SE (100ps), but I'd done massive miles and it needed expensive work. This Bora had 100,000 fewer miles on the clock and was faster and far more frugal so it made sense to swap. Also, we now have a big estate in the family so I was happy to get a saloon. Best choice I ever made!

What was the dealer like?

He was not bad for a guy under pressure - I felt he was fair with me, and I knew what to ask for so he wasn't going to mess me around. Insist on two keys - they're expensive to replace because of the integrated chip!

What's it like to drive?

On a run from Ealing to North Oxfordshire I often average 62 or 63 mpg, but when I'm in a real hurry I still get near 50 mpg. It's far better balanced than the Mk IV Golf and the 130bhp engine pulls very smartly. I love driving it!

What's it like to park?

Fine really, though it takes a while to get used to how short the boot lid is. The PAS is well judged.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing wrong in the last 6000 miles, apart from slight centre-console rattles - easily fixed.

What's most practical about your car?

Amazing mpg. Cruise-control and 6-speed box. Nice to have aircon, too. And the front seats are very adjustable. And the fully folding split rear seats that lock in position... Lots of nice detail and a good stereo as standard.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control, for my needs at least, and a very well-designed trip computer to control my economy.