Volkswagen Bora (1999 - 2005) 1.9 TDI SE (130ps) 4d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Willing to go against the tide of 3-Series drivers!

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

They like the understated looks, and when I tell them that I average 49mpg on the 2 mile commute to work through traffic they can't believe it!

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would definately buy the car again purely because it is sooo cheap to run. Insurance is cheap, £115/year tax and I spend less than £50/month on fuel to do 600 miles! The cabin is extremely quiet even at highly illegal speeds on the motorway (will reach an indicated 140mph with no trouble and stays very quiet all the way) and will carry 5 large blokes in relative comfort (rear legroom is slightly restrictive though)

What are you likely to buy next?

I sold my expensive to run MR2 to get my Bora, however my MR2 was a riot to drive and the Bora just isn't. Motorway miles are munched with ease and at little cost, the commute to and from work is comfortable and quiet, but as a young guy I want a little more excitement!! My partiality to fast cars aside, the Bora is a fantastic car and is everything that I sold my MR2 for and more. But, I am likely to buy something smaller and faster, less economical, more costly to run insure and tax, less comfortable and lastly less practicle... but that's just me!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,700

When did you buy the car?

March 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a good deal as the company I bought the car from did not know it was a 130 spec vehicle.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Large boot, cheap tax and insurance, great fuel economy

What was the dealer like?

Terrible. Short test drive (how does 200 yards sound!) and the sales process is absolutely diabolical. However, as the car was at such a good price with VERY low mileage I had to suck it up and get on with it!

What's it like to drive?

A little boring. The suspension is very soft meaning that cornering at any sort of speed can be hairy, so generally you have to take things slowly. Quick in a straight line however as the engine produces bags of torque which does put a smile on your face. A good driving position can be found by most as the steering wheel has lots of adjustment, and the seats are comfy if not a little unsupportive (Sport model has better seats than SE).

What's it like to park?

Quite difficult actually. The long boot seems to go on forever, and as it is so high it makes judging distances very difficult. I usually find myself about 2 feet away from whatever I am parking against as the back of the car looks further back than it actually is! Mirrors are good however, and general rear visibility is good.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing. The dash plastics are a little cheap and flimsy though, and as such the plastics around the centre console squeak and rattle. Numberplate sticky pads from Halfords has cured the problem.

What's most practical about your car?

Cavernous boot! With the back seats down it is even more cavernous!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

6-speed gearbox