Volkswagen Bora (1999 - 2005) 2.8 V6 4MOTION 4d (2002/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Enjoys sporting performance and relishes the ability to drive well and close to the limit on poor or twisty roads and I have over 30 years NCD and have covered over 40,000 miles per year on several occasions in my previous highways engineering occupation.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Like the comfort and performance if a little cramped in back for 200-mile plus runs with 4 adults on board.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes because of its all-round performance if I could find another in good condition but as the Jetta or Octavia saloons are not available in 4WD in the UK I would sacrifice boot space for a s/h VW Golf R32 also with 4WD and similar performance.
What are you likely to buy next?
VW Bora V6 4Motion, or Golf V6 4Motion, or a VW Golf R32, Passat R36 (also 4WD) or perhaps a later model Mercedes ML.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£2,200
When did you buy the car?
July 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
Car was ex-police and an unmarked vehicle with relatively low mileage and genuine history and was priced at under £1,800 - less than insurance pay-out on the previous Bora V6 4Motion written off in the accident one month earlier.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Replaced another fairly rare Bora 2.8 litre with the V6 4Motion drivetrain due to accident and while I enjoy driving quickly, the Haldex 4WD system copes with twisting roads and provides a sense of security in poor weather.
What was the dealer like?
Specialises in ex-police vehicles, most of which appear ex-traffic cars or ex-CID cars which are in generally better condition than "pandas" and Transit-type vans.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Smooth responsive performance in all conditions from a car considered to be compact being slightly smaller than current VW Jetta or Skoda Octavia. Fifth gear round town is achievable without straining engine and 40 plus MPG on petrol routinely possible on longer runs but floor it and you are down to below 10 MPG but with fairly shattering performance from standing start if in all honesty you really need to?
What's it like to park?
Boot is high and visible and gives a good guide when reversing, but steering is typical of four-wheel drive cars and is not the best but still better than other cars.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
ESP light but a reset was possible during the electronic checks on ECU and steering alignment and the ESP which switched itself off with the warning light now works well again.
What's most practical about your car?
Performance, engine flexiblity and 4WD for grip in deep snow and in wet weather.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
No extras needed other than PIAA sports horns in view of routine speed of approach. Car is well equipped with half leather VW copy Recaro type heated seats, VW cruise control, 2.8 litre V6 multi-valve chain drive engine, 4WD through Haldex system with room for 4/5 people and a large boot for luggage.
