Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (1994 - 2001) 2.0 Avantgarde 2d (1995/N) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not sure? Probably that I love convertibles that can and do become pick up trucks when required, but can be proper cars too?

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

My youngest teenage son when he first got into it, said the leather interior made him feel rich. He loved it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Probably not, because I've had it for 8 years, and feel it's time for a change at last, its the longest I've ever owned one car, which says a lot about it. Economy of running costs excluding repairs is great, Insurance under £300 & once I got 50mpg! Tank to tank summer is 42mpg, winter 38 to 40mpg consistently. Only reason for 4* is the repairs cost. I love the car, but at 153,000 mileage feel I have to change, bodywork is also starting to go, needed some welding at last MOT,.

What are you likely to buy next?

Still trying to make up my mind, it will be another convertible. Liked CLK 200 but have read some horror stories about tensioner failures and electro plate autobox limp home issues, both pricey repairs, hard to park without sensors. Possibly beetle (but boot pathetic, not sure I could cope?) Mini cabby rear seats are truly awful so likeliest contender is currently Audi A4, possibly diesel?

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,650

When did you buy the car?

September 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was a reasonable deal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Over the years & between other vehicles, I'd had a 64 beetle, a 61 camper, and a MK1 cabby the children outgrew, so after a Xantia and children leaving, I wanted a MK3 cabby with a more useable boot and leather upholstery.

What was the dealer like?

No dealer, private guy and he was pleasant.

What's it like to drive?

The engine, at 153,000 miles, will still exceed the speed limit with ease if I don't keep an eye on it. Did 500 miles over the weekend, and got out still feeling fine, relieved the seats are still comfortable and the engine gallops along the miles.

What's it like to park?

Delightfully easy, the end of the car is only about 18 inches further than the lower edge of the rear glass window, with a good turning lock. Sometimes people comment they thought the space impossible to get any car into.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Unfortunately yes, it has required more repairs than all my other many cars put together. The electrics are a nightmare, first the boot became difficult to open, then the central locking ceased, back windows packed up, driver's windown fell down inside the door, VW charged over £300 for that one, and recently the driver's window and roof have ceased to function.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot is terrific for a convertible, and have even got a full size bicycle in there, abeit front wheel half out and fixed with bungees. Have also carried 4 dining chairs and 2 carvers tied to roll bar with roof down, and on back seat. Roof off turns it into a pick up truck :).

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Roof and leather upholstery.