Volkswagen Golf Estate (1999 - 2005) 1.9 SE TDI (100ps) 5d Auto (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm conflict-averse and appreciate quality.

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

They love it. Despite mediocre rear legroom. Everything else is excellent, and they can talk comfortably on a long trip.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Maybe, though I'd buy the manual next time for cheaper tax & mpg. If I had more money I'd buy the new shape as the ventilation on this one isn't very versatile at all.

What are you likely to buy next?

My partner now has an estate, so I might buy a used SEAT Toledo or VW Bora, manual diesel SE - same toys, better mpg and cheaper to buy.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Car supermarket - no frills, no bargaining but £1000 below book price. I'd do it again, but I wouldn't pay out for the warranties. The only time I needed it I wasn't covered.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I prefer autos, and didn't realise the diesel auto box wasn't as good as the petrol one. I'm doing high miles at present and find it excellent on the motorway.

What was the dealer like?

Desperate to sell me breakdown cover and other extras.

What's it like to drive?

Sedate, quite frankly, unless I decide to waste fuel in which case it pulls fine. Luxurious motorway ride makes for wallowy country lanes - but it does hang on when cornering, somehow. Fast and quiet on the motorway.

What's it like to park?

Easy peasy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not my fault - boot release catch has gone, but I can use the key. Suspension arm creaky, a bit pricy to change. My fault - I cracked the sump and broke undertray on a speed bump. Ouch! Someone else cracked a rear indicator lens too. Not cheap. (Jan 2010 - plenty of big bills since I first wrote - a brake pad adhered to a disc, aircon service was pricey and the new cam belt will cost a fortune. Grrr!)

What's most practical about your car?

Comfortable, quiet mile-muncher on the motorway, good stereo, effortless auto + cruise control.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Trip computer, drinks holder, dimmable blue backlighting on display, electric mirrors, very adjustable driving position, compartment under boot floor...