Volkswagen Golf Estate (1999 - 2005) 1.9 SE TDI (130ps) 5d Owner Review

Despite having covered an eyebrow-raising mileage, the Golf really is rather good. Admittedly, the turbo's a bit lazy, the synchromesh, well, doesn't any more in second gear and a few electrical things have failed, but I really don't think that's too bad for it's age. Still, thanks to the popularity of the hatchbacks, there are plenty of cheap second-hand parts to be had, and it's quite easy to work on, too. My only real complaint is the horrible, rubber coated interior trim which scratches really easily, but it's easy enough to remove these things and refurbish them. There are quite a few squeaks in the dashboard, too, which is disappointing.Despite this, It drives very nicely. It's endlessly capable rather than fast, and long motorway journeys are accomplished with ease. It's a pity about the (absence of) NVH control at low engine speeds - it stills pulls very well, but goes about it in a very coarse way. Perhaps that's what you get for having such a large amount of pulling power on tap so early on. The fuel economy's good out of town though, normally in the early to mid sixties, but this drops to the mid-forties around town. It's probably a little hard-riding for some, but it's at least directionally-assured. And, it's far better respected on the road than I thought it would be. Mind you, it's not too hard to rid yourself of unwanted followers where the law permits... All in all, it's comfortable, capable, economical and still reliable, too. Highly recommended!