Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 1.3 C 5d (1987/D) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Parts are cheap, servicing is easy. Will put up with loads of abuse. 16 years old and still going strong - I can't think of too many other cars that would have survived the level of neglect that mine has had. Still feels like it's hewn from granite.
Costs
Even at 16, she's still worth a few hundred quid! Loads in the breakers, so parts are buttons. Insurance is almost given away. Biggest annual cost is road tax! Expect 20-43mpg depending on usage.
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On the road
Driving
Solid, stiff car on skinny 155-section tyres, so prone to understeer. Huge steering wheel (no PAS) still heavy at low speeds. Engine lacklustre but smooth and gearbox could do with 5th cog. Superb around town, ok on the motorway - take lanes slowly!
Performance
Unimpressive, even for a 1.3. Engine feels tight, strangled and doesn't rev willingly. Possibly due to a life of short runs (still only at 45,000 miles!), but whatever I do I can't seem to get it to go better. MoT emmissions are always a worry.
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Living with it
Reliability
Just keeps going and going and going... Sporadic past servicing (when remembered) consisted of oil changes and that's about it, yet it still starts, goes, stops and passes MoT! Recently improved servicing schedule returning her to top shape again...
Image
Achingly aspirational in the 80's, the MkII Golf still has a fair bit of kudos attached to it. Design is dated now, though. She's become one of the family...
Comfort
It's ok in a sparse, Teutonic, no frills sort of way. Lots of black plastic for your money, but it's well screwed together and of high quality. Switchgear still precise. Seats are supportive and comfortable. Absolutely no toys whatsoever.
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Security and Service
Security
A five-year old could open it with one arm tied behind his back! Ridiculous mushroom-shaped sill buttons are easy to hook up. No central locking as standard. Easy to foget to lock push button release tailgate. Fortunately, no-one's that interested anymore
Service
Limited experience of dealers, but they seem polite and interested in their older models. Cost of parts and servicing is silly, though, so use a good independant or DIY. Virtually all parts are available from non-VW sources and loads in the breakers.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Asthmatic 1.3 lump never had much done to it (including servicing!) and still runs well. Carburettor has needed adjusing several times to get through the MoT. Far better lately with regular servicing... :o)
Other
Unbelievably robust car takes whatever is thrown at her. Used for school runs, commuting, shopping, dog walking, as a van, a skip, a shunter (for moving other dead cars) and a shed yet she's still as loyal and willing as the day she joined the family!
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes