Steep insurance due to vulnerability to theft and vandalism; fuel economy only average. If something goes wrong its likely to cost you dear, but parts are readily available Prices are falling now this former fashion icon has settled into respectable middle age; only top condition cars are worth big money now. High insurance groups for GTi.

Always look for service history when buying – Golfs tend to be expensive when they’ve been neglected; GTis tend to be driven hard and may face more problems than other models; Volkswagen’s build quality shines through.