Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (1992 - 1998) 2.0 GTI 5d (1996/P) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

This car shouts out "Boy Racer", but can also be a good cruiser when in the mood. Many people try to race me at the lights & can beat me by suprise at times as many modern cars have more than my 115bhp engine. Although, I feel good that my Golf has a GTI badge on the front grill.

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

Family & freinds love it. As i pull up to people's houses, they always know im there as they can hear the hummming of the exhaust note. Neighbours like it as well & always ask when im going to sell it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would love another GTI despite the few electrical niggles. It drives supprisingly well for its age & is built to the highest level of quality.

What are you likely to buy next?

I would like a MK4 GTI 1.8T with 150BHP ( 5 door), with the recaro seats. It would be a sensible move up. Although i have had my eye on a "V5", which has 170BHP, even quicker than the GTI. Hummm

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,400

When did you buy the car?

October 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a really good deal. I have known the dealer for many years and have purchased other quality used german cars from there before. The car was sold to me with a full service history & a back log of recipts. Previously had 2 owners from new.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a German built car, for its reliablility & durability. I also needed a practicle car that had 5 doors with a decent sized boot.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was very pleasant. As being a family freind, our trust was already built up.

What's it like to drive?

Very good. Handles very good in the dry with bags of grip, can corner at silly speeds, just requires confidance. Although.. its not the same story in the wet. Wet roads, it understeers heavily & slides all over the road. The steering can be a tad too light at times but judging the cars age, it is easy to live with. The Ride quality is very stiff & bumpy, can get annoying on long motorway runs, but it is a GTI afterall so is expected with its sporting credentials

What's it like to park?

Very easy to park. With power steering, its a doddle. Although when the rear screen is wet, it can be a struggle as water doesn't move away from the screen quickly enough.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Mines has been very sound. Although recently has incurred some electrical problems. I have been told this is a common fault with GTI's of this age. I have recently had to replace the following: Distributor Cap with Rotor Coil Ignition Relay chip (looks like Lego) I also cant get my rear wiper to stop cleaning the screen, this is also a common fault with GTI's.

What's most practical about your car?

One of the reasons why i bought the car was that it was a 5 door. I am a family man & therefore need a practical car. The centre console is also very easy to use & is layed out nicely.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The accelerator pedal. When pushed over 4000rpm, a massive hummmm comes from the exhaust & then there is take off, all the way to the 7000rpm red line. Although as mines is getting abit old, i dont tend to push her too hard. I also like the neat computor on the indicator stalk, reads out temp/average speed/mpg/oil level.... Nice.