Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (1997 - 2004) 1.4 E 5d (2002/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Golf image is OK, but then everyone else has one too
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Generally like it, including my daughter who will be learning in it, and she is a typical image concious teenager
Would you buy this car again and why?
See how it goes long term, but I have had good experience of VAG ownership in the past.
What are you likely to buy next?
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£4,390
When did you buy the car?
November 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Bought from VAG dealer but not approved. Very good deal, perhaps too good, we will see....
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Cheap small car needed for city running about and daughter learning to drive. Only 34k on the clock, very good price/size/spec/condition mix
What was the dealer like?
Fine
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very light steering, gears etc compared with my Audi A6 tdi estate. Gearbox rather clunky (I have longer term concern over the longevity of the gearbox - it's a DUW code and after buying it I found out they appear to self destruct) On the whole I'm hoping that it will be a better bet than the equivalent cheap French car, Clio etc. On the whole though I find myself looking forward to driving it.
What's it like to park?
Easy
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Very reluctant to go into 3rd gear but I traced this to bolt missing on gear linkage bracket and dry linkage ball joints - greased, easy fix. Latest issue seems to be water leaks, passenger side front/back and also rear. Rear turns out to be vent behind rear bumper, other leaks not solved yet but seems to be very common problem. VWs obviously not what they used to be.
What's most practical about your car?
Big enough for five, small enough for city.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
It's the base model so you don't get much. As a base model I am happy to have manual windows and mirrors, less to go wrong, cheaper to repair. If you want the above buy the S model which I think is pretty much the same to insure. Seems a bit flimsy compared with an MK2 Golf I had when that was new. Look on it as a big Polo and it's OK though.
