VW Golf Hatchback 1997-

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  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Bought used 3 years ago and not expecting huge depreciation when I get rid of it soon.

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Servicing and parts expensive at VW dealers.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Doesn't get your heart pumping, but comfortable and solid.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Only the 1.4, so overtaking on A roads etc needs careful judgement. Not bad at motorway speeds however.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Have now done 96000 miles, I've had 3 water pumps (and timig belts at same time). Was cutting out at junctions and took a long time to rectify (dirty throttle body eventually) and front suspension clonks like hell, but nobody can find fault!

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Lots about obviously, but still looks fresh far superior to Astra or Focus

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Driving position perfect and no complaints from front passengers, rear legroom not great though.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Only immobiliser, no alarm as standard. Have heard that they are exceptionally easy to break into, but no experience of this thankfully.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Expensive

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Water pump x 3, pinks loudly under load.

    Other

    Front suspension clonks.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes