Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (1997 - 2004) 1.6 16V S 5d Owner Review

So we got this golf for my mum in June 2013 used with approx 120k. We got it for her as a temporary car after her bmw 3 series broke, and then her 1 series broke and then her c180 Mercedes coupe broke! She was never in love with it but was well used. Dad took it in 2016 and used it to do a 120 mile roundtrip daily commute. Then my sister used it, then my brother in law, and now me! It’s always been a good runner and has achieved fantastic fuel economy - did several trips to Scotland, Cornwall Wales and Lake District over the years and has never left us stranded despite running it on a shoestring. Since I began using in august I’ve done a complete service to get it going properly - changed both lambdas and sorted out the timing belt, etc. Has needed a catalytic converters, a coil and thermostat but all wear and tear. Definitely not an interesting car but goes well on a motorway. Seats are uncomfortable though and the image is ubiquitous / bland. But it works very well despite its astronomical mileage - no rust and only wear and tear items that it’s needed. Can’t imagine it will break anytime soon either. A good all rounder, first / stop gap car. Very easy to work on yourself, cheap plentiful parts and running costs. Downsides - it’s not an enjoyable / exciting to drive and has a bland / generic image.