Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (1997 - 2004) 1.6 Match 5d (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

This shouldn't matter but as we live in a consumerist society it does... Common0 "everyman" car yet considered. German engineering on this model is a myth...

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

They liked it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Unfortunately not. I like the look of them, and their interiors but they are riddled with expensive problems.

What are you likely to buy next?

Got a Toyota Corolla 1.6 - miles better to drive, miles more reliable.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,000

When did you buy the car?

December 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

In the end, no.The care was clearly a bit of a nail with lambda sensor issues, something common in this model.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Was always attracted to the Golf's styling and interior quality.

What was the dealer like?

Typical dodgy dealer: full of aimless chit chat, used backstreet second hand tyre garage for legal tyres I requested.

What's it like to drive?

On motorways quite good - fat tyres and low centre of gravity helped this. However the standard alloy wheels were prone to warping which meant tyres needed replacing even if they were new. Suspension quite good at soaking up potholes etc. However the suspension seemed worn out going over speed bumps (car had only done 53k miles) and town driving was irritating; car felt very heavy. Handling; poor, stodgy slow heavy steering not ideal for town driving.

What's it like to park?

Okay for its size.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Lambda sensor was a pain in the backside as although the car drove fine it would be an MOT failure. Rear passenger door locking didn't work at times.

What's most practical about your car?

Reasonable boot, glove box and door bins.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Blue backlit displays.