Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (1997 - 2004) 1.9 E SDI 5d (1998/S) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm a young driver so driving a Golf is a fairly 'high status' symbol. My car also has the benefit of 16" GTI wheels, black painwork and leather seats so most of my friends are quite envious towards it as it was my first car.

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

Dad hated it initially (induction pipe had a hole and made an awful noise when accelerating) but has since grown to love the fuel economy.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes but not with this engine.

What are you likely to buy next?

No idea.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,600

When did you buy the car?

May 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

£2600 is an exceptional price for this car but it did need quite a lot doing to it.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Image, insurance, economy

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Great to drive, I do mostly in-town or town-to-town driving and rarely use the motorway so it has no problems keeping pace with other traffic. 0-30mph (which is the average town speed) is reached very quickly and on par with other bigger cars. Acceleration past 50mph however is somewhat slow, especially if you have a few passengers on board.

What's it like to park?

Perfectly fine, though the power steering is a little on the heavier side than I would like.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Sunroof. I hate it. It tilts upwards fine but sliding it back is a nightmare, it always catches on something and never wants to close back again due to the automatic roll-back function

What's most practical about your car?

Can seat

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Heated leather seats are a godsend, especially on a cold wintery night.