Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (1997 - 2004) 1.9 GT TDI (115ps) 3d (6) (2001/Y) 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?
A Golf used to say you appreciated quality; now it says you still live in the past, when VWs were made properly. Or that you are a bit of a badge snob.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Everybody liked it, apart from those who had to ride in it in winter when the windows disappeared into the doors.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No. I used to love VWs, but this isn't a VW of old. Whilst they have tried to give the interior a feeling of solidity and quality, when you investigate further, they are now thrown together with cheap components. It was my last VW, unfortunately.
What are you likely to buy next?
I traded it in for a BMW 3-series, as I like quality engineering.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£3,750
When did you buy the car?
July 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I had several old Golfs which were amazing, and needed something diesel and comfortable for my new job. Excellent economy and residuals swung it for me.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Standard Golf fair. Quick off the mark and cruises nicely with the 6th cog. Handling unremarkable but surefooted. Gearchange slightly notchy but it is a Volkswagen.
What's it like to park?
Excellent visibility all round.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Yes. MAF sensor failed at 70k. Both offside and nearside windows fell into the door because of clips breaking. Micro-switches failed in driver's door handle, leading to lights-on buzzer failure (and subsequent flat batteries). Stereo packed up. Heated rear window packed up. Rear shocks shot at 80k.
What's most practical about your car?
Usuable boot space added to with the seat down, and loads of oddment storage. Very practical little car.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Heated seats were nice in the winter.
