VW Golf Hatchback 1997-

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  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Got a reasonable deal 2nd hand and seems to be holding value quite well. It''s not brilliantly spec''d but part of what you pay is towards image, rightly or wrongly.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Pricy servicing and parts, but very good on fuel at ~52mpg on a run.

  • On the road

    Driving

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Good ride, poor handling, especially for a GTi

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good pull and cruising, good fuel economy. Engine a touch harsh though compared to non PD engines.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Constant stream of niggles including a click on turning the steering wheel that VW have not been able to fix for 8 months and a moaning noise from the clutch at slow speeds.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Nice looking car and classless.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Decent comfort and pracicality.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    No experience so 3/5.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Shocked at how arrogant they are about their service which is the worst I have yet experienced. That''s over 2 VW garages compared to at least 15 other dealerships over the years. They had the car for 5 days to do a diagnostic but only tested it on the 5th

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Generally very good but there''s a moaning noise (not power steering) when turning at slow speeds and sounds drivetrain related. Today, the car has just started to ''hunt'' for revs, drifting up a couple of hundred then back down then up...great!

    Other

    The seat bases work loose and you can feel a thud when you brake and the seat shifts. The clicking steering wheel is the most annoying gripe.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No