VW Golf Hatchback 1997-

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    At the more expensive end.

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Service intervals and costs quite high. Cracked headlamp took 3 days to replace and cost £400.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Through the gears is great fun. Corners a little sloth-like at speed.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Fun though the gears.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Electric faults, door seal failure, radio failure and the rear wash-wipe had to be repaired due to 'continual opening of tailgate...' so the dealers told me.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    It's modest, quick and, save for the above, reliable.

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    After a long trip... you know about it. Around town and in traffic, the clutch begins to feel very heavy.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    No-one has attempted to nick it yet!

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    The service team are good when they are taking money off me and when the car was new they were more than happy to resolve faults, but since I have said I think the new Golf feels cheap they have been a little frosty.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Sound as a pound. Uses no oil and has always started first time.

    Other

    Central locking and radio faults have reduced enjoyment.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes