VW Golf Hatchback 1997-

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Bought 3 Golfs direct from a Dutch dealer, import agents earn £1k plus for doing very little! Great value and added lots of toys!

    Costs

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Must sell well before the 40k-mile service. It's £400 for the timing belt replacement alone plus £200 for the service - totally unaceptable! I understand BWM diesels have chain driven OHCs - much better!

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Superb ride quality on motorway. Rolls too much on corners. Maybe they have sorted this out on the Mk V but I've had 3 Mk IV Golfs now and it's time for a change.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Superb performance with fantastic torque - rev up to about 2250rpm, change up a gear and put your foot down and feel it pull! Drive these cars off their torque! Does 70mph in 6th at 2000rpm and returns 57mpg.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    No problems. Occasionally wanders at tickover.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very good image, a nice looking car.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Front seats could be a bit longer. Cornering comfort would be better if the car didn't roll as much. Rear seats ok for 2 children but not for adults.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    No problems.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Service too dear, especially 40k timing belt replacement. VW dealers have on a number of occasions damaged my Golfs (scratched alloys and cracked windscreen once when replacing noisy wiper motor).

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Noisy wiper motor on my first Mk IV Golf.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No