Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (1997 - 2004) 1.9 GT TDI (130ps) 5d (2003/52) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It's a Golf. They are truly classless. You can park it on a council estate or in the grounds of a stately home, and it doesn't look out of place or attract attention (positive or negative) either way.

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

I don't think Golfs tend to attract any strong opinion. They are a default safe choice. Most people would be happy to drive one, even if they don't particularly yearn for one.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. It's been one of the cheapest cars to own and run that I've ever had. Far less problematic than the various Fords and Vauxhalls I've owned, and when things do go, they aren't expensive or difficult to put right.

What are you likely to buy next?

No plans to replace it yet. Not keen on the mk5 Golf's styling and the 2.0 PD TDI has an appalling reputation for reliability. We might look at a MINI next time.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,100

When did you buy the car?

March 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Friends had had them and loved them. Also a family friend is a VW technician and can service / maintain a VW for mates rates.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

The 130PS PD diesel is fantastic. Loads of grunt from very low revs, and acceleration that doesn't seem to fade as you go up through the gears. Can feel a genuinely quick car at times. Chassis is very soggy and understeery though, partly because it's a mk4 Golf, and partly through 126,000 miles of wear and tear I suspect. We don't tend to drive it enthusiastically though, so it's not too much of a problem. The engine encourages relaxed progress. Brilliant on the motorway - 6th gear at 80 mph is just 2200 RPM, and there's enough grunt that it will still accelerate well.

What's it like to park?

Easy. Good visibility, light PAS, gentle clutch. Good town car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Just the usual age/mileage related bits. A few creaks and squeaks here and there, rear silencer mounting broke off (common fault), and the original clutch and flywheel called it a day at 123,000 miles, with the original battery a couple of weeks later. It's been a cheap car to own.

What's most practical about your car?

Reasonable space for a small-ish hatch, and a good sized boot, with seats that fold completely flat.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The electric sunroof - these are rare on Golfs as they were an expensive option. Ours has it, plus the Climatronic. Quite an unusual combo.