Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 1.9 SE TDI 5d (1998/S) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Good value for what I paid two years ago and still holds its price well.
Costs
Part are crazy expensive at main dealer i.e. £50+VAT for the dash cup holders? No, no, no.
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On the road
Driving
Standard dampers and springs too soft, but improved after fitting sport suspension.
Performance
For a 90bhp TDi it's pretty good. Feels like it's got 105bhp. I've showed up bigger cars away from the lights... it's all about the revs at 4000rpm.
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Living with it
Reliability
If, like me, you travel long distances, say 140 miles every month, you'd better change oil and filter every 5000 miles and keep up the standard 10,000 mile service. My engine drives like it's only done 40,000 miles not 102,000 miles.
Image
Well it's German? What do you expect.
Comfort
If you don't have TDi or GTi sports seats, on a long trip you will feel uncomfortable using the not very supportives standard seats.
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Security and Service
Security
Very good immboliser and alarm system. Sometimes alarm can be a bit strange.
Service
Quotes of between £250-450 is the order of the day for the basic service not being under warranty. But is the peace of mind to let makers do the work than cowboys.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Solid. Keeps on going.
Other
Had a stalling and engine shutdown problem in the first 2 months. The AA breakdown man informed me it was a faulty fuse causing it to idle at 1000rpm and was quite racey pulling away. He changed to a new revision and it's been all good since.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes