VW Golf Hatchback 1997-

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Expensive to buy compared to Ford or Vauxhall, but they also hold their value well if you look after it.

    Costs

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Had mine 12 months and apart from a new clutch that was replaced on warranty and new tyres hasn't cost me anything. Goes forever on a full tank, must be averaging 45mpg+.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Mine had uprated suspension but still rolled a little on the twisty stuff. Predictable handling nothing spectacular, you can tell it's a heavy car though.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Mine has a chip that raises power to around 115bhp and it's goes very well, eats up the motorways no problem. I wouldn't buy a standard SE with the puny 90bhp if you want any kind of performance, cars too heavy. I drove 2 standard SEs, gutless.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Been faultless apart from the clutch so far.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Everyone comments on the car and a few friends want first option to buy it when I sell, looks very smart with the big alloys on, simple but effective.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    I'm 6'1" and find I have to pull the sunroof cover back or it rubs on my head, apart from that it's very comfortable, pull down armrest in centre is useful for motorway driving.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    With mine having 18" alloys on it, got broken into. They caused £600 worth of damage but didn't manage to steal it or even open the doors, had to smash windows to get in. Smashed my battery up to shut alarm up.

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Cost me a reasonable £70 for 70k service, done in under 2 hours.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Not even a sneeze in over 10,000 miles with a chip installed.

    Other

    Had a leak from rear driver's side window seal.

    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