VW Golf Hatchback 1997-

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  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Dealer trade in after 4 years was pathetic.

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    High fuel consumption - worse than expected for this car.

  • On the road

    Driving

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Nowhere near as good as expected. Sloppy & soggy cornering. Rolls too much. Front wheels lose grip too soon. Too soft all round.

    Performance

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Engine has to be worked hard all the time. Underpowered 8V engine.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    A tale of woe almost from day one to the day it was sold. Faults too numerous to mention. Window winders, rainwater leaks, ignition system, suspension, brakes etc.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Great image - lousy car.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Seats look great but too firm for long distances. Gave me pins & needles. Back seat legroom inadequate for adults.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Deadlocks but only a Thatcham Cat 2 alarm. Not good for the price of the car.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Expensive, grudging, unhelpful dealers never ring you back. astronomical part prices - £25 for a single windscreen wiper is outrageous. Service dreadful, can never get a courtesy car despite sky-high charges.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Lots of sensors replaced time and again, water pump, power steering pump, ABS module etc.

    Other

    Radio aerial, window lifters (x2), interior door trim, seat mechanism, trip computer reprogrammed (x3).

    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