Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (1997 - 2004) 2.3 V5 5d (1999/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Dunno how to answer that, I needed a car after a crash and my friend was having trouble selling this. Suppose the BBS the split rims and V5 badge say I like my cars and performance, while the leather seats and luxurys say I like car comforts while still not spending the earth. The fact its a Golf just says im like the rest of the millions of people who have them, they are good all round cars, but not exactly inspiring.

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

Friends say its just a Golf, but they will give stick whatever the car, they all love the howl of the engine, its not exactly fast to them though with a 330Ci, 1970s 911 and Impreza P1 in the group. Family like the sensible nature of the car compared to my tail happy BMW 328i. My mum loves driving it, is that a good thing?

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, but it has got me looking along the Golf bloodline, R32 for me next I think.

What are you likely to buy next?

R32 (new or old), BMW 330Ci Clubsport, Monaro. Older AMGs are getting suprisingly cheap now too, but im getting ahead of myself, im still a student.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,400

When did you buy the car?

August 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Friend was having trouble selling and so I got a good price. I had no car at the time after crash.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Day to day it is brilliant, lots of torque means driving it is very easy and smooth, steering is light and its a very relaxing cruiser. The V5 engine is a great overtaker and makes it safe to make those moves, it also makes a beautiful grunty howl. Its not the fastest accelerator pulling all that weight but it is plenty fast enough for most people, especially in 2nd gear up to 60. Dont expect the handling to come alive on country roads though, the V5 softer luxury suspension means it wallows and feels as heavy as it is.

What's it like to park?

Parking is a doddle, good visibility all round with light controls.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Only had it for 4 months but Window regulator broke so window dropped into the door, about £170 to fix from memory! It happens on all Golfs of this age aparently but they didnt recall as its not a saftey hazzard. Rear wiper was already not working, fixed myself in about 15 mins for £70 (VW quoted £150). VW also told me the driveshaft gator needed doing (£170) and rear bushes (£90) but taken to an indy garage revealed they didnt really need doing. It is an 85k mile car that wasnt exactly looked after brilliantly by other owners. The build quality is excellent, its just minor niggles you have to worry about.

What's most practical about your car?

It has a massive boot, and just as an everyday driving experience its a very easy car to live with. MPG isnt great, will get 30+ on long runs but crashes to about 23ish round town, on average get about the same as my 328i Sport auto! The rear seat space is tight, but then I am a lanky 6'4. I am very comfortable with seat and steering wheel ajustment.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Mine was a ex dem model so very well speced for this sort of car. The V5 has a better auto system than other models with 2 extra speakers at door mirror level, you get very good base and sound quality. Mine has heated leather sports seats, very nice if a little hard (as VWs always are). The climate control is excellent and quickly cools and heats efficiently. Little touch I love is the blue and neon red interior lighting and dials.