Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (2004 - 2008) 1.6 S FSI 5d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Don't know, don't care - I have other cars that make a statement. Having said that, I do like it's simple styling.

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

Haven't asked them.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No - reliability issues and VW response that it must have been a Friday afternoon car.

What are you likely to buy next?

Not sure to be honest - we will be doing a lot more research for the next one though.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,995

When did you buy the car?

January 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Reasonable price, no extras, not outstanding service TBH. Very low mileage for its age - less than 30,000 on it at purchase.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Alleged reliability, economy, didn't need two large cars on the go but still needed room for two growing boys.

What was the dealer like?

Average - clearly selling a 6-year old car wasn't exciting enough for him.

What's it like to drive?

Fine - mix of country roads & town, a little lacking in power for overtaking, noisy - wind, road & transmission. Gearbox has always been notchy, rebuilt box no better & has tendency to fall out of 1st occasionally - same as before it was rebuilt. Six speed box generally easy to match to road conditions & speeds.

What's it like to park?

Have to adjust the door mirrors down to reverse park in a car park space, otherwise easy but then I can reverse park all my cars!

Have you had any problems with the car?

6-spd gearbox trashed synchro, work colleague had to have their 04 box rebuilt. ETC light came on - we managed to clear it (ABS block fails - just waiting...), EGR valve went faulty within weeks of buying - note low mileage. Just replaced 2 parts of exhaust - £1,300 for MoT & now fuel pump has failed a month later - another £450. Heater has mind of its own - another known issue. Now done 42,000 miles - certainly won't make the 188,000 our P reg Audi reached. Have never worked out what the reversing sensors are meant to be indicating - buzzer is continuous tone in reverse - no clue to proximity.

What's most practical about your car?

Love size for everyday runabout (I don't usually do small cars), like the auto rear wipe when reversing, love the three blinks on indicator swipe.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

What gadgets - it's the basic model! Favourite option will be when I see the back of it.