Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (2004 - 2008) 1.6 SE FSI 5d (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I think VW's have a good image and people generally feel, that they are a cut above the run of the mill vehicle. They have a "cool factor" that many other manufacturers strive for.

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

When we bought the car, it turned some heads and received some compliments.

Would you buy this car again and why?

NEVER!!! It has been one of the most unreliable and expensive cars to run that I have owned. It has been a total and resounding disappointment. I would strongly advise people to stay clear of this model.

What are you likely to buy next?

I am looking for something Japanese. Not cool, not funky, not sold on perceived quality, something simple, well put together and above all RELIABLE - All the things VW's used to be.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,000

When did you buy the car?

March 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Only what I consider to be a standard discount.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I was looking for quality, comfort and safety in a family sized hatchback as well as reliability.

What was the dealer like?

Nonchalant, almost arrogant but informative.

What's it like to drive?

When it worked, the car was a really good drive. It had the feel of a much bigger car and always felt safe, planted and comfortable due to the handling and ride. Cruising on the motorway was relaxing and comfortable. The engine and gearbox (even when the latter wasn't shredding gears,) felt a little mismatched. Almost like they put a 6 speed in as a gimmick. Between second and third there was a flat spot, unless you revved the nuts off the car. The engine was smooth, quiet but not too eager to rev. Economy was good, I was averaging 420 miles on a full tank of 95RON which equates to about 34mpg on a mixture of roads. In general it was a car that I enjoyed driving and wished would be reliable.

What's it like to park?

Visibility was good apart from around the thick C-pillars but parking was very easy... when reverse was available!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Where do I start? Within 3 months I needed a gearbox replacement as it shred its gears - not at all uncommon BEWARE! New were extortionate, so I went for a low mileage reconditioned, which was still ridiculously priced. The door locks started malfunctioning, locking and unlocking haphazardly, the electric windows had an annoying tendency to go down before going up and the check engine light was always haunting us... although we were reassured that it was a faulty sensor on the exhaust. A split oil cooler which cost over five hundred to repair mixed the oil with water and the interior trims on the lights, stereo, heating controls and electric windows peeled like banana's. All of these serious issues made the car a nightmare to live with and are the reasons I will not another VW.

What's most practical about your car?

The auto headlight and windscreen wipers as well as the auto dimming rear view mirror were great.The ISOFIX seating and the access to the car were both good. The driving position was faultless and it was generally a comfortable cabin for a small family.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The car had 17" split 5 spoke alloys on it and they really made the car look aggressive. It was riding on Bridgestone tyres which were overly hard and affected the ride adversely but once softer Michellin tyres were fitted the car had a good compromise of handling and ride.