Volkswagen Vento (1992 - 1998) 1.9 CL TDI 4d (1996/N) Owner Review
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Mature? Sensible, conservative. Hang on to cars a long time!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Love it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes if it still was made - models all getting on now, and frankly I doubt there are many in as good a condition as mine or as well looked after. So I suppose I would not in fact buy it again - now.
What are you likely to buy next?
A new Jetta - but waiting for prices to fall and to find the combination I want.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£10,995
When did you buy the car?
December 1996
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes I believe - saved over £2,000 buying a Vento a few months older from my dealer as compared with another. And now, 10 years since I bought it - it now has 204,500 miles on, having been bought when it was 7 months old with 12,283 on - and it has averaged between 58-59mpg - the financial savings in fuel are over the original cost of the Vento, and the diesel is lovely to drive compared to a petrol - though obviously not as sporty at high revs!
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Driven VWs for many many miles with very little problem - good to drive and own, and modify! Did not want another Golf - had three - fine cars, but wanted a change.
What was the dealer like?
Very helpful - found exactly the car I wanted and provided it promptly.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Great - benefits from lowereed suspension - firm over bumps, but I prefer this to a wallowy floaty ride which is usually my experience with cars on standard suspension.
What's it like to park?
No problem.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Battery died a few months ago, after nine and a half years. On 3rd water pump, but not an expensive part. General wear and tear - only failed to start once - when battery died.
What's most practical about your car?
Boot, flat floor, spacious, brilliant. And folding rear seats to extend the boot. Overall package strikes just the right balance.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Cruise Control - which I fitted - for £9.(nine pounds only). Also rear spoiler - a VW part - bought new unpainted at a GTI show - for £10 only. Really sets off the Vento.
