VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Hatchback 1997‑2004

Bought my GT TDi 130 with 113K miles under its belt. I'd never really considered a diesel previously as the miles I covered didn't really warrant it. So glad I did. The performance, particularly the smooth delivery and masses of torque still surprises me now. Hardly any lag. So much better than comparable Focus in my opinion.

The only issue has been a faulty passenger lock (common problem) in 18 months of ownership. Roomy, superbly put together, lots of kit and still looks sharp after 10+ years. Can't complain about economy either. Its averaged 47 mpg overall.

Find a good one, buy it - you won't regret it!!

I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE MODEL HAS AN INHERENT DESIGN PROBLEM RELATING TO DOOR LOCKS IN THE MAIN WHICH CAUSE NO END OF PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICS. I ENDED UP SPENDING IN EXCESS OF £400 IN REPAIR BILLS TO IDENTIFY THE NUMEROUS FAULTS INCLUDING VAGCOM RESETS AND REPLACING COMPONENTS YET THE PROBLEMS STILL PERSISTED. I WAS GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE WHEN I EVENTUALLY SOLD IT AT A LOSS . I WOULD NEVER BUY A GOLF AGAIN.

The car is really good in driving and the engine starts really well at -15 in the cold. The car is really comfortable and good to drive.

Reliable, comfortable and easy to drive. Quite good economical on longer trips but can be a little expensive if only used on continued short trips around town. Good looking car which still gets the looks. It has a good size boot, reasonable leg room in the back and as a five door makes carrying passengers no problem unlike a three door. Enjoyable drive with great acceleration when needed. Parts are reasonably priced with the best deals through the internet/Halfords and direct to the dealer. I would own another without hesitation.

MPG is good even if you thrash it, seats all fold down and are removable to carry just about anything, roof rack fitting is easy and mounts are well hidden otherwise, quite nippy even with a small engine, brilliant german quality, built like a tank! I crashed mine into a lamp post in wet weather, totalled the front end, but had it back on the road in 2 weeks flat! Only cost about £400 in parts from breakers, all bolt-on parts, structure is so strong that it didnt bend at all! only had to replace panels and parts, car didn't even break a sweat! Very comfy even on long drives, handles brilliantly after some tweaks. Fits 5 people easy + tons of luggage! And of course, the Golf is the 3rd most popular car of all time, so parts from breakers are cheap as chips!! I'm already on my 2nd Mk4 Golf, I love them!! Vee-Dub life!

If you want a classy, practical, safe, good value, reliable, cheap-to-own car you can't go far wrong with this car.

Now I am a bit of a petrolhead and always said I wouldn't own a diesel as they're a bit sad. However, the idea of spending all my wages on fuel seemed even more sad so I converted about 3 years ago. I'm really glad I did because the savings in fuel and tax over a year are significant and I only do about 10,000 miles a year.

Last year my girlfriend and I packed the car full of luggage and drove to France. The journey was made so easy with the Golf eating the miles - 2,600 of them - in comfort and returning 56mpg. Or £250 in fuel. I reckon I could have added £150-200 to that in my old 1.8 petrol car. Plus I realised it has a really good sound system too!

On an every day level the car is easy to drive, well made, spacious and reliable. OK on the (very) rare occasions I am having a blast down a country lane I do miss a petrol engine, and the handling is a bit stodgy, but for the rest of the time it is all the car I need. I've only had to have it serviced at a local independent specialist, (Central VW Ellesmere Port who are excellent) and replace a couple of wear and tear items: front and rear discs and backbox. It has 80,000 miles on the clock and feels really tight still. I will be keeping it for at least another 3 years and probably longer.

Highly recommended!

I had to sell it after 14 months of spending out on it. Never again will I buy a VW. I know at least 5/6 people all the same too.

Just being honest for future buyers...

1.Coil packs and ignition always failing-they need to sort this problem!!

2.Management light never off..MASS AIR FLOW problems..They need to sort this!.

3.Suspension springs/coils..snapped..and dangerous.

4.Air con compressor failures..know fault again!.

5.Oil leaks.never ending!!.

I could go on and on but I don't want to waste time..

On the positive front I love the 4 wheel drive and V6 chain driven engine and the noise is beautiful on 5-6000 revs..

So to sum up lovely drive and engine and nearly the power of the R32 without the chav looks when on the road or when the management light or coil packs decide to work!!

Bought the car to save me money after hearing several people at work rave about the GT TDI 130, and how reliable, economical and nippy( cant say quick as they all said its still a diesel), did my research and went for a low mileage 02 plate with full history and car seemed ok on the day i bought it.

Pros: spacious comfy and quiet

Cons: cant reach the claimed MPG figures if i get 44 mpg im lucky and thats driving economically, sluggish, terrible turbo lag and when power is there is not really all that much, terrible wet handling even with 4 good year tyres has nearly spun a couple of times with my girlfriend driving and myself so not our driving as we are both IAM advanced drivers.

VW being reliable is a myth . Within a week the drivers side rear door refused to unlock. £90 for a new door lock plus labour. A month later the traction control light comes on if the car goes over 50 mph turns out to be a faulty injector harness which is a another £300 bill to sort out. latest issue is the climate control decides where it will blow the hot/cold air, been told thats another £100

Overall the car is spacious although the driver could use a small cubbyhole to the left of the steering wheel but the handling sluggish ness and reliablitly issues means i would not recomend this car to anyone.

I have had the V5 for a year now and have done 24,000 miles

It goes beautifully, at times I think its thirsty, but I live in the country and everything is miles away- work, shopping, and friends

Its only problem has been the tensioner that managed to shred all the belts and caused me tompull over and stop- just got off the motorway- power steering went, everything./

Hey ho. Rac to rescue- Back to Garage where it had been serviced a moth previous- new belt and tensioner cost 152. Back on Road and its been purring ever since.

No I wont sell it. I brought it it had done 64000 and had not done much previous owner-2000 in three years as he too lived in country

I have done 87000 and its very good, its a workhorse even with all dogs in- behind the dog guard I might add. Elderely Patients and wheelchairs. Or just me and husband.

I have owned quite a few hot hatches in my life, this one is the best so far. It has leather heated recaro seats, winter pack and sports suspension along with the 17in alloy wheel, which was really difficult to find. The engine is a real treat, that sound of the engine will put a huge smile on your face every time start the engine. Running costs are low as this car is very easy to maintain.

loads of torque and acceleration in every gear.

If your thinking of getting one, make sure its been very well looked after, because it seems that there are not a lot of these left.