Golf Mk 4 --better off buying an Astra
20%
2002 Volkswagen Golf Diesel Manual Hatchback by bob roberts • 28th April 2012
Driving Experience
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Running Costs
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Reliability
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'Love' Rating
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The car is very heavy on petrol and running costs are high. The ride is fine, good confortable driving seat with adjustable stearing. The model has a number of well known and documented faults (which i didnt research before purchasing) - the most worrying of which is problems with the gearbox. It appears that Volkswagon engineers made a very basic design error in the gearbox wherin a component breaks and wrecks the entire gearbox. The cost of a replacement can be more that the value of the car. Another well documented complaint is with the rear axel bushes - depending on where you go to get these replaced it can cost from £90 to £350. Dont get ripped off with mechanics claiming that this is a big job requiring the axel to be removed - its a relatively simple job for a skilled mechanic (who has the right tools) and should cost no more than £90 to replace the two rear bushes. Another common issue is with erratic tick-over and engine cutting out - this can cost loads to get repaired and most mechanics will baffle you with talk about MAF sensors and rubbish when a good service will resolve the issue without the need for expensive sensor repairs. The biggest eye opener for me was when i tried to trade my car for another and found that the trade value was £500 from a number of dealers. My car is immaculate inside and out with a full MOT and this was a real eye opener. Id rather drive it until the engine falls out of it rather than be ripped off by NI car dealers. Happy Motoring!!