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Opinion on VW Golf

  • 30-03-2010 7:28pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 528 ✭✭✭


    Whats anyone's opinion on VW Golf's in general? Im looking at a 1.4 litre of year 2000.

    I know Volkswagen are generally very reliable but I hear Golfs around the year 2000 only cause problems and are only succesfull from the VW name? Apparently they are very bad for burning oil? Whats anyones experience?


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,528 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    I know Volkswagen are generally very reliable
    :eek:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,822 ✭✭✭✭EPM


    Quote of the week


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭Saab Ed


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    :eek:

    +1


    That should read....." I know VW used to be reliable in the mid 70's"

    Modern Veedubs are softer than fairy liquid hands. Dont pressume anything.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,528 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Their silicone-damped grab hadles are top notch though.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,123 ✭✭✭stepbar


    I have a 04 1.4l. Good solid car. I was driving a megane last week and really noticed the difference (my car was in the garage getting a cosmetic repair job done). Would recommend that you go higher than 00 if you could.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 752 ✭✭✭cup of tea


    I drive a 1.4 02.....I think it's a great car.Have had no trouble apart from a fecked front right suspension, that will be fixed shortly


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,123 ✭✭✭stepbar


    You're downgrading?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    In terms of anything but the engine the mark 4 Golf is pretty solid.
    There are a few little things that can cause problems.
    For me it was the rear window washer fluid pipe. There are weak connections there and can cause water to come into the boot.

    I hear that there are also some drain pipes that can clog up and cause water to come into the front foot well, I havent experience that nor does the car show any evidence of it from previous owners.

    Airbag plugs under the seat are a weak point. I had to do a little DIY work under the passenger seat yesterday.

    EDIT:
    Also the door locks are weak points but because of this kits are readily available. Happened to me, 20 quid for the kit.

    The coating on the plastic is weird. If someone treated the interior badly and scratched the plastics in the car it can look odd. There is a soft coating that if scratched can reveal the black plastic underneath and can look bad.
    It was bad in my car from the last owner so I used a steel wool and it looks very well now with the coating gone. It looks fine with the coating as long as it was treated well, if its damaged and it bothers you just get rid of it. Little thing really.

    Rear legroom is tight if you are a tall driver, but I never care about passengers.

    The problems are really little things. I agree that if it was a mark 3 golf or maybe earlier you wouldnt have these little problems but at the end of the day fixing the above cost me nothing but a couple of hours.

    In terms of engines. The 1.4 is meant to be underpowered.
    If you can find a 1.9 TDI from 2000 and the engine and car has been well maintained then that would by my recommendation.

    I have one and I haven't had any major problems aside from a weird oil seal perishing and a temperature sensor needing replacing (15 euro fix).

    In summary, the car is grand. Not a bother with it in my opinion but the engine you are looking at isnt the best for the car.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,123 ✭✭✭stepbar


    In fairness a lot of my family have VW's. Da has a newish Transporter, bro has a Bora, my aunt and uncle in law have new golfs. Never any breakdowns (bar a timing belt in my aunts old golf). I think when the time comes I'll get another golf. As I've said, solid car on the road.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,129 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    What does that mean: " A good solid car on the road"? Never really understood that expression.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 528 ✭✭✭bit of a bogey


    Cheers all! I should have no significant problems so?

    I take it that VW arent regarded as high as I thought judging from the first few posts!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    Cheers all! I should have no significant problems so?

    I take it that VW arent regarded as high as I thought judging from the first few posts!

    From what I have read the mark 4's from around that time if you want a diesel and the mark 4's in general for petrol are the best bunch of Golfs out there, though having said that I wouldnt count VW out because to be honest, there is feck all out there that is as reliable as VW used to be back in the day. Maybe Kia or some Japanese stuff but I want first hand experience on that.

    Keep in mind also that in 2002ish the Mark 4's got a suspension upgrade or summet or other making them a better car to drive then the older ones, though I have a 2000 and I cant fault it. I wanna get from A to B every time I try and in comfort and it does it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 528 ✭✭✭bit of a bogey


    Wont be going any newer than 2000 tho due to the financial restrictions in this current economic climate!!:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    Wont be going any newer than 2000 tho due to the financial restrictions in this current economic climate!!:D

    I get ya. Be a cheeky fecker and see what you can beat some people down on.
    Are you dead set on the petrol?

    One other thing Ill say is, there is nothing wrong with the Mark 3 really, defo not more so then the Mark 4. If you are strapped for cash Im sure there are some of those out there and they would probably last to the end of the earth.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 10,259 ✭✭✭✭Melion


    I had a 99 until last Summer. It was nothing but trouble. I had to put a litre of oil into it every 2-3 weeks, constant strange tapping sound from the second the engine was on which no garage could figure out.

    Central locking was shíte, i had to lock it from the passenger door for the whole car to lock. Rear wiper came on at random times even without me touching the stick. Then when i did need it to work, no water would come out.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 10,259 ✭✭✭✭Melion


    I had a 99 until last Summer. It was nothing but trouble. I had to put a litre of oil into it every 2-3 weeks, constant strange tapping sound from the second the engine was on which no garage could figure out.

    Central locking was shíte, i had to lock it from the passenger door for the whole car to lock. Rear wiper came on at random times even without me touching the stick. Then when i did need it to work, no water would come out.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,129 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    Cheers all! I should have no significant problems so?

    I take it that VW arent regarded as high as I thought judging from the first few posts!

    The 1.4 is ****e with an unreliable underpowered lump where the engine should be and ridiculously rolly handling.
    The 1.6 is better but still only average by the standards of the class.
    The 1.8T is OK too but not a proper GTI.
    The TDIs are the best but there are equally good and better options form other manufacturers at lower prices.
    Electrics and general build quality are below average on all models and gearboxes aren't bulletproof compared to the likes of Honda and Toyota.
    Go elsewhere unless you find a very nice one.
    The mark II. Now there's a proper Golf. Too old for you though.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 10,259 ✭✭✭✭Melion


    Apologies for that, dunno why it posted twice.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    coolbeans wrote: »
    The TDIs are the best but there are equally good and better options form other manufacturers at lower prices.

    From the year 2000? The only decent Ford diesel was the TDCI and they generally sell for a lot more. Ive been in a few Toyota diesels from 1999 and 2000 and they were God awful.

    I believe that a well maintained TDI from 2000 is the best diesel out there in that general price range. Well maintained is the key part sadly, so many cars that I went to see when buying last summer that bloody idiots owned and treated them like crap.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 674 ✭✭✭madmac187


    Guy living with me, the clutch went in his 130bhp golf at 40,000 miles, turbo went at 53,000. Personally steer well clear, an astra better off. Cost too much to fix. Brother had a caddy, 2 clutches in it and a third at 120k. Enough said all serviced in VW garages and minded never again they all said..


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,822 ✭✭✭✭EPM


    I've said it before and I'll say it again. Check the gearbox-worth paying someone a few quid to do. They are muck


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,129 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    bbk wrote: »
    From the year 2000? The only decent Ford diesel was the TDCI and they generally sell for a lot more. Ive been in a few Toyota diesels from 1999 and 2000 and they were God awful.

    I believe that a well maintained TDI from 2000 is the best diesel out there in that general price range. Well maintained is the key part sadly, so many cars that I went to see when buying last summer that bloody idiots owned and treated them like crap.

    A 306 HDI or 1.9TD was a better car all round and far more reliable. Astra TDs from the era are OK and as good as the golf as a package. Focus not great and a Xsara would be worth a look too in diesel form. Surprisingly nice drive the Xsara. Pity about the facelifted version. A Corolla's a Corolla.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,528 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    The normally aspirated 1.9 PSA engine didn't really help the Corollas case either. no D-4D models sold in that shape here, although I've seen a few in Europe


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,129 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    The normally aspirated 1.9 PSA engine didn't really help the Corollas case either. no D-4D models sold in that shape here, although I've seen a few in Europe

    Agreed. Would've been a grand motor if they lobbed a turbo on though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,528 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    they did! pity they never sold it here, those old Corollas were pretty light, and the 110hp in the heavier Avensis of the time was nippy enough


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 403 ✭✭martydunf


    Iv a MK4 TDi and not a bother with it after 2 years ownership.

    So there all not unreliable, you only ever hear the horror stories anyway.:rolleyes:

    EDIT: and I know of a few others that have MK4's aswell that give no trouble


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,129 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    martydunf wrote: »
    Iv a MK4 TDi and not a bother with it after 2 years ownership.

    So there all not unreliable, you only ever hear the horror stories anyway.:rolleyes:

    EDIT: and I know of a few others that have MK4's aswell that give no trouble

    I think you're biased. :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,597 ✭✭✭tossy


    coolbeans wrote: »
    The 1.4 is ****e with an unreliable underpowered lump where the engine should be and ridiculously rolly handling.
    The 1.6 is better but still only average by the standards of the class.
    The 1.8T is OK too but not a proper GTI.
    The TDIs are the best but there are equally good and better options form

    Is that the entire mk4 engine line up ? you left out 4 engines 2 of which are probably amongst the most reliable blocks VAG have ever made.Plus i would hardly agree the TDI engine are the best in the line up - no disrespect to the TDI.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    coolbeans wrote: »
    I think you're biased. :D

    Hah, if you are not gonna believe the word of an owner will you believe the hear say of people who have different cars? A good thing would never be said about cars that way :p


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    tossy wrote: »
    Is that the entire mk4 engine line up ? you left out 4 engines 2 of which are probably amongst the most reliable blocks VAG have ever made.

    Which ones did he miss? Not gettin at your post, Im just curious.
    Its pretty bad that I have to say that Im just curious. Otherwise it would probably sound like Im trying to say you are wrong and you should get off the internetzzz :S


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭Saab Ed


    martydunf wrote: »
    Iv a MK4 TDi and not a bother with it after 2 years ownership.

    So there all not unreliable, you only ever hear the horror stories anyway.:rolleyes:

    EDIT: and I know of a few others that have MK4's aswell that give no trouble


    From a motor trade prospective I really do hate VW's. A) Their owners always think they're driving a solid bar of gold when they try to trade them in B) Every time I do trade one in there's always something wrong with it, not a big problem in itself but it costs a small fortune to fix unless you spend your day calling Skoda/Seat dealers trying to get the same part cheaper. Why is it when you call a Skoda a VW the part goes up in price! and C) They always come back under warranty and end up costing me more money. IMO if you want a Golf then just buy a Skoda only cheaper :eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    tossy wrote: »
    Plus i would hardly agree the TDI engine are the best in the line up - no disrespect to the TDI.
    Indeed, there are one or two little problems like temp sensors for the first generation but when second generation of TDI's for the mark 4 came out the flood gates opened for unreliable cars because people cant do basic serving on them. Feckin OIL! (there are other issues I know but using the wrong oil is ridiculous and the cause of most problems)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    Saab Ed wrote: »
    From a motor trade prospective I really do hate VW's. A) Their owners always think they're driving a solid bar of gold when they try to trade them in

    No generalisations please. Forums are crap when generalisations crop up.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,129 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    bbk wrote: »
    Hah, if you are not gonna believe the word of an owner will you believe the hear say of people who have different cars? A good thing would never be said about cars that way :p

    I think you're biased cos you own one and because it may be good in your experience. I'm not disputing this. I also base my opinions of the Golf on experience and mine is vastly different to yours. I've had four friends with Mark IVs and all were average in almost every respect. You are one satisfied owner. There are a few dissatisfied owners on here too in case you haven't noticed. Yet you disregard their opinions which from an objective point of view are worth the same as your own. Bias is what they call that. ;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭Saab Ed


    bbk wrote: »
    No generalisations please. Forums are crap when generalisations crop up.


    It might sound like a generalisation but in the motor trade its not. Anyone else here in the trade agree?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    coolbeans wrote: »
    I think you're biased cos you own one and because it may be a good one in your experience. I also base my opinions of the Golf on experience and mine is vastly different to yours. I've had four friends with Golfs and all were average in every respect. You are one satisfied owner. There are a few dissatisfied owners on here too in case you haven't noticed. ;)

    What exactly is your point?
    My point is that its a ridiculous expectation to talk to any general car owner and expect an unbiased response.

    The OP has to take all the responses and make an informed, intelligent decision from them. You pointed out the obvious that there is bias in posts.

    martydunf said he had a few friends who had good experiences with Golfs, and you say you have a few friends the opposite experience. That's fair enough but why would you take him up on the point that Marty is biased when you are too?

    PM me with a response because derailing this thread over something so elementary as this is madness.

    Saab Ed:
    So every single VW owner thinks their car is gold?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,129 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    bbk wrote: »
    What exactly is your point?
    My point is that its a ridiculous expectation to talk to any general car owner and expect an unbiased response.

    The OP has to take all the responses and make an informed, intelligent decision from them. You pointed out the obvious that there is bias in posts.

    martydunf said he had a few friends who had good experiences with Golfs, and you say you have a few friends the opposite experience. That's fair enough but why would you take him up on the point that Marty is biased when you are too?

    PM me with a response because derailing this thread over something so elementary as this is madness.

    Saab Ed:
    So every single VW owner thinks their car is gold?

    No need to PM. I think Golfs are crap. You don't.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭Saab Ed


    bbk wrote: »

    Saab Ed:
    So every single VW owner thinks their car is gold?

    Sorry if im sounding like im insulting here. Its not the tone I ment to get across. Sometimes my language can be a bit flippent.

    My experience with VW owners by and large when they are trying to trade their car in is they drastically over value their cars. The motor trade opinion of VW's is much lower than that of the general public, mostly down to the fact we've seen how many problems they give and how expenseive they are to fix. Now every type of car gives trouble and plenty of other brands give more trouble than VW's, its just that VW owners seem to have too high of a regard for both the brand name and the cars value relative to what the motor trade thinks of them.


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 12,808 Mod ✭✭✭✭Keano


    Wow lots of VW haters. Each to their own and I respect that.

    I drive a MKV Golf and never had any trouble, then again I look after my car.

    Saab can that not be said for all owners? At the end of the day you want to pay at little as possible in order to maximise your profit?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 271 ✭✭Ryan T


    The last 5 I have traded in for new ones traded like gold bars !!!!!!:D


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,597 ✭✭✭tossy


    bbk wrote: »
    Which ones did he miss? Not gettin at your post, Im just curious.
    Its pretty bad that I have to say that Im just curious. Otherwise it would probably sound like Im trying to say you are wrong and you should get off the internetzzz :S

    Well sorry to be anal about it but if someone is gonig to list the engines they should insure to include them all :D

    For a start there are a few versions of the 1.6.

    Then there are the following that he missed

    2.0 N/A
    2.3 V5
    2.8V6
    3.2V6


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,528 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Gold is going up in value though :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,309 ✭✭✭VolvoMan


    I've had a fondness for many VW's over the years, although I do hate the brand at the same time. Contradictory that may sound, but I have a strong dislike of the status that a Golf commands, such as its 'rock solid' image and cast iron residuals.

    The narrow minded people that buy them for those reasons annoy me even more.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,528 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    to be fair to the Golf, it has strong points

    Solid feeling interior
    Right-on image
    Halo effect from GTI models
    Good selection of engines
    Some nice details

    However, because of this, most people assume they're bulletproof, and going on the warranty claims we had on them they clearly aren't.

    the 1.4 is also gutless. even compared with other 1.4 cars in the same class.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,014 ✭✭✭high horse


    Just curious OP but have you already made up your mind to buy the car? I notice you have thanked any post that praises the Gof but ignore those with bad reports.

    If you're on a tight budget, a Golf may not be the best option for you as they can be expensive to fix when things go wrong


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,213 ✭✭✭PrettyBoy


    I have a 1.4 ('02) and in the three years and 25,000+ miles I've owned it the only thing I've had to do was get cylinder head replaced. When I was buying I was told to avoid the '98-'01 models, so '02-'04 were the only ones I considered.

    I just wanted a nice car that was reliable, comfortable and not mad money to insure and I can honestly say that I'm very happy with my Golf and I plan on keeping it for another while yet.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    tossy wrote: »
    Well sorry to be anal about it but if someone is gonig to list the engines they should insure to include them all :D

    For a start there are a few versions of the 1.6.

    Then there are the following that he missed

    2.0 N/A
    2.3 V5
    2.8V6
    3.2V6

    That 3.2 v6 must be a bit mad :O

    Saab Ed, I can understand what you are saying and I can imagine that's a bad thing to deal with in the trade, Im just setting up an army against saying all when it may just be a fair few haha.

    On second thoughts that 3.2 must be very mad :O


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22 jim davis


    im looking at this 04 caddy lads,
    everything looks good with it but ive heard to stay away from the 04's cause they give trouble
    is this right or only a load of bull
    thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,597 ✭✭✭tossy


    bbk wrote: »
    On second thoughts that 3.2 must be very mad :O

    Its called an R32 Slightly madder than the 2.8,neither set the world alight though in standard guise,the need to be force fed air :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,528 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    tossy wrote: »
    the need to be force fed air :D
    What sort of eejit would do something like that ;)


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