Faults:

Hazard relay unit failed, resulting in no indicators.

Front passenger window stopped working.

Back passenger door won't open.

Central locking doesn't work properly.

General Comments:

Really enjoyed owning my VW Golf. We bought the car for £400 with 12 months MOT and 5 months tax. The reason we bought the car is that our last Golf got written off.

The Golf is a very easy car to drive and park. We regularly drive from Somerset to Staffordshire without any problem. Though I felt the car would be better with a manual gearbox instead of being an automatic.

We've had the car about 9 months, and in that time the only problems we've had are: the hazard relay unit needing to be replaced (a cheap and easy job, replaced ourselves), the back passenger door seizing shut, the front window now won't open, and the central locking won't lock all the doors at the same time.

Apart from fixing the relay unit, we have decided not to sort out the other problems as the car is being sold to a mechanic who wants the car as it is.

The next car we're buying is a Renault Megane. I would definitely have another Golf, but with a different spec.

Faults:

The engine started to leaked oil.

The water pump had to be replaced.

Changed the brake disks twice.

Front and rear suspension need to be replaced.

Tons of electric problems eg. the speed gauge stopped working, the rpm went crazy, and the rpm sensor had to be replaced.

Lots of weird and annoying sounds coming from everywhere in the car.

There are dozens of other faults that I can't remember.

General Comments:

The car is fun to drive, quick and handles well, the interior is nice to look at, however the car's main problem is reliability... it's the most unreliable car I've ever seen; nearly everything has gone wrong. I spent more time fixing it than I actually spent driving it, and every time I feel like this was the last of the problems, something new breaks or stops working.

I thought VW cars were reliable; that thought is long gone now.

Faults:

Rear screenwash sprays into interior C-pillar trim.

Rear nearside door lock module and window regulator failed.

Rear offside door currently seized shut.

Front nearside window regulator failed.

Horn failed.

Front offside window does not close fully.

Steering wheel out of alignment.

Synchro on 2nd gear is slowly going.

Interior boot light failed.

Door drop on nearside front.

General Comments:

Car is pleasant to drive and has good power for a 1.6, MPG is tolerable although not great.

Seats are comfortable enough with good adjustablity, good heating etc.

Handling is OK considering it is not a sports car; not very exciting, but tame and predictable.

Build quality of interior / bodywork is terrible, see my list of faults.

All of the above faults have occurred in the last 2 months.

Faults:

I've had to get the tires balanced (driver before me messed up the alignment). I have to change the heater hoses, and radiator hoses (again, driver before me let them go too long).

General Comments:

Compared to my Chevy S10, this thing is quick. I haven't attempted over 100mph, but it gets there easily. I just raced a 99 Tacoma, and 2004 Focus and beat them both. I have an intake and exhaust, but other than that it's stock.

I've only owned this car for a few weeks now, but so far I LOVE it. The seats are very comfortable, and with the knob, instead of a bar, to adjust the seats, you get the incline perfect for your own comfort.

I don't know when the shocks were replaced, or if they even have been, but the ride is amazing, I hardly feel any bumps at all.

The backseat is very roomy, and the trunk looks small, but can fit a lot. I had a whole trash can in the back LOL.

This car is very fun to drive and handles great. I am definitely going to keep this thing for a long time.