2000 Volkswagen Golf Comfortline review from South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa.

Rattles, from day one. Dealers never heard them... so I opened the car myself to rectify them.

Suspected car was damaged while at the factory. Left Rrar passenger door had a loose door seal with paint on it. Dealer pretended as if it was normal. A service manager at another dealership brought that to my attention.

Vibration on brake and clutch pedal when aircon was on. Aircon pump replaced under warranty after year of complaining. Problem went away for a while, but back. Car out of warranty.

Interior light switch broke. Dealer said it would cost R300 to replace as it could not be repaired. Cousin repaired it in less than 10 minutes.

Some relay blew at about 100000K on the clock. Car would not start. Repaired and towed to dealer at VW's cost.

Good car. Quite trouble free all things considered. Aside from the rattles, which are irritating, and pathetic dealer service of whome I've used three and all are the same (it seems to be induced organisational behaviour).

Paintwork is extremely resilient. Have had people bang their doors or cars into mine and all I get is some white mark, which I can rub off. Very happy considering the car is Jazz Blue.

At 134000Km, the tires are still original! Strange, but true. Has to do with long distance driving, I guess. Michelin Tyres rock! and I still have about 10000Km of service left on them.

Brakes replaced for first time at 105000Km.

For me a good car, just that for the price to get it, a 1.6 engine is bit pathetic for such a heavy car. Yet due to my driving style, I get at least 700Km on a tank before the fuel warning comes up.

Will buy another VW product, but will ensure that they do not register it to my name for at least three weeks to ensure that I don't get stuck with problems like rattles, etc!