1994 Volkswagen Vento GL review from UK and Ireland

Mud flap fell off.

New batteries for immobiliser fob.

Front brake pads feel like they might need replacing soonish.

Car required service when first purchased - since then nothing else at all.

An Amazing steal: much cheaper than Mk3 Golf to buy, but inside and out, apart from the boot...

No rust whatsoever, bodywork very resistant.

Beautiful gearbox: incredibly precise.

Very economical - on a run (motorway at 80/85), will return 37mpg. Around town perfectly respectable, returns low 30s.

Very eager and willing engine - drives like it's done 9000 miles not 90,000!

Very quiet.

Starts first time, every time.

Uses virtually no oil at all (trip from Cornwall to Scotland return, didn't use a drop).

All electrics work perfectly - how many cars this age are still faultless here?

Lots of legroom.

Power steering fantastically precise.

Huge boot - hardly anything between this and a passat.

Packed full of really useful features, it's hard to believe the car is nearly 10 years old. For instance, holding the key in "lock" position automatically closes all of the windows + sunroof.

Lots of handy pockets and bins.

A bit short on headroom, but I'm quite tall.

Everything you hear about Volkswagen build quality is true - these machines are genuinely built with parts that are made to last. Comparing it with our other car (a newer Ford Escort), it amazes me the differences in build quality. Even the black plastic feels expensive!