2000 Volkswagen Golf Chico review from South Africa

19 July, 2000

Took delivery of the vehicle late afternoon and discovered: speedometer disconnected (although milage was sitting at 38km), aircon was faulty (not VW problem), front grille was loose, bonnet was not sitting correctly.

24 July, 2000

Turned on the ignition and the hooter kept coming on and wouldn't turn off.

Car returned to dealership and it was returned to me 3 days later.

2 August, 2000

Was driving my car and everytime I turned the steering wheel to the right - the hooter kept going off.

Once again car was returned to dealership, at this stage I wanted to return the vehicle, and was informed by the dealership that they would thoroughly go through my vehicle and replace anything that may be wrong.

They discovered the following factory faults and replaced them :-

Steering slip ring

Indicator

Radiator fan

Shock saddle

Hooter

And they also secured the choke and adjusted the gears.

I purchased a VW due to brand loyalty and was led to believe that when you purchase a VW you are purchasing quality, as well as obtaining value for your money.

My family has only ever owned VW for the above reasons, and this being my first brand new car I was very excited.

Since this ordeal, I have realised that VW is not all it makes out to be, and 3 of my friends who where considering purchasing the Polo Playa / Chico have now gone for Renault and Toyota.

I am very unhappy with my purchase, so much so that I regret ever buying this car and if I could, would return it immediately. How many young people of today do you know that are able to pay cash for a new car. I saved for this for a long time and what I have got out of it makes me feel sick to the stomach.

VW quality is obviously becoming a myth of the past!