Faults:

My gearbox blew at 95,000kms due to poor design.

The rear window demister switch fell apart due to poor build quality.

Catalytic converter needed replacing at 90,000kms.

Car would switch itself off in the middle of driving (don't know what the issue was, sold the car before it was fixed).

General Comments:

Nice car, and handles quite well. Very nice interior with the rally version, black cloth.

Very slow though in the 1.6.

However, would never recommend this car again to even someone I don't like. The gearbox problem is a known issue in this car, and I found out about it the hard way. The diff is held together with rivets and they will eventually pop off, which is why they have so many gear box issues. This car should have been recalled seeing as it's a known design fault. VW quoted me 8000 AUD to have a brand new gear box with the problem fixed, or 6000 for a brand new gear box, which could potentially have the same problem.

Parts for this car are ridiculously expensive.

My view, MK 4 golfs are the real deal lemon.

Faults:

The car has been quite remarkable in terms of problems.

There has been a problem with the fuel pump, and the service centre advised that instead of replacement (which would cost an arm and a leg) it will be fine if it does not go below 1/5 of a tank of petrol.

It can be quite vicious in dropping gear, especially if the accelerator is quickly depressed, though I think this feature is built in.

General Comments:

To be honest, the car has a distinct lack of power. However, that said, it still handles well (which it is designed to do ie, German autobahns) and I have had trouble getting the back to slide out, even in poor conditions.

The Rally option added extra comfort to the car, with nicer 'Recaro' type seats and alloy wheels, as well as darkened tail lights and floor mats.

The car is perfect for city driving, and slides into parking spots with ease. The lack of power is not really to much of an issue for city driving, however for those times where the extra punch will aid you in certain circumstances it can be disappointing .

Even though the shape is around 7 years old, it has still held its value and has not been outdated as quickly as its rivals, such as the Nissan Pulsar. The aesthetic appeal and shape adds an aura to the car.

Faults:

Nothing major so far. The idle is rough at times regardless of temperature, but my servicing person assures me it's normal?

General Comments:

A very easy car to drive and get used to quickly.

Excellent level of attention to detail - cabin compartments & general design shows careful thought & engineering.

Engine has reasonable torque and pulls well under load. It's not a fast car to drive, but is responsive enough in most situations. I'm using 98RON fuel which feels a bit more responsive and definitely improves my mileage (740kms from a 55L tank).

Suspension is setup for comfort above handling. The cheap Optima brand tires that were on the car when I bought it are poor to begin with. The car loses traction quickly when driven hard and under-steers (as expected). It's possible to get some throttle-lift over-steer but not like in the Peugeot 306.

Compared with my sister's 2000 Holden/Opel Astra hatch, the Golf's ride is much softer and not as firm.

Seats are comfortable but could use extra support - I like my seats firm and adjustable. The Golf seats don't have adjustable lumbar support, only height adjustment. Fair enough in a base model car I guess.

The general dashboard layout & design is excellent. Controls are easy to find and the blue dials are very funky - I get plenty of positive comments about how cool these are. Everything just feels well put together - no rattles, creaks, etc. Cupholders when extended do get in the way sometimes though.

Well specified as a base model with CD player, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, power steering, air-con, electric mirrors and windows.

It's just a nice, solid car to drive and I'm much happier in this compared to all the Corollas, Astras, Lasers, Civics etc out there.