1993 Volkswagen Golf GL 1.9L inline-4 turbo diesel

Summary:

A solid car with almost unbelievable fuel economy

Faults:

Just bought it. I'll do updates when major things go wrong, are replaced, and such, but here's what was wrong with it when I bought it.

Driver's window is hard to roll up.

Electric rear hatch release is inactive.

Alarm system deactivated because of the rear hatch.

Rear defrost and wiper don't work.

Small tear on driver's seat.

General Comments:

I love the fuel economy so far. I haven't filled it up once yet. No other car I've owned has gone so far on a tank. The upholstery is very comfortable and warm, especially in summer.

The car feels very solid and dependable. I'll see how it holds up over time.

There is a lot of storage space, but not many cupholders.

Canada was lucky to get a diesel before the states, and that is why this isn't a 1997, but rather a 1993.

Also, instead of being a 2nd generation model, this is a 3rd generation model.

The premium sound system sounds very good.

I don't like the parcel tray out back, or the bar that has the child seat anchor points, but I'll just fold down the rear seats more often.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2011

30th Jan 2012, 13:06

A little update, now, at 349,000km. Only one thing has gone wrong. That would be the passenger side door lock. I broke it off one day, not in the cold, not under extraordinary stress. There's a small loop that breaks off on the back of the lock cylinder. I replaced it in about 1 hour, with much fiddling about.

I enjoy this car, despite that little bump in the road. It's fairly comfortable, still very economical (more-so on the expensive diesel), and carries an amazing amount of stuff for its small size.

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1993 Volkswagen Golf GL 2.0

Summary:

Decent reliable car

Faults:

Rear wiper fuse needed replacement

Original jack was junk, was replaced as a result of a recall.

Exhaust heat shield started to rattle after a while - replaced under warranty

General Comments:

I bought this car new in 1/94 when I was 19. It was a really fun car, OK on gas (30mpg), and well refined for its time. 2.0 engine had pretty good performance for being what it was and is bulletproof. With proper care it could probably last 300,000 miles. In the several years I had this car I had very minimal not-maintenance related issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th June, 2007

1993 Volkswagen Golf CL 1.8 Gas

Summary:

Decent car, but can have a lot of problems, not as economical as expected for a Volkswagen

Faults:

New battery at 142000 kms.

New starter at 144000 kms.

Though it was rust free, but rusting on back hatch, in wheel wells, and under passenger door nearly right after I bought it.

Electrical problems a couple of times.

General Comments:

I have only had the car for 10000 kms, but it has not proved to be the reliable VW I was looking for.

It handles nice, drives nice in the manual transmission, but it is quite slow, revs very high at high speeds, and is not really impressive on gas. Not bad, but I expected better.

It also is noisy at high speeds, and is not really smooth on the highway.

The car is comfortable to drive, but not near as economical, reliable and cheap to run as expected.

Very roomy, factory alarm.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2006

1993 Volkswagen Golf Diesel 1.6 diesel

Summary:

Terrible

Faults:

2 alternators.

2 door locks passenger side.

3 door locks driver side.

Rear view mirror.

2 fuel filters in a month.

Trunk lock cylinder.

Cheaply constructed dash.

General Comments:

Parts for this vehicle were astronomical.

Service costs were equal to the parts.

All the instruments on the dash came apart because it was cheap plastic.

The area around the trunk lock cylinder was so rusted the cylinder fell out.

Great fuel economy.

0 to 60 in 10 minutes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th February, 2004

8th Apr 2007, 19:32

Sad to hear you had so many problems with this diesel Golf. I owned one for five years. I bought it used with 150,000 miles (246,000 kilometers). When I gave it to my son, it had over 350,000 miles. During all these years and miles: no engine rebuiding or repairs, no transmission or clutch repairs, no radiator problems, no fuel pump repairs, nor repairs that cost me more than $500 each. This car was a model assembled in Mexico. Of course, I had minor repairs, but I must admit it was the best car I ever owned. Maybe not the most comfortable and quiet car, but very efficient. I got a steady 40 miles per US gallon (I do mostly highway driving). Before this car I had a 1993 Ford Escort, and I had to sell it because it was falling apart with only 110,000 miles.

1993 Volkswagen Golf CL 1.8 Gas

Summary:

A sporty and rugged small car

Faults:

Ignition wires failed within the first six months.

Exhaust system replaced while still under warranty, car was two years old.

The dash lights were replaced under warranty, but the dealer cracked the sockets so the lights constantly went on and off.

Clutch link snapped at 120 000 km.

Battery replaced at 160 000 km.

General Comments:

This car is seriously quick and handles like it's on rails.

Dealer service was normally excellent.

Received great value on trade-in for purchase of new car. I received almost half of what I paid for it 9.5 years before.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2003