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
4th Dec 2014, 06:51
Yet another update, now at 376,000km. The car is just beginning to come apart. The front driver's side splash guard is hanging by a screw. The driver's side window can't roll up or down. The trim on the inside is holding together suspiciously well, except for the broken glovebox. Someone broke the plastic back off the passenger-side mirror recently. The back hatch got dented by me and won't open any more except by the release button. The alarm is getting tetchy and the doors don't all lock together any more.
Do I dislike it because of these faults? Nope. I bought it because of fuel mileage, and it is still doing that great.
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.