1996 Volkswagen Golf GL 2.0

Summary:

Long lasting, great running value

Faults:

The clutch went out at 140000 miles.

The timing belt has gone out twice.

The side molding has consistently come off, no matter how many times I've re glued it.

The back driver side cushion seat has come off.

Normal wear and tear, replaced many hoses, etc.

General Comments:

This car is a great car, it has only had things go wrong that would go wrong with ANY car at it's mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2004

29th Apr 2005, 22:12

I also own a 1995 Golf.

I agree, the reliability as a daily driver is fantastic, but the moldings are maddening. I can't tell you how many Golfs of this vintage I have seen missing moldings.

It is my understanding that the problem stemmed from their new Mexican production site for this model. The VW plant at Puebla Mexico is about 8,000 ft above sea level and their resins would not cure properly at that altitude.

I am pleasantly surprised that the exposed holes in the sides of front doors due to the missing moldings have not produced any noticeable rust.

1996 Volkswagen Golf GT 4 cylinder, 2 litre

Summary:

A well handling, quick money pit

Faults:

In the first year of ownership, my golf was in the shop over thirty times for things like paint defects, bad door locks (which caused the alarm to go off while I was driving) etc. The first years, the warranty covered all the repairs, but it was a pain to be at the dealership so much. After the warranty expired, I continued to have problems, but I had to start paying and VW parts are not cheap. I just paid $600 to have the throttle body replaced and the car has started to leak coolant and oil. I have always maintained the car, so I know that it's not a maintenance issue. My husband and I are convinced the car is junk. "Hitler's revenge" is our pet name for my car.

General Comments:

On the whole, the car is decent. It is comfortable and the interior has worn well for it's age. The car handles well and it pretty quick as long as I am the only one in it. More passengers=slower acceleration. The only thing that would make me buy another VW is if they lowered the price of parts or extended the warranty because with a VW, it's not IF your car will break down, but WHEN.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th September, 2002

19th Aug 2007, 19:49

Sounds like you got a lemon... or you beat the crap out of your car.

In reply to 19th Aug 2007, 19:49

13th Sep 2012, 15:34

Yeah... sure. Because a VW never breaks down? Keep on dreaming.

1996 Volkswagen Golf GL 2.0l

Faults:

Door trim panel has come off.

Gas pedal broke.

General Comments:

Very fun car to drive. Keeping this until I can get a TDI....

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 1999