1999 Volkswagen Golf GLS 2.0

Summary:

One fun hot hatch

Faults:

Faulty door lock module - A common problem in these cars due to poor solder. This caused the door sensors not to detect if the doors were open or not, which led to locking and alarm issues. The unit was replaced by a dealer, ~$250. There have been no further issues.

Broken shift actuator arm - A plastic lever arm on top of the transmission that I most likely cracked when adjusting my transmission. Replaced myself, ~$25. There have been no further issues.

Faulty hatch latch - A common problem, in which a plastic piece in the mechanism breaks. This caused randomly functioning engagement and disengagement of the latch and issues with the latch sensor. Replaced myself, ~$30. There have been no further issues.

Faulty crankshaft position sensor (speed sensor) - This happened on two occasions within the last year (~145k miles). The engine would randomly not start and/or stop running. The unit was replaced both times by a shop, ~$200 x2. There have been no further issues since it was most recently changed several months ago.

Cloudy headlight lenses - Replaced myself with upgraded units, ~$100. Not a big deal.

Sunroof motor issues - Sunroof would randomly not open or close. I reset the motor and lubricated the tracks, ~$0. There have been no further issues.

Interior lights issues - The interior lights will randomly not work. I believe this is a ground issue, but have no idea where to look. This issue is unresolved.

General Comments:

This car is fairly quick, and handles well for a base economy trim level.

The 2.0L engine with manual transmission gets great gas mileage.

The hatchback design looks unique in the US, where they are not very common.

Keep up on the recommended maintenance, and this is a reliable car.

I extensively use and recommend vwvortex.com for research and guides.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2010

1999 Volkswagen Golf GL Wolfsburg Edition 2.0L

Summary:

Buy this car

Faults:

Braking lights keep going off.

General Comments:

Auto gets boring quick.

The car is pretty fast.

Great on gas; 500km to the tank; costs me about $50 to fill the tank at $1.40 per liter.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2008

1999 Volkswagen Golf Wolfsburg 2.0

Summary:

Not worth the tires its on

Faults:

Do not purchase this vehicle... very unhappy at the reliability of such a lemon. Since I purchased it, it has been nothing, but a money pit... problems with the check engine light, the radio, the engine in general, the brakes, the steering wheel, the heating system...etc.

General Comments:

A 2/10, not a good car and will NEVER drive a VW again. It looks good from far, but is far from good!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th January, 2007

5th Mar 2008, 03:02

I purchased a used 99 wolfsburg 4 years ago and I too have been total disappointed to the point that I will never buy another Volkswagen again. This car has been a money pit and headache since the moment I drove it off the lot.

- It has had constant problems with the front CV joints, I have replaced them at least 4 times.

- Check engine light came on about 4 months after purchase and has since burnt out.

- The hatch rusted out, which is an common issue with this model. I had it fixed under warranty, but was it was a warranty patch job and has since rusted out again. Now the hatch won't open at all and is no longer covered.

- Air bag light comes on and off intermittently.

- Cruise Control only work sometimes.

- Moon roof leaks.

- Starting to rust in all the place you would expect on a Volkswagen.

- etc...

I have spent around $3000 on this car in the last year on repairs. It is now parked as it needs another $4000 in repairs.

I just give up. It too bad because it is really a fun car to drive. When it's drivable.