1999 Volkswagen Golf GTI Turbo 1.8 turbo

Summary:

An excellent, reliable car that is fun to drive

Faults:

The car has been completely reliable. This is despite driving it around London every day, stopping and starting in traffic and an enthusiasm for flooring it from the lights.

General Comments:

The performance is enjoyable, although not electrifying. The car is a bit too big to feel like a genuine hot hatch. In fact the handling feels a lot better than the acceleration.

I love the interior - black leather, blue dial lights and black wood make for a very comfortable ride.

I was amazed by so many other reviews complaining about rattles and dealer servicing - I have never had any problems with these. The only dealer in London (Scott's) seems to do the job well, even if it costs a fortune to have parts replaced (some idiot kicked my wing mirror off, and it cost around £500 to replace which I thought was ridiculous).

If it's out and out performance you want this is not the boy, but if you want a comfortable car that, when pushed, responds with some serious sparkle, then this is the one for you.

I would also add that I chose a Golf as London attracts distinctly dodgy people to anything resembling a "prestige" car (break-ins, keys down the paintwork etc). My Golf (no GTI badges) allows for a hassle-free experience, while sitting in it provides every mod/con you would get in a top-end vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th September, 2002

1999 Volkswagen Golf SE 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Not as reliable as it should be

Faults:

Steering column (before I owned it) - don't know exactly what went wrong, but replaced under warranty.

Fan relay - engine fan and air-conditioning fans permanently running. Relay replaced under warranty.

Now have an intermittent starting problem that seems to be related to the immobiliser. Engine starts and dies straight away and it may take anything upto 10 - 15 attempts to get the car going. Sometimes goes for days without happening, but then comes back again. Anyone else experienced this? It seems to be getting worse so looks like another trip to the dealer! Warranty expired. Wife reluctant to drive car.

Oh...and drinks holder sticks!

General Comments:

This car is a bit of a 'mobile sofa' - comfortable and rides well. But wallows and feels heavy on twisty roads.

It's quite good looking and feels solidly built although in this case it's all a bit of an illusion!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th June, 2002

14th Jun 2002, 14:53

I drive a 1995 Golf CL model and have experienced exactly the same intermittent starting problems that were described above. The problem seems to be worse in the rain, but is very unpredictable. Despite having been to two garages already (who have "repaired" both the immobiliser and the distributor) the problem remains. Can anyone shed any light on this puzzling problem?

22nd Oct 2002, 11:40

I own a 3dr 1.4s 1999 model and it has been nothing but trouble. A knocking noise on the passenger door took no less than 2 years and goodness knows how many trips to the garage to fix. Finally blamed on the door hinges not been strong enough for the 'larger' 3dr front doors.

On top of that I have had the boot lock replaced, both driver and passenger locks replaced. Both windows have fallen into the door and have their motor/regulator replaced (twice).

The car did not always start and at other times would just cut out - normally at the most inconvenient moments.

There have been more problems, I am going to request a 'history' from my garage so I can get a proper letter of complaint together.

Would love to hear from others with these problems.

Gavin.

Gavinbarker@hotmail.com.

12th Aug 2003, 07:39

We own a 1998 1.6 SE and are suffering from the same intermittent immobilizer fault described by the other contributors - the engine failing to start for no apparent reason. Our dealers have replaced both the key fobs and ignition barrel, but the problem remains. I believe there is a technical fault with the immobilizer's programming, does anyone else?

Rotating between the main and spare key weekly seems to help.