2002 Volkswagen Golf TDi 1.9TDi 130PD

Summary:

Go get one and find out

Faults:

Passenger side wiper blade needs replacing due to crimp in rubber.

I think that the rear blade will need replacing soon too.

General Comments:

Full Spec car with heated seats, dimming rear view mirror, leather, automatic wipers and all still working!

I took my time choosing this car and first went for the 150bhp model, but the extras list on the 130bhp model drew me to it.

Economy is really cool - performance with 50+mpg is very unusual in a petrol car so go for the VW TDi PD models!

Had an Astra TD before this and the VW is a revelation...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 2003

2002 Volkswagen Golf GTTDI PD150 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

Performance and economy

Faults:

Not a sausage, all I have replaced is a set of front tires.

General Comments:

This car is a fantastic compromise between performance and economy.

I couldn't decide what to buy for my first brand new car, but I'm glad that I bought this instead of the usual Astra or Focus.

I have to use it every day for a 50 mile trip to work, but I get out as though I have just got in.

With 150BHP yet a return of 40-45mpg regularly (More if you leave the lead foot at home!) it is quick and economical.

Most people are unaware, but this car has more torque than a Porsche Boxster! It certainly helps when overtaking a row of cars or the usual slow caravan driver!

Oh and another thing when on the limit the car doesn't sound like a diesel.

There is only one thing I don't like and that is that the handling is a little spongy. That should be helped by the set of KONI's I have planned for it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2003

2002 Volkswagen Golf GT TDI PD 130 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

Wolf in Diesel Clothing

Faults:

There was a small oil leak between inter-cooler and turbo charger, fixed under warranty. The 6- disc CD changer needed changing, due to occasional jumping. Windscreen wiper motor also faulty, again sorted under warranty without fuss.

General Comments:

For a diesel this car has excellent performance. It surprises many petrol car drivers at the lights in their "hot hatches" when beat you them. In gear acceleration is excellent, you rarely need to change down a gear to pick up speed - the Turbo pulls impressively from 2000rpm right through to the red line. Handling could be better, there is some body roll. This has improved since changing the tyres.

Don't believe VW performance figures! This car is quicker than the 1.8T petrol. VW claim 127MPH top speed, yet on the German Autobahn we got 142MPH!

Fuel economy is excellent 50MPG on the motorway at 80 - 90MPH.

Overall, a brilliant car I would only change it for a Golf R32!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2003

2002 Volkswagen Golf 25th Anniversary 1.9 TDI turbo diesel

Summary:

Stylish, fast and cheap to run

Faults:

Poor spraying of the bumpers meant a return to the dealer for some remedial work. Poor work by the dealer meant another visit to do the job properly.

General Comments:

A performance bargain. Having gone from a highly modified TT to this, it's still hard to believe that it needs filling (not very often) from the diesel pump.

The only problem has been the dealer not doing the remedial spraying right the first time.

Great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2003

2002 Volkswagen Golf GT TDi (130 bhp) 1.7 turbo diesel

Summary:

A high performance bargain

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The car has been flawless from day one. The car boasts averages of well over fifty miles per gallon combined motorway and around town. I can honestly say that I have never seen it achieve less than 28.9 miles per gallon. The car has superb handling and acceleration and the sports seats are very comfortable. The car came with a solid set of speakers (though disappointing head unit), most of which I did not have to upgrade. Even with a 1000 watt sub-woofer in the back the car hasn't rattled. Build quality rivals that of my old BMW. Though it's not a BMW it's an excellent run about. I'd say £15,000 well spent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2002

1st Feb 2003, 15:23

I completely agree with you! The Golf in my opinion is way better than the Audi A3.