Faults:

Drivers electric window switch replaced under warranty at 22,000 miles. It took about 1 hour to replace. The switch was still working, only when I wanted to flick it to do "auto" close it didn't close itself, I just had to keep my finger on it. Nothing much really.

General Comments:

This is definitely the best car I've ever owned. I hasn't cost me a penny in 4 years of over 55,000 miles of hard driving.

It's very light on diesel considering the power that I'm getting out of it.

Only cost I've had was servicing and a set of front brake pads.

Comparing the Golf TDI to its rivals out there, ie, Corolla, Focus, Almera, it's head and shoulders above them, when it comes to power and style. I've driven these other cars and was glad to get back to my Black baby!

My last car was a Honda Prelude. 2.2 petrol, dead as a maggot, heavy on petrol, not comfortable and certainly not reliable. In 11 years I had to replace a power steering pump and much more. The last straw for the Prelude was a snapped timing belt at 43,000 miles.

My Golf is a breath of fresh air for me, I love it. Now my brother has bought the exact same car!

Faults:

The catalytic Converter had to be replaced.

The car is only 4 years old and this major work had to be carried out.

There must be a common fault with catalytic convs.

General Comments:

The Car is fine, but the cost to run the car is very high.

Faults:

Hardly anything to report, except the brake light switch failed at 47000 miles. A quick and easy repair by a VW specialist.

General Comments:

Solid build quality, both inside and out.

Great driver ergonomics and comfort.

A good sized boot, but this makes the rear seat space a little tight.

Fantastic fuel economy - regularly 50mpg+ at approx 80mph.

Looks good and still looks modern even though it's the previous model.

Good, knowledgeable and helpful dealer network.

Great residual value, probably because it is such a good car.

Faults:

Centre console rattled - fixed myself by discreetly wedging 2 small blocks of card between transmission tunnel and dashboard.

Clutch pedal slightly squeaky.

Clock very fiddly to set.

Mechanically and electrically (touch wood) very sound. Hope it stays that way.

General Comments:

Performance is adequate rather than outstanding, but still has plenty of poke to keep up with fast moving traffic. Handling is rather "safe" but certainly not "soggy" or "lifeless" like some other reviewers have described. The engine is generally very smooth and doesn't complain too much when pushed.

The interior is rather unassuming, but very neatly finished off with the usual German-quality plastics and there are lots of neat touches present like the damped glove-box lid, the individual reading lights for rear-seat passengers and the tactile operation of the switchgear. Plus of course there is that gorgeous red and purple dash lighting. The trip computer display is thoughtfully positioned in the instrument cluster rather than on the centre console which aids visibility. The boot has lots of useful features like bottle straps, luggage tie-down hooks and is a large useful size.

Dealer-wise the sales section has been very impressive. However I will reserve further judgement until the car requires a service or (hopefully not) fault repair.

Overall a sound package and would have no hesitation in recommending a Golf to someone.