Faults:

Had a penchant for popping bulbs just after I bought it, but this seems to have settled.

Warped front brake discs and seized caliper at 100k.

Track rod end balljoint needed for MOT last year.

General Comments:

I approached this mk4 with some trepidation after hearing horror stories about the reliability and quality of these models. Apart from a couple of minor issues however, all of which are in line with 100,000 miles of use, mine has been thankfully very good.

The interior quality is flawless with hardly any squeaks or rattles, barely any wear to the steering wheel rim, gearknob or pedal rubbers, and with all the electronics still in good working order. Mine is a very nice spec too with cruise control, heated front seats, an electric sunroof and an excellent quality CD player.

The car is used for a 75 mile daily commute and is a relaxing, soothing companion. The 130PS TDI engine has bags of power, and its ability to pull hard basically from idle makes many more powerful cars I have driven since feel flat and gutless. It's not the most refined of diesel engines and becomes very vocal under load or at higher revs, but I can count on one hand the number of times I've ever exceeded 3,000 RPM such is the grunt available low down.

Handling is soggy and lifeless, and the steering artificially weighted and numb. However, this isn't an issue on my commute. More important is the 49-55 mpg average consumption, the effortless punch which leaves many petrol cars standing when you squeeze the throttle, and the comfortable, well made interior.

My only complaints really are the arrogant and rude VW dealers who couldn't spell customer service, much less display it. The simple answer is don't use them. I have a local independent VW/Audi specialist who service my car more thoroughly and attentively than VW, use only VW or quality pattern parts (and always ask which), and charge less than half the hourly labour rate.

Apart from that, my complaints sheet adds up to pretty much nothing.

Faults:

Slight knocking in the suspension, resolved by replacement of a plastic elbow part.

Headlight unit needed replaced.

General Comments:

This car is exceptionally quick for its size and especially weight, it handles absolutely superbly, would give any other card a good run for its money.

It can take most corners absolutely flat out, and on the odd occasion that it seems to get slight understeer, the excellent traction control system helps you to bring the car back into line.

This car comes with just about every creature comfort you could imagine, heated seats (Beautiful set of Konig Buckets), 6-disc interchanger, and a stunning interior that just isn't what you would expect of VW.

Faults:

Nothing however it has a few squeaks and rattles coming from the dashboard!

General Comments:

I absolutely love this car, I travel over 500miles for work every day so needed a reliable workhorse. I bought a PD150 in 2002 but had put too many miles on the clock so I replaced it with this my second! I know Golfs aren't the best handling or fastest cars in the world, but 150bhp and a return of 40-45mpg is pretty good. Boy racers don't stand a chance so it can't be that bad.

I love the way it looks I bought a set of 17" Santa Monicas and it makes the car look a little meaner without spoiling its original looks!

I'm not so keen on the insurance costs and the fact that it eats tyres like there's no tomorrow!

If I was asked to swap it for the newer one I'd have to politely decline it looks too much like the uglier brother of the 307!