Faults:

Faults in the brake light switch (which locks the gear lever) and the ABS module.

Plastic connections in the cooling system are prone to breakage.

Electric window regulators often fail (windows that fall off) and the interiors of the doors crack.

The water pump may seize up, risking breakage of the timing belt.

Mass air flow (MAF) sensor failures.

In almost 20 years of use, I remember it only leaking oil once.

General Comments:

When I bought the car (relatively new, only 4 years old and almost 8,000 km) it met all my requirements. Frankly, it ended up meeting all my requirements; it's brilliant. Manual transmission, unusual color (egg yolk yellow), unique style, comfortable, fun and easy to drive, good visibility, good cargo space, incredibly efficient, and by far my most reliable vehicle.

The icing on the cake is the diesel engine, as I'd been curious about them for some time, and I immediately liked its unique character. The car isn't perfect; a bit slow (not too much), and it sounds like a possessed typewriter (I might be exaggerating, but it wasn't quiet).

The thing is, I learned to admire him very quickly.

As for repairs, very few. It needed a wheel bearing and a belt tensioner when I bought it, and a month later it needed an oil cooler gasket. Then I put 25,000 km on it without it needing anything. The electric fan finally gave out at the peak of a summer heatwave, and that damn cool-blooded engine didn't even flinch. I only realized something was wrong when the air conditioning compressor failed some time later. Oh, and at some point the trunk lock stopped working, but that was because a screw had come loose, and it took me less than fifteen minutes to diagnose and fix it.

Since I've already mentioned it, I'll talk about the engine. It's not the most powerful (100 hp) and it might be a bit slow off the mark, but the truth is, it performs more than adequately and is quite agile on the highway and when overtaking. The turbocharger certainly helps.

But that's not the most important thing; it's the reliability. It's an incredibly extraordinary engine, new but with the soul of an old-school diesel, one of those that are practically indestructible. The difference is that it's lighter and consumes much less fuel. It's truly very economical for both city and highway driving. You can even floor it and the fuel gauge needle won't budge much. That, along with the high quality and minimal maintenance, makes the engine the most important aspect of the car (beyond the exotic design).

As for the driving experience, the first thing you notice is the unique greenhouse. That rounded silhouette means a lot of glass, a colossal extension of the dashboard, and an absurd amount of headroom up front. The roofline's curve, starting above your head and flowing into the giant windshield, gives the feeling that you're piloting an escape pod.

Everything feels very natural, everything feels good and weighty, and it responds exactly as you'd expect; absolutely everything communicates well.

The old TDI Beetles had some of the stiffest springs ever fitted to an MK4, so the chassis was surprisingly rigid and competent. Many people complain that Golfs feel loose and floaty; not this car. It strikes a perfect balance between ride comfort and body control. It's no autocross weapon, but it's fun to drive and can easily be turned into one if you want. On top of that, it's comfortable, and the diesel clatter disappears once you get going.

The little turbodiesel makes the experience worthwhile. It starts with a mechanical roar and builds to a satisfying growl. It's perfect for everyday use, as the torque makes it incredibly easy to drive and live with. It loves to be handled and driven with enthusiasm; you almost have to. It's the silliest little car with the most powerful heart.

Faults:

The CV joints were replaced before delivery.

The auto window cable in driver side door broke - new part was R1000.00 fitted.

The ESP warning light keeps on coming on lately - not sure why.

The red water temperature light flashes every 2-3 weeks - topping up the water reservoir resolves it. Why is it using so much water?

Some strange knocking sound on the lower control arms or somewhere on the front suspension.

The dash/trim inside is soft and very fragile - inside panels gadgets loosely fitted. I think this is common with this generation VW.

Not enough boot space for family camping trips... hence selling...

General Comments:

A very nice drive for a sports coupe. Some say it's a woman's car. I think it's rather cool, and the 2.0 litre powerhouse performs well.

Fuel consumption is good for a 2 litre. Some conversions could save you a litre per 100km's (chip and freeflow exhaust system), but might cost R5000.

Very nice driving experience. Seems to be a reliable starter and runner for town drives.