Faults:

Brakes completely replaced at 150,000 kilometers.

Overheating at idle (even with new cooling components).

The air conditioner is quite noisy when you want the ventilation to be stronger. It quiets down at lower temperatures.

The piston rings were also replaced due to wear, at approximately 130,000 kilometers.

High oil consumption (wear on cylinders and rings) and jerking while driving.

Problems with starting, often caused by the fuel pump, both when cold and hot.

General Comments:

The car looks like a Golf, but it's a sedan. It shares a lot of its mechanical components, although it has a family-oriented, not sporty, appearance.

The comfort features are comprehensive, although it lacks a CD player, trip computer, and automatic climate control, among other notable features. Rear passenger space isn't much better than in the Golf and shows significant limitations (the rear seat cushion is only 43 cm wide) if the driver is tall and pushes the seat almost to its maximum position. If the occupants are of average height, four people can travel comfortably, but it's not a strong point. In any case, it's a comfortable car, although the seats, like almost all Volkswagens from the late 90s and early 2000s, are rather firm in my opinion.

The soundproofing is good, both due to the quiet operation of the engine and a well-designed side panel that offers no wind resistance and prevents high noise levels.

The 2.0 engine isn't modern, but it's efficient and extremely reliable; in over 210,000 kilometers it didn't give me any serious problems. The 116 HP isn't amazing in relation to the engine size, but considering it's a 2006 model, it's not bad. It has enough power and is quite good at overtaking.

The gear ratios are long (it almost reaches 100 km/h in 2nd gear), ideal for the highway but they don't cause problems in traffic due to an engine that always responds without complaint or hesitation.

Fuel consumption isn't low, which is understandable given the engine's relatively old age; in the city it consumes just under 12 liters if driven gently, and on the highway at a constant 120 km/h it averages 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

The suspension handles all types of terrain with ease and robustness, and feels comfortable when cornering, both on fast bends and slow, winding roads. It obviously tends to understeer on tight corners, but it's neutral and docile at speed, allowing the driver to place it exactly where they want and even modify the turning radius without compromising grip. The good sound insulation, ride comfort, and suspension make for relaxed handling, allowing for long journeys without experiencing any signs of premature fatigue beyond the firmness of the seats.

For those of us who value reliability and robustness, the Bora is the perfect car. Easy to maintain and with few minor faults.