Faults:

Nothing other than wear an tear items.

General Comments:

Believe me they really are as solid as people say they are, my golf is now over 10 years old with near 100k on the clock and it still starts first time every time, OK It's been serviced on the dot since new, but still.

I don't care what anyone says, but it's not a drivers car, the suspensions set up too soft, theres too much lock on the steering, not enough power and it's too fat, plenty of grip though thanks to the 185/60/14 tyres borrowed from the Gti.

In terms of bodywork, well I slammed mine into the back of a 18wheeler on the motorway and whilst it did little damage (new bonnet, slam panal, grille) the respray is not as good as the original, but then the original is starting to get scabby in places now, don't buy a white one.

Overall for the money you can't do better, but I'd rather have bought a 16v.

Faults:

Replaced the starter at 135000 miles.

Oil pump gave out at about 100000 miles.

All belts and some hoses need to be changed every 10000 miles.

CV shafts both changed at 120000 miles.

Brake flex hoses changed at 70000 miles.

Air conditioning hasn't worked since I got it.

Muffler at 100000 miles. Was replaced one time before.

Tires lasted 65000 miles after I got it. Excellent.

Door handles break every 10000 miles, or so.

Fuel pump inside the gas tank at about 100000 miles.

General Comments:

I got this car for $1300, with only 68000 miles on it.

I've had to repair some things, but I have never been unhappy with this car.

It handles corners well, and chases every car on the road up the big hills.

I usually don't have to shift down.

The fuel economy is excellent, if I keep it tuned, and the comfort on long trips is wonderful.

My son and I can fit everything we need into this car for a long trip.

Everything is adequate, including performance, roominess, reliability and safety. I actually rolled the car one time when driving in the snow without chains, and the worst part was a big dent. My mechanic checked it out afterward, and said he was amazed, that there was nothing wrong mechanically. My son and I were okay due to the two part seat belts.

My mechanic loves my car, as do I, especially because it never needs more than the regular service.

Don't ever take your Golf to the Dealer. Build up a good relationship with a mechanic who understands VW's.

Car was aligned once, at about 70000 miles, and is still holding that alignment. I have it checked a lot, and everything is tight.

Interior is wonderful, sunroof has never leaked, dash and dash cover all look new, car makes no strange noises or vibrations, just goes wherever I need it to.

I'll never buy anything other that a VW. This is my 7th one, and I'm still hooked.

Previously, I had a Quantum with 280000 miles. I sold that for $2000 and it had a blown head gasket. VW's are awsome.

Faults:

I bought the car in June 2001 and it had no history, just the last 8 MOT certificates.

The head gasket began to blow, probably precipitated by a few enthusiastic test drives so changed all the belts, gaskets and regular service items at the same time as a precaution.

The electric window switch is on order (a common fault with Mk 2 Golfs - 2 failed on my last one), but apart from that, it's the usual VAG build quality and reliability story.

General Comments:

The 16v engine is a real love it or hate it thing. Compared to my previous 8v, it's a world apart with none of the low down urge and grunt that made swift progress so easy. This engine needs to be given it's head, and the extra 25 horses are not evident until you're past 5000rpm and hold out until nearly 7000! It's quite intoxicating if you're in the mood to push, but can be quite tiresome as the noise levels are not insignificant.