1993 Volkswagen Golf GL 1.9L inline-4 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

A solid car with almost unbelievable fuel economy

Faults:

Just bought it. I'll do updates when major things go wrong, are replaced, and such, but here's what was wrong with it when I bought it.

Driver's window is hard to roll up.

Electric rear hatch release is inactive.

Alarm system deactivated because of the rear hatch.

Rear defrost and wiper don't work.

Small tear on driver's seat.

General Comments:

I love the fuel economy so far. I haven't filled it up once yet. No other car I've owned has gone so far on a tank. The upholstery is very comfortable and warm, especially in summer.

The car feels very solid and dependable. I'll see how it holds up over time.

There is a lot of storage space, but not many cupholders.

Canada was lucky to get a diesel before the states, and that is why this isn't a 1997, but rather a 1993.

Also, instead of being a 2nd generation model, this is a 3rd generation model.

The premium sound system sounds very good.

I don't like the parcel tray out back, or the bar that has the child seat anchor points, but I'll just fold down the rear seats more often.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2011

30th Jan 2012, 13:06

A little update, now, at 349,000km. Only one thing has gone wrong. That would be the passenger side door lock. I broke it off one day, not in the cold, not under extraordinary stress. There's a small loop that breaks off on the back of the lock cylinder. I replaced it in about 1 hour, with much fiddling about.

I enjoy this car, despite that little bump in the road. It's fairly comfortable, still very economical (more-so on the expensive diesel), and carries an amazing amount of stuff for its small size.

1993 Volkswagen Golf GL 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Decent reliable car

Faults:

Rear wiper fuse needed replacement

Original jack was junk, was replaced as a result of a recall.

Exhaust heat shield started to rattle after a while - replaced under warranty

General Comments:

I bought this car new in 1/94 when I was 19. It was a really fun car, OK on gas (30mpg), and well refined for its time. 2.0 engine had pretty good performance for being what it was and is bulletproof. With proper care it could probably last 300,000 miles. In the several years I had this car I had very minimal not-maintenance related issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th June, 2007

1993 Volkswagen Golf CL 1.8 turbo Manual from Mexico

Summary:

Lovely

Faults:

The alternator makes so much noise so I have to replace a pice made of iron, and send it to be made bigger so it could fit like it has to.

Spends so much gasoline.

In winter the was a time here smoke came out from the starter, I really never knew was that, but it scared me at first.

I accidentally crash it 3 times, bad luck.

Spend so much gasoline.

In winter the alternator makes a funny noise before it warms up.

General Comments:

Very comfortable to be in the back side.

Nice to drive in highways.

0 to 60 in 7.5 second, is my best.

The price for services with the dealer are extremely high and please take a moment to consider that here in my country (Mexico) Technicians usually sont do the full service, even if you pay for it.

Replacement pieces are extremely expensive, sometimes I had to pay almost $50 U.S. for a part.

If you put a Sound over 135 dB the car makes the perfect resonance.

Women love to be on the back side.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th September, 2006

1993 Volkswagen Golf CL 1.8 Gas from North America

Summary:

Decent car, but can have a lot of problems, not as economical as expected for a Volkswagen

Faults:

New battery at 142000 kms.

New starter at 144000 kms.

Though it was rust free, but rusting on back hatch, in wheel wells, and under passenger door nearly right after I bought it.

Electrical problems a couple of times.

General Comments:

I have only had the car for 10000 kms, but it has not proved to be the reliable VW I was looking for.

It handles nice, drives nice in the manual transmission, but it is quite slow, revs very high at high speeds, and is not really impressive on gas. Not bad, but I expected better.

It also is noisy at high speeds, and is not really smooth on the highway.

The car is comfortable to drive, but not near as economical, reliable and cheap to run as expected.

Very roomy, factory alarm.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2006