Faults:

- Computer chip

- Hand brake

- Speakers

- Coolant flanges

General Comments:

LOVE IT... previously owned a 1999 Jetta TDI. Unfortunately had to get rid of it. Got the 96 Golf and no regrets. The car is a basic model but has a great feel of quality. No major issues with it.

The engine isn't the smoothest, but it's been like that since I got the car. (shakes when in idle). Checked it out with the mechanic and he said just keep running it, no major issues.

The car can be compared to a Honda, change the oil every 5k and fill it up, will last forever!

One note for anyone interested in buying VW, remember VW isn't the strongest with electronics so I would stay away from any power features.

Faults:

In chronological order:

Engine oil leak

Head gasket failure (source of leak)

Front brake pads & discs

Glove box lock broke

Driver seat adjustment broke

Water pump failure

Head gasket blown (due to water pump failure)

Front suspension arm bushes & rear axle bushes worn

Engine oil still leaking to this day!

Passenger side sill fell off

Various plastic parts fell off from front spoiler

Alloy centre caps fell off

Various random noises (knocking and creaks etc.)

General Comments:

This is my first car, which I use mainly to get to and from work, so I only do short journeys. Even with all the problems I've had, I still enjoy driving this car. The interior has plenty of room for my 6'6" body, which is the main reason why I chose this car over others.

I get 42mpg, even with all my cold starts and short journeys, so really can't fault the engine when it actually works! I should mention that I don't feel very comfortable with overtaking on A/B roads, as it just doesn't have the power of the GTI.

The car however has quite of lot of different strange noises that randomly appear and disappear, like knocking sounds. Also the engine sounds terrible (has a whiny note) until you rev it a little.

Well finally I have to mention the problems I've had. I brought the car and had it serviced at a Volkwagen garage; they came up with a list of problems. After a few months it started leaking oil, and I was told that head gasket needing replacing. Then a squealing noise came from the bottom of the engine, and Volkswagen told me it was the alternator belt, and an independent garage told me the water pump belt needing refitting. Then on a motorway blast the water pump failed, leading to an overheated engine and the head gasket getting blown again.

I should note that when I bought the car, it didn't have a oil leak; only after getting it serviced did the leak appear, and also the squealing noise appeared after getting the head gasket replaced!!!

Faults:

Coolant flange off the head disintegrated at 190k..cheap fix, $20 part.

Coil required replacement at 150k, $100.

Rad support rotted out; replaced at 200k, $100.

Headlights twice, both sides, $40.

Oil pressure sensors required replacement 170k (known issue... results in oil leaks) $20.

Throttle body gasket came unglued... caused rough idle, would not pass E-Test...replaced $300 (sent in for repair)

General Comments:

Very reliable car that is extremely good on gas...700km per tank!!! Relatively easy to work on. Suspension holding up well... loves the cold!!! Starts within two turns of the engine even at -20C. Does not like wet weather... electrical gremlins...keep a can of dry and go handy. Clutch is fine... tranny acts up once in a while (stiff to go into 1st...likely linkage issue...meh)

I am very impressed with this car...12 yrs old and still humming along... what more can you ask for?