Faults:

I have had absolutely no problems at all. Not even a burned out light bulb!

General Comments:

A well built and very comfortable car. Good performance from the 2.0 engine.

K2 special edition is very well equipped.

Tight and solid over bumps, and extremely stable at higher speeds.

This has been the most reliable car I have ever owned!

Faults:

Battery died within 30 days of purchased. Not covered under warranty.

Exhaust system started to loosen up, and eventually ended up with the down-pipe starting to fail. Not covered.

Tape cassette player decides to start playing tapes on it's own. Even without a cassette in the drive. Also lost rear channel speakers due to a wiring fault. Not even worth asking about.

Ignition switch failed to the point of randomly shutting off all electrical systems, including headlights. Not covered under warranty.

Side moldings falling off. Not even going to ask about warranty on that.

Numerous and repeating lamp failures.

Feels like the syncro from 1st to 2nd is slipping - sometimes it grinds going into 2nd, but only in that gear. Downshift from 3rd to 2nd is OK.

General Comments:

I love the car, and I hate it. It is extremely fun to drive, and handles very well. Good gas mileage.

I'm not entirely sure if I would buy another VW, which is a shame, as it is my first VW, and I do actually like it. However, the wallet gets lighter each time I go to the dealer and spend $500 minimum per trip. For an automobile maker who's reputation is "quality", the car is not living up to that expectation.

I'm only hoping that it survives the next three years of financing.

Faults:

Replaced front reflectors and directional cover.

Front directional acts up once in a while.

General Comments:

This is a reliable car, that handles wonderfully.

The car runs smooth, and I have had no problems with the general performance of the car.

Faults:

The brake lights go out at least once a month.

Headlights go out once a month, also.

Replaced entire exhaust system at 40,000 miles.

Check engine light comes on all the time and goes off on it's own.

White smoke coming from behind steering wheel.

Three sets of tires and brakes.

General Comments:

I love this car, but the problems I have had with it are ridiculous. Of course nothing is covered under warranty.

Faults:

Irregular idle. VW replaced a failed lambda sensor, cracked throttle body and tightened the intake manifold bolts on successive visits. Idle still irregular.

Rear brakes constantly bind as the handbrake return mechanisms fails if it gets dirty.

Intermittent fault on offside electric windows. Motors seem to stick. Mechanic offered to replace them for £150 each with no guarantee that it would make any difference.

Passenger foot-well full of water. Apparently a common problem, but numerous VW mechanics have failed to plug the leak.

Upper door hinges are tiny considering the weight of the doors. They wear quickly (mine sloppy by 30,000 miles) so the door no longer fits the frame.

General Comments:

The Mk 4 golf drives like an overweight 70's American car. It squeals round corners with little prompting, the over-enthusiastic power steering damping out all road feeling.

Its very low underneath, and scrapes down minor country roads. You haven't a chance with four people in it.

Radio is a nightmare. How do you switch the auto traffic reporting off? The manual says it can be turned off, but doesn't mention how!

While under guarantee VW were always helpful, but never that useful.

Now I know why VW have dropped their 'if only everything in life was as reliable as a Volkswagen' slogan.