Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong with the car to date. We are very happy with it, on the whole.

The only minor problem we had was the headlight bulbs bursting after six months when there was an electrical short. The light bulb in the trunk also burst.

Otherwise, nothing has really gone wrong.

General Comments:

The Golf is well-built, safe and looks good too. It performs well on snow and is quiet, even at high speeds on the motorway. Despite the relatively small engine (only 75bhp) I have managed to do a steady 160km/h on the motorway and have still averaged about 6.5 litres per 100km/h, which I think is remarkable.

The seats are comfortable and everything, apart from the heating and air-conditioning switches (they are a bit too low for my liking) are well positioned.

Well done VW!

Faults:

Upon delivery I discovered parts broken/missing (rear window washer nozzle, battery cover, driver's side headlamp missing parts for aiming adjustment).

Check engine indicator came on for one week. Indicator went out on it's own before I was able to have it looked at by dealer.

Within one month the check engine indicator came on again, staying on for three solid weeks. Car is plagued with hard starting when cold, automatic transmission 'surges' when starting the car while in park with the parking brake on. Transmission goes into 'fail mode', car's transmission stayed in one gear when in drive.

Car's self diagnostic computer gave sixteen distress codes when the dealer's technician ran a diagnostic test. Dealer will not share any more information than I have mentioned.

General Comments:

Looking into filing for a Lemon Law claim. Called VWoA's Customer Relations Department to file a complaint and get a case number. E-mailed the dealer expressing my feelings about my treatment by servicewriter. Notified dealer and VWoA that I am considering filing for relief under the provisions of the Lemon Law. Gave dealer and VWoA 30 days to remedy my car's defect(s) before I file a Lemon Law claim.

Faults:

Overheated, towed via roadside assistance, repaired in 3-4 days under warranty. Repair = replaced fuse box.

General Comments:

Very pleased with the car's performance and fit/finish. Dealer's been great so far.

Faults:

Driver's door did not seal tightly. Had eventually to be fixed by a panel beater, as the agent could not adjust it any further. Irritating rattle in driver's door, which went away by itself.

General Comments:

A quality car, beautifully built. 1.6-engine could be sprightlier, but goes well enough once the car has got up to speed. Feels more at home on the highway than in the city, because of sluggishness at low speed. Very comfortable. Low ground clearance means it's not as suitable for dirt roads as its predecessors, although it soaks up bumps very nicely.

Faults:

Since 14/01/99 I have had to return my car on more than 12 occasions to first the dealer I purchased from and then to another dealer because I was not satisfied. A new throttle control unit and a new engine control unit, had to be fitted. The central locks were replaced on 3 occasions and have now gone again. At present I have no locks or rear wiper.

General Comments:

My experience to date of the Golf and of the dealer from whom I purchased it from has been a nightmare. I am now seeking legal advice.

Faults:

Where do I begin? Lets see.... speedometer, climatronic, front wheel bearing, exhaust leak, door sealing, locks, power window, numberplate light, paint, rear suspension. I think that was most of the stuff. All this in 6 months.

General Comments:

The car drives great, although a little underpowered. It has a great design, and a lot of equipment. It's a shame the quality is not up to the rest of the car. I would buy a VW again though. I believe VW only has temperary quality problems with the Golf and Passat.

Faults:

The front light wipers stopped working.

A no cost repair.

General Comments:

Very powerful engine.

Only 6 liters of diesel when you drive very fast. On the highway - perfect acceleration and top speed. On normal streets - good cruising with less then 5.5 liters of diesel.

Faults:

Nothing so far, let's just hope it remains that way, but from the look of things at present, this will certainly be a very happy "marriage" indeed.

General Comments:

Although it did cost me an arm and a leg to get it, it truly is a remarkable vehicle. I was quite surprised by the number of standard features that come with this model, from ABS to Airbags and Central Locking. Road handling is superb, and although I have on a couple of occasions put it through the test, I was amazed at the control I had. In terms of performance, I could certainly do with an extra 200cc's or so, it's not a tyre burner.