1999 Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.8 20v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It should be 100 times better than it is

Faults:

Firstly the drivers door has dropped slightly due to the weight of the door (2 door models).

The air mass sensor failed, resulting in no acceleration.

The car has intermittent revving problems; sounds like a minor misfire.

Drivers seat adjust handle snapped off.

Rear boot leaks rain water and smells damp in the car all the time.

Suspension feels hard.

General Comments:

Wear and tear shows on this car even with low mileage, i.e steering wheel looks like it's done 100,000 miles.

The car has nice looks, good visibility, and feels safe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 2007

31st Oct 2007, 07:31

'Wear and tear shows on this car even with low mileage, i. e steering wheel looks like it's done 100,000 miles.'

If you haven't got a full service history, then chances are its been clocked. The wear on the steering wheel is one of the first things you should look for when trying to ascertain if the mileage is correct.

31st Oct 2007, 17:18

I agree; if the steering wheel is worn, you've been done.

That said, the build quality of the mk4 Golf is very patchy, but I'm not aware it affects the steering wheels.

1999 Volkswagen Golf Wolfsburg 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Not worth the tires its on

Faults:

Do not purchase this vehicle... very unhappy at the reliability of such a lemon. Since I purchased it, it has been nothing, but a money pit... problems with the check engine light, the radio, the engine in general, the brakes, the steering wheel, the heating system...etc.

General Comments:

A 2/10, not a good car and will NEVER drive a VW again. It looks good from far, but is far from good!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th January, 2007

5th Mar 2008, 03:02

I purchased a used 99 wolfsburg 4 years ago and I too have been total disappointed to the point that I will never buy another Volkswagen again. This car has been a money pit and headache since the moment I drove it off the lot.

- It has had constant problems with the front CV joints, I have replaced them at least 4 times.

- Check engine light came on about 4 months after purchase and has since burnt out.

- The hatch rusted out, which is an common issue with this model. I had it fixed under warranty, but was it was a warranty patch job and has since rusted out again. Now the hatch won't open at all and is no longer covered.

- Air bag light comes on and off intermittently.

- Cruise Control only work sometimes.

- Moon roof leaks.

- Starting to rust in all the place you would expect on a Volkswagen.

- etc...

I have spent around $3000 on this car in the last year on repairs. It is now parked as it needs another $4000 in repairs.

I just give up. It too bad because it is really a fun car to drive. When it's drivable.

1999 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Needs refinement to bring it up to expectations

Faults:

Airbag warning light at about 15,000 k's fixed under warranty. Same thing just after expiry of warranty cost A$400. Cup holder fell apart at about 30,000 km. Fixed it with a paper clip as replacement cost prohibitive. Exterior rear view mirror control snapped at 45,000 km. Replacement cost about A$150 for part. Put it in myself as dealer quoted a ridiculous price. Bottom of car scraped over normal height speed bumps when more than one person in car. Front air dam came off several time as too low for car park wheel bump barriers. Developed wheel wobble which dealer mechanic said was due to tyre fault. Replaced tyres, wobble still there. First major service cost A$1,800 as timing belt needed replacement.

General Comments:

On initial inspection, this car seemed a fantastic package. Solid, well built, lots of creature comforts and features. Add to that, great styling and the promise of German engineering. I thought that it was worth the extra few thousand $$$.

I was wrong.

Very high fuel consumption (premium unleaded) as auto box has only 4 speeds (revs at 3,500 at 100 kph). Sluggish performance and very expensive servicing costs. The paint marked very easily (seemed to have white undercoat). Luckily, sold it for good price.

Now happily drive 1983 Volvo 240 wagon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th December, 2006