Faults:

Nothing major really. But general build quality is pretty shoddy. But has never left me stranded. And has next to nothing in the rust protection department.

Replaced:

Brakes.

Complete front end suspension - expensive!

Rear bushes and shocks.

General Comments:

Complete rust bucket. Shoddy quality, although reliable. Bad paint qality. Rust spot on the middle of the door. How is that possible? Never had a car that rusted that much.

No dealer support!

Faults:

Ignition motor - fixed by warranty in 2nd year of ownership.

Headlight motor in 4th year of ownership - cost $1000 to fix.

When the back window is down, the sound inside the car was as if a helicopter was nearby...

Other than that - nothing.

General Comments:

First car I ever bought new. The sound of the engine/exhaust is the best I have ever heard on a car less than $150 000. Always looked forward to hearing the car in a tunnel.

The car had a DSG transmission - which didn't have a good reputation (look up mechatronics issues with DSG), but I never experienced any problems with it. The DSG was so smooth and shifts were really quick.

The suspension in the car was firm but still comfortable; much better than the STI I drive now.

In terms of space, the boot was big, the back seats folded down and I could fit almost anything in the boot.

The car had satellite navigation (RNS 510) which I installed myself. I was quite pleased with the navigation, and the quality of the LCD display was very high (as most people commented).

In terms of performance, 0-100km/hr was predictably reached in 6.1 secs using launch control (6.3 secs just in Sport mode, 6.5 secs in D mode). It was quite surprising in terms of the cars it beats at the lights. Low down torque was really impressive - overtaking in traffic was one of its strong points.

Leather seats were standard in Aussie cars, and they were quite comfortable and long lasting (as long as you treat the leather monthly). Only problem with the leather seats were that they got pretty hot in summer. On that note, the heated seats worked a charm in winter.

The only reason why I sold it was because I wanted something a bit faster (hence the STI).

Faults:

Nothing!

Occasionally a warning light comes on, but the light relates to something not fitted to this specification vehicle! After restarting, the light goes out again. So far, this is not a problem.

General Comments:

Wife's car. Owned for 2.5 years.

Base spec 90 BHP 1.6 diesel. Performance is adequate and the car can be hustled along nicely if needs be. Acceleration is adequate for normal everyday use, and it can overtake happily.

The 1.6 TDI is rough below 1500 RPM, and you need to make use of the gearbox to get the best out of it. A 5 speed box is fitted, but top is very high, and a 6 speed box would be an improvement.

The seats are comfortable and the dials are clear.

Control layout is very logical and easy to use.

Chunky gear change, but the brakes are a bit too light for my tastes.

Poverty spec 'S' model misses out on electric rear windows.

Also VW penny pinching means that it has no speakers in the rear doors. This means that radio has to be uncomfortably loud for front occupants for rear passengers to hear spoken words clearly. This is one of my main criticisms of the car.

Fuel economy is excellent, never dropping below 50 MPG, and with 65 MPG on a long motorway trip 4 up plus luggage at 70mph. A light right foot means that 60 MPG is readily achievable on any decent journey, and even my wife averages in the mid-50s MPG.

Next time, would go for a higher specification.