2002 Volkswagen Golf GTi Anniversary from UK and Ireland - Comments

Three coil packs have blown all due to the previous owner putting cheap spark plugs in. These cars need the platinum plugs.

Lambda sensor replaced due to the above problem.

No other problems during my year's ownership.

What a great car! Beautiful model of the mk4 Golf GTI. The unique spoilers and side skirts make it stand out, and the 18" BBS alloys are beautiful.

With lowered suspension the ride is a little harsh, but the interior is so well built that it still feels luxurious.

Driven sensibly, this turbo model still returns an average of 32mpg. Put the loud pedal to the floor and the acceleration is respectful. With a remap this car is hurried and exciting.

Coil packs are a known weakness on this engine, and their failure has nothing to do with the type of spark plugs fitted, cheap or otherwise.

This is what irritated me about my Golf. Everything that ever went wrong with it, and there was a fair bit, was always the fault of someone or something else. Not cheap componentry or penny pinching, but some nonsense with the most tenuous link to the problem. I was told an ECU fault was down to running low on fuel for example - I mean for heaven's sake. When I asked for it in writing and vowed to take it to trading standards, they backed down.

Volkswagen dealers simply cannot admit that their cars are as fault prone as any other manufacturer, and have been surviving on reputation for a decade now. There's more to a quality car than soft plastics and blue instrument lighting.

I agree. The list of common faults on the mkIV Golf is pages long, but try getting a dealer to acknowledge any of them when your car breaks down. When my coils went, there were eleven dead Golf, Passat, Audi A4 and Audi TT vehicles at the dealer awaiting parts. Mine took 8 weeks to be fixed. The spark plugs argument is a known fob off, and you shouldn't fall for it.

A sensationally over-rated car which ended my 10 year run with VW. Yes they look nice, but far better quality, performance, handling and longevity are available elsewhere.

Another year on and the above Golf continues to be a great daily drive. There have been no further issues and except for two new tyres I have not had anything else to replace.

I chose to replace the standard air vents with the illuminated closing Bora ones and they complement the interior wonderfully. After fitting the wiring loom the interior developed a very annoying squeak (the sort that would make you sell a lesser car). In order to fix it I placed material tape on the joins of every dash plastic - heavenly peace now.

So, to finish. Although price hikes make car ownership difficult and future road tax rises will make this car expensive to tax, I wouldn't change it for another car. It ticks so many boxes in terms of moderate performance and economy combined with great looks and family practicality. Just find yourself a good garage to look after you and avoid dealerships like the plague.

Apart from fairly good straight line speed but dull handling, I am a proud owner of one too in silver (the wheels are a nightmare to clean) but it's starting to look dated now - so I am now considering purchasing the much newer and modern looking shape Golf TDI or dynamic looking, striking Seat Leon TDI.