1996 Volkswagen Golf SE review from UK and Ireland

In chronological order:

Engine oil leak

Head gasket failure (source of leak)

Front brake pads & discs

Glove box lock broke

Driver seat adjustment broke

Water pump failure

Head gasket blown (due to water pump failure)

Front suspension arm bushes & rear axle bushes worn

Engine oil still leaking to this day!

Passenger side sill fell off

Various plastic parts fell off from front spoiler

Alloy centre caps fell off

Various random noises (knocking and creaks etc.)

This is my first car, which I use mainly to get to and from work, so I only do short journeys. Even with all the problems I've had, I still enjoy driving this car. The interior has plenty of room for my 6'6" body, which is the main reason why I chose this car over others.

I get 42mpg, even with all my cold starts and short journeys, so really can't fault the engine when it actually works! I should mention that I don't feel very comfortable with overtaking on A/B roads, as it just doesn't have the power of the GTI.

The car however has quite of lot of different strange noises that randomly appear and disappear, like knocking sounds. Also the engine sounds terrible (has a whiny note) until you rev it a little.

Well finally I have to mention the problems I've had. I brought the car and had it serviced at a Volkwagen garage; they came up with a list of problems. After a few months it started leaking oil, and I was told that head gasket needing replacing. Then a squealing noise came from the bottom of the engine, and Volkswagen told me it was the alternator belt, and an independent garage told me the water pump belt needing refitting. Then on a motorway blast the water pump failed, leading to an overheated engine and the head gasket getting blown again.

I should note that when I bought the car, it didn't have a oil leak; only after getting it serviced did the leak appear, and also the squealing noise appeared after getting the head gasket replaced!!!