2005 Volkswagen Golf GL review from North America

- Stabilizer bar bushing at approx 20,000KM

- Driver side window fell into the door around 40,000KM

- Cruise control died around 50,000KM

- A few minor rattles have developped in the dash / centre console area.

This is a very nice car to drive. The exterior and interior are made to a very high standard of quality; everything about the car feels polished. It drives very nicely, the shifter is nice, the brakes are strong, the engine is willing, the steering is communicative, the ride is smooth. There's not a lot to complain about when you are behind the wheel.

The cargo capacity is surprising! If you don't believe me, find an MK4 Golf and open the trunk. I think everyone goes "ooh" the first time they see it. It gets even better, as the rear seat folds flat and splits 40/60.

The engine is a gem; smooth, quiet and very fuel efficient. It makes 177ft-lbs of torque from 1800rpm, and revs to 4500RPM willingly. While the acceleration is not truly impressive, there's enough torque on tap to move the car effortlessly in any normal driving situation.

My main problem with the car was the price. Basically I would not recommend that someone who drives a lot buy a TDI to save money; you won't. The car costs thousands more than it's competitors when new, and the maintenance costs are high. The PD engine will develop problems if the correct oil isn't used, and VW dealerships will take $100~$200 out of your pocket at every service. You will also have to fork out $700~$800 for a timing belt at 100,000KM, when just about every other car out there has a chain by now. In the longer term, the mechanicals are solid but reliability is still below average (by reputation, and also by personal experience with the few issues I've had). It is nothing major, but on most new cars I've gotten closer to 70~80,000KM before little things started to go.

Fuel consumption is good, but not quite as incredible as the myth goes. Driving normally with the flow of traffic, it returned around 7L/100km in the city and around 6L/100KM on the highway.

Consider that diesel is 10% more expensive than gas, and that something like a Cobalt or Corolla will get almost the same mileage with regular gas. Those cars may not have the same ammount of appeal but they are certainly a better value. At the end of the day I sold my TDI because I was sick of $500 a month payments, and $200 oil changes, for what is essentially an economy car.

The Golf is a nice compact car, but not an economy car.