1996 Volkswagen Golf GT review from North America
"A well handling, quick money pit"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
In the first year of ownership, my golf was in the shop over thirty times for things like paint defects, bad door locks (which caused the alarm to go off while I was driving) etc. The first years, the warranty covered all the repairs, but it was a pain to be at the dealership so much. After the warranty expired, I continued to have problems, but I had to start paying and VW parts are not cheap. I just paid $600 to have the throttle body replaced and the car has started to leak coolant and oil. I have always maintained the car, so I know that it's not a maintenance issue. My husband and I are convinced the car is junk. "Hitler's revenge" is our pet name for my car.
General comments?
On the whole, the car is decent. It is comfortable and the interior has worn well for it's age. The car handles well and it pretty quick as long as I am the only one in it. More passengers=slower acceleration. The only thing that would make me buy another VW is if they lowered the price of parts or extended the warranty because with a VW, it's not IF your car will break down, but WHEN.
Recommended reviews
| It has held up and remains reliable |
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| Great car for masochists and the car repair industry |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder, 2 litre Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 1 miles |
| Most recent distance | 96000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Beetle |
| Date of Entry | 13th September, 2002 |