2001 Volkswagen Golf V5 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Breather hose faulty when car was new, this caused a reduction in performance. The engine fault light came on after a couple of hundred miles.

The electric central locking mechanism did not open the rear hatch lock. This fault was present from new.

A fault occurred on the drivers door switch pack. The switch that disabled the rear electric windows kept popping up when depressed.

An annoying vibration noise has developed. It starts when I am driving at 30mph plus and it seems to be coming from the passengers side rear door. The noise stops if I lower the rear passenger door window a fraction. I can only assume something is loose behind the panel.

Electric engine cooling fan seems to start up more frequently than it used to when the engine is idling. It starts up even though the temperature gauge never moves.

The car has a very solid feel to it, the doors are heavy and close with a satisfying clunk. The seats are comfortable and the sound system is 'sound'. The interior finish seems to be to a high standard. The damped action of the glove box door and grab handles and the delayed interior light shut off add to this. The climate control works well and the dashboard is laid out in a simple and logical way.

Gear selection is reasonably good, short travel with nice definite changes up and down the box.

The handling is good and the car feels solid on the road, brakes are great and the steering is responsive. The 2.3Ltr V5 engine sounds nice and performs well though it needs to be revved high to achieve best acceleration. I do a lot of motorway driving and the car cruises effortlessly at high speed, wind noise is reasonably low. I am regularly getting 30mpg on decent runs.

One thing I have noticed is that the wheels collect a lot of brake dust and the tailgate of the car attracts a lot of dirt due to the design. The dust and muck swirls around in the turbulent air behind the vehicle then sticks to the rear end of the car.

The nice thing about a golf is that it's class-less and looks good parked anywhere.

Hmmm - 5 faults and you are still happy with the car? I have a few things that you might want to buy!!

Seriously though, I think this represents my experience of Golf ownership, I want to like the car, but the build quality and reliability don't match the claims made by the price tag and reputation.

It doesn't get a smiley face from me.

I have the 170kw automatic version of this car and find that the engine isn't properly mated to the gearbox - the engine is a boy racer and the gearbox belows to granny - it keeps rushing to get to 5th gear (within 20 metres from the traffic lights). The fuel ecomony isn't there either - 22-24mpg is typical around town. But... an x factor is there somewhere...

Just a thought for the first poster, you have to click the remote keyfob 2x to open the boot + other doors, probably no help, but WTH ;)

David.

I am picking my '51' plate v5 up on thursday.I'm down - grading from mark v gt tdi which is in my opinion a nice car to cut down monthly out goings as I have just bought a house, I wanted something that I would'nt get bored of within 6 months. but now after reading more than a few poor reviews, I am wondering if I'm doing the right thing... can any body put my mind at ease and tell me something good about the v5?

My V5 has done 67000 miles and is nearly 6 yrs old; Perfect all-situation car. 30-32mpg. Quick when you want it to be, quiet and relaxed if you prefer that. Certainly Not boring. Most important: Still feels solid and tightly screwed together, fewer squeaks and rattles than two Mk-V's I've driven...Sum-up? "Satisfying".

Had My Mk4 V5 for 5 months now, and I still grin when I drive it. Does seem to want to get to Fifth gear quickly, often when doing around 40 Mph; but this helps add to the sedate feel when you want to drive that way. But put your foot down and there's a few surprises there, acceleration is great, and ride is supple, Added some 18" RS8 Alloys and the ride is still comfortable. More than happy, Fuel consumption around 25Mpg, but I'm not the most frugal of drivers! Auto tiptronic box is good though can be confused if changing modes. (over revs, etc)

My V5 2.3 engine runs like a dream. I feel I'm in a solid car which can quickly zip you out of trouble if needed. I have an old model 2001, but she still behaves like a new one.

I have owned my V5 170 Golf for a year now and find it an exhilarating drive. When I bought it, it had 88k on the clock: it's a 2001 model with all the extras including sunroof and 18inch alloys which made it look real nice. The only extra missing I thought was leather upholstery.

I get around 28/32mpg on mixed motorway and country roads and the acceleration is excellent. The only fault I had was the wiper linkage had to replaced for the front screen costing £40parts plus an hours labour. p.s. It has just sailed through it MOT test. Smiles alround.

Just bought my golf v5 2.3 2001 model. have had great fun with it, very bold solid drive to it. engine management light has came on though. this seems to be popular in forums im reading.