1998 Volkswagen Golf from Greece - Comments

The car started from the very beginning to show problems like uncontrollable re-opening of windows while closing them, strange sounds from the cockpit etc.

The most serious was that when starting the engine in cold weather, the whole car started 'trembling' for a couple of minutes. It was obvious that the engine was undergoing tremendous mechanical pressure. After spending two weeks having the problem inspected by the local dealer, they decide that we must change the ignition control unit, the fuel distributor and the other ignition parts. To my surprise the problem didn't stop, while at the same time they changed their policy and they were trying to convince me that the motor's behaviour was normal, according to German standards!!

After examining the situation by having a little local poll of Golf drivers, I verified that the same problem also happened to others and although they explained the fact to their dealers, each time, a quite different explanation was given to them!!

I was very disappointed buying this car and you have to consider that it cost a lot. The local dealers are not able to even define what is going wrong with the car, if you have any serious or rare problem.

I just want to agree with you completely. I have had the exact same trouble and have had to replace my ignition coil, wires, plugs and engine control module. The scary part is that I know 2 people in the same area with the same car and they too have had to replace these parts.

Frustrating indeed, and not worth what I am and will still be paying for for the next 2 years.

Vw's have minor problems, but mechanically the 2.0 is a great engine. The dealer talking about the high pressure thing with the engine shaking being normal is true, They are higher combustion engines than the normal and yes when they cold start on cold days they do tend to shake a little until they warm up, then they are fine.

I have had problems, ignition switch, wheel bearings, exhaust pipe, check engine light,... but they are not huge problems. It a Dub and Dub's have stupid problems.

They are fun to drive and I'm gald I have mine. If you don't like go buy a ford, or a hundia, or maybe a kia. They might be more your type.

2.0 owns you. vr6 all the way.

Volkswagen are not good cars. Opel well.