1998 Volkswagen Golf SE review from UK and Ireland

Irregular idle. VW replaced a failed lambda sensor, cracked throttle body and tightened the intake manifold bolts on successive visits. Idle still irregular.

Rear brakes constantly bind as the handbrake return mechanisms fails if it gets dirty.

Intermittent fault on offside electric windows. Motors seem to stick. Mechanic offered to replace them for £150 each with no guarantee that it would make any difference.

Passenger foot-well full of water. Apparently a common problem, but numerous VW mechanics have failed to plug the leak.

Upper door hinges are tiny considering the weight of the doors. They wear quickly (mine sloppy by 30,000 miles) so the door no longer fits the frame.

The Mk 4 golf drives like an overweight 70's American car. It squeals round corners with little prompting, the over-enthusiastic power steering damping out all road feeling.

Its very low underneath, and scrapes down minor country roads. You haven't a chance with four people in it.

Radio is a nightmare. How do you switch the auto traffic reporting off? The manual says it can be turned off, but doesn't mention how!

While under guarantee VW were always helpful, but never that useful.

Now I know why VW have dropped their 'if only everything in life was as reliable as a Volkswagen' slogan.