1998 Volkswagen Golf GTi review from UK and Ireland

Sub-frame worked loose. (Car has been HPi checked - no involvement in any accidents)

Rear Wiper motor stopped working - quoted over £200.

'High Pressure Switch' on climate control needed replacing - £100 to replace.

Starter motor screeches on startup.

I am tempting fate by writing these comments I know, but the last few months have been trouble free motoring for me and the Golf. I enjoy driving it. It is a vast improvement on the 16v Mk3 I owned previously.

The wiper motor was wrecked because the pipe for the washer had become unattached and soaked the electrics. It also damaged the sensor in the boot catch, causing the alarm to go off all the time. Apparently this is quite a common fault which could have been prevented by a simple cable-tie.

I was quoted over £200 for the motor and £50 for the boot catch! Luckily Ebay is a good place to shop - £25 and £2.80 respectively!

The car has suffered the faults listed above which whilst irritating, are to be sort of expected from a 5 year old car. However, what I cannot tolerate is the complete incompetence and arrogance of the VW dealerships in my area.

I have had my car serviced by both local dealerships. Both times, they have charged me approx £300 for the pleasure. My last service pointed out that my brake pads had less than 100 miles left on them... that was 6 months ago - they're fine!

I wonder how many unsuspecting VW drivers are being exploited up and down the country. How much are we paying to have that little blue VW stamp in our service history? I will be looking elsewhere from now on.

It's a shame, I am generally impressed with the MK4 and I will keep for as long as I can, but when I come to sell it, I certainly won't be stating fVWsh in the AD.

When you compare the Golf to it's rivals, I agree that pound for pound, it is somewhat over-rated. However, I take some consolation in the fact that they seem to hold their money (for all their faults) better than any other car I've owned.

If I could turn back the clock, I would probably go for the Leon Cupra. Still, maybe next time eh?