2003 Volkswagen Golf GT TDI PD 130 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Terrible build quality - squeaks and creaks from all over the place.

Drivers seat doesn't always catch properly on the runners.

Gearbox is sloppy.

Intermittent problem with warning lights coming on at random, glowing dimly and going out again.

The passenger side window regulator came off the door the third time the window was used.

Power steering level kept dropping mysteriously until we discovered a hose hadn't been properly tightened at the factory. Back again to dealer for the problem to be fixed, and the system drained, refilled and bled.

Central locking acts up every time it rains.

Goes superbly and is very economical. Everything else is awful and an insult to the Volkswagen badge. Driving experience pleasant enough, but mostly down to that excellent TDI engine. The rest is very ordinary.

This car has build quality and reliability issues that you wouldn't find on most cars costing half this much.

Dealers and VW "customer care" (a misnomer if ever there was one) compound the problem by blatantly not being remotely interested. Good warranty (thankfully).

Don't waste your money.

Can't agree with any of this, apart from the car having a great engine. Bought mine new in 2003 and after 18 months (+) and 30000 miles absolutely no problems at all.

Think you must have had a friday afternoon model!!

Glad yours has been reliable, but I have to say the thought of it being a Friday car is not much consolation when you've spent UKP 16,000 (with options) on a small family hatchback.

Looking at the other reviews and comments on here on balance, it seems VW built a significant proportion of Golfs on a Friday afternoon.

Overpriced rubbish for the gullible in my opinion. And I don't mind admitting that was me two and a bit years ago.

VW built many of the Mk4 Golfs either Friday PM or Monday AM! The gearbox was one of the few bits of mine that was OK. I think most of the other bits were replaced over the 3 years I had the car (under warranty). No wonder VW can't make a profit!

VW working week:

Monday AM

Monday PM

Tuesday AM

Monday AM

Wednesday AM

Wednesday PM

Friday PM

Thursday PM

Friday PM

Friday PM.

At least that's what I think having sampled the last 3 years of Golf ownership. Even the courtesy car I was loaned broke down on me just after I left the dealers. If only everything in life was as reliable as a VW we'd all go mad.

That's what you get for beating them in WW2... (Hitler's revenge!!")!!!Take comfort, they are expensive overdesigned shi t boxes in North America (Canada) as well. (Don't feel alone)

Best and most reliable piece of engineering I've ever driven. It goes like a rocket and pulls like a bull. I love my 2002 model, it regularly does between 50 and 55 mpg even if I drive it like Sterling Moss! 9/10.