1997 Volkswagen Golf CL review from North America
"I will run this car until is blows up, then I will buy another!!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head Gasket just blew at about 145000K, Was caused due to a failure with the cooling system. Frost plug leaking very rapidly. Thermostat also blew because of this.Very expensive to fix.
Trunk Started to leak through the rear right rubber gasket surrounding the tail light enclosure. Burn out the pump for the rear windshield washer. Rusted spare tire. This happened before I purchased the vehicle, repaired for relatively cheap.
Had many oil leaks when purchased, Valve cover gasket, rear main seal (minor).
Timing belt was replaced at 150000K, all seals needed to be replaced as well.
General comments?
This car is definatly one of the nicest I have ever owned. Costly for repairs, but worth it. The 1.8L Manuel has ample power and is very fuel efficient, over 600 Highway Kilometers to a tank.
Recommended reviews
| Good to have because of high gas prices, but bad to drive on the road |
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| Ease of maintainence is not in VW's mind |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 125000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 155250 kilometres |
| Previous car | Pontiac 6000 |
| Date of Entry | 1st September, 2005 |