1999 Volkswagen Golf GL from North America - Comments

No problems recorded from previous owner (0~52k miles)

60k, Vacuum line broke. Replaced with new one and clamp. ($13)

75k, Nozzle on fuel pump broke. Replacement of the entire pump was required to fix. ($250) Volkswagen made a recall later for fuel pumps and fuel lines for my model year, and money spent on repairs for this issue were refunded back to me in check form by mail; after proof of repairs was sent to Volkswagen.

79K, Catalytic converter broke, check engine light appeared, hallowed-out converter myself to reduce "clanking" noise from the broken catalyst moving around inside the converter. Luckily, Volkswagen had a recall on them and the dealership replaced the converter and also replaced the 2nd oxygen sensor. (Would have been around $1000 to repair if there was not a recall)

86k, Severe squealing noise from engine compartment, 260+ degree temperature reading on dash gauge. Water pump broke. Bought after-market water pump and had installed by the dealership; saved a lot of money by buying after market pump. Also replaced timing belt at that time, just because it was getting worn. ($150)

88k, Radio stopped working. Replaced the radio with an after-market stereo system with CD, MP3 and cassette capabilities, which cost as much as the stock radio that only offered cassette use.

92k, Problems with hatch occur. Would not open all the time; hard to close properly.

96k, Hatch finally would not close and had to keep held down with bungee cords. Replaced immediately ($120) Also notified that hatch lock cylinder had seized. Did not repair at that time.

103k, Accident. A man in a truck backed into the left front corner of the car. Bumper cover, left fender, and needed brackets replaced. ($1400 in damage, the man's insurance sent check to me for said amount) Only cost $250 parts (after-market) and $600 labor to repair on a "side job" from an employee that works at the dealership. Ended up ahead a few hundred dollars that later were spent on e-code black housing headlights and upgraded bulbs. (the stock headlight developed a sand-blasted-like-look on the clear covering.. decided to replace with the extra money from accident.

104K, Sway bar links started to squeak over heavy bumps. Replaced for I think $40 each with bushings, but do not remember exactly.

107k, Mass air flow sensor fails occasionally. Not a lot of money to replace. ($40) Volkswagen actually lowered the price of these sensors because they are known to be problematic; as I have heard they did to the oxygen sensors too.

The 1999.5 Golf handles well, gets good gas mileage (when the engine is working properly), and gets a lot of attention as, in my opinion, it has a nice "euro" look to it. The interior has easily accessible instruments and is simple, yet, classy. (the leather interior is especially nice) If you replaced all the VW badges with Audi rings and put someone in it who was not familiar with the car, they could easily assume that they were in luxury car, such as an Audi. The exterior is an improvement from the last generation of Golf. Smoother curves all around from bumpers to taillights. The headlights have a great euro look to them with seperate dual circle hi and low beams, like the old GTI. The suspension is good. The Golf offers good ride quality with enough stiffness to get through those twisting country roads with ease. You cannot help, but to engage in some spirited driving on the twisties when the road is clear. As for power, the 2.0 liter has only 115hp and 122tq.. which is not anything to really brag about. Highway driving can be a hassle sometimes because you have to keep on the gas a lot. (3000rpm is around 60-65mph in 5th gear) Although it is not much of a speedster, it makes up for it with decent torque and handling. (if you want more power, after-market performance parts are readily available) Overall, I would have to say that the Golf is a step up from most cars in the sense of style and design.. but mechanically, I believe the Germans could have done a little more work before setting the new model free to the public. With two or three big problems every 50k miles, it seems like a real pain in the you know what to keep this car in tip-top condition, but then again, it is a car, and cars have problems sometimes. My advice is before buying this car, you have to realize that if you want a car like this with good features and style, you should be willing to put a little extra money into it's upkeep. (just keep in mind, after-market parts can be as good as dealer parts.. and a heck of a lot cheaper)

I have a golf and it is the most horrible vehicle I have ever had, lots of problems, horrible in the snow, never started and have put like 1500 dollars into it this winter alone (3 months) I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.