2005 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 GT TDI 4Motion from UK and Ireland - Comments

Doorhandle stuck - this was a fault from new and pointed towards failings at the final inspection/quality control stage.

Central locking - the system used by VW on the Golf is weird to say the least. Other makes/models have a simple double click to lock/single click to open. This car is easy to lock, but I find I have to press the unlock button lots of times to make sure the doors are unlocked.

The acceleration/performance of the 140bhp engine is good and road holding of the 4motion system means you can attack the bends without fear of losing the back end or under steer.

I have yet to achieve the fuel economy figures quoted by VW - not even close - even when driving like a grandad at 56mph down a motorway. The best I've managed is 43mpg (motorway). This is a shame as I had hoped I was getting a mix of fuel economy and performance. Being a company car driver, this is important.

I almost went for the Skoda Superb 2.5l initially - as it is close on price and comes with a lot of toys. Once this lease is up in 3yrs I may well do so.

43mpg?! were you driving in 3rd gear?

I have an 06 1.9TDI and it drinks diesel on an average journey I'm luck to get more the 38mpg so I get not benefit on fuel consumption and it's slow. It's just an all round tremendous car poor on fuel and speed just what you want.

Get yourself an RS4.

I bought a '05 Golf TDI manual on the recommendation of friends.

Needless to say, I need to find new friends.

At only 80K I had to have the clutch replaced to the tune of $2500. After the replacement the car still runs like crap and I need a crowbar to change gears.

I have had many cars of many makes and have never ever replaced a clutch - some of my cars had a half million miles (a Honda) and the original clutch and I learned to baby a clutch. Warranty? VW in their infinite wisdom covers nothing that can actually wear.

Yet this piece of crap needs a clutch at only 4 years? Garbage.

The electrical system fires randomly burning out lights almost daily. Ride has deteriorated seriously since purchase. Steering is random.

Get a Honda - don't waste your money on a VW.