2002 Volkswagen Golf GL review from North America
"Do not plan to own a reliable VW for more than 5 years, and do not buy as used one"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
1) Rear window washer line failed and saturated head liner.
2) CEL for glow plug code. Changed harness and plugs, later CEL comes back. Turned off with VAG and still comes back.
3) Air bag fail light. Known issue, VW feels no obligation to fix. 500$ dealer charge; I just leave it lit.
4) Auto trans failed at 67k. 5k$ for complete fix cycle. In 2001 the drivetrain warranty was 10/100k, in 2002 it was changed to 5/60K. I should have taken the hint.
General comments?
With the repeated electronic/CEL issues and the transmission failure, VW looses all credibility with me. Readers are advised not to purchase a VW without a comprehensive after-market warranty.
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| A nightmare and a danger, the complete package!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 TDI Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 28 miles |
| Most recent distance | 67000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercury Grand Marquis |
| Date of Entry | 19th December, 2006 |