2002 Volkswagen Golf SE from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

A rattling sound developed from within the dash after only 1 week. It was quite loud especially between 1000 - 2000 RPM while driving. However, a very helpful volkswagen service centre fixed the problem under warranty within a day (metal air conditioning pipe vibrating on bulkhead) as well as giving me a loan car and returning my car cleaned!

I bought a golf because of my perception of it being a reliable, comfortable, economical and responsive car to drive. I also wanted a car that would age well and offer reasonable resale value at some point down the track. It certainly offers luxury in a small package with surprising attention to detail. The cabin is very comfortable; the stereo sounds great, road/engine noise is minimal, the boot is huge, visibility/dash layout is well considered and has a feeling of quality. As far as performance goes the golf really does handle well; agile and body rigid in corners, however, you feel that the 1.6L engine is never really going to extend it lacking grunt below 2500rpm. It is economical though, especially on open roads where higher engine speeds also make it quite nimble. Its high level of standard safety features is class leading. Importantly also this car looks amazing - it is functional art.

When you have to take it back in because your seats, or doors, or the other side of your dash is starting to rattle - ask them to check your oil level. Then ask them to make sure you're a/C works, and to check your ABS box, and to check your window seals, and your brake lights, and the internal device which sounds the alarm. Mine all started with a dashboard rattle, too. Be happy your dealership will give you a loaner; mine can't even schedule appointments within 2 weeks.

6 months and 8000km later this car has still going well. The engine has 'cooked' nicely and now makes a sweet purring noise. Excellent fuel economy. Gear box has worn in. Am I lucky to get a trouble free golf?

My mum has a 2001 VW Golf GL.

The only problem with it that is is very loud, it sounds like is is farting. The noise comes somewhere from the middle of the car.

I bought a new 2003 1.6 SE auto with all the trimmings and have nothing but praise for this vehicle. I previously owned a 1993 Nissan NX-R and was concerned that I would regret losing the sporty feel and drive. How surprised was I? Every time I get into my Golf I have a smile on my face and it is pure pleasure to drive it. Fuel economy is great and it is a dream to drive on the open road - so quiet, refined and smooth. My parents and best friend have just purchased a new Astra each and they are the ones who have had the small faults to be repaired. But not my golf so far. No niggling faults to date and the car has done just over 6000 klms. The stereo is fantastic and presentation (fit and finish) inside and out the car is exemplary. I would definitely purchase another golf for all these reasons. Which is probably why there are so many of them running around Sydney - So many people cannot be wrong!!

13 months and 13,000km later and this car just keeps on getting better. I have had no problems what so ever. It is still a joy to get behind the wheel!

I live in Australia & own a 2001 Golf GL 1.6 manual with fact. sunroof and 16" alloys. I have had it since March 2004 and have had a great run so far. The only notable problem being vibration caused by what seems to be warped brake rotors. It's doesn't effect brake ability, but is annoying. I won't say its perfect, but for comfort, build, style and reliability it is a great car, probably not better, but much more special than the average $20K econobox.

After finding my entry on this site after a few years I thought it would be worth updatind.

This car has now done 55,000km's.

It has had two further problems:

1. Water pump cracked and failed at about 45,000km's while my wife was driving alone in a remote part of Australia! The car needed to be retrieved and repaired.

2. Drivers side window failed and would not go up. This is apparently a common problem.

The car has two current problems:

1. I have been told by a mechanic that the front shock absorbers are wearing out as they squeak on bumps and will need to be replaced.

2. Occasionally there is a squeal when realeasing the clutch which I have been told is probably clutch bearing failure.

My overall thoughts on this car:

It still remains a comfortable car to drive and I enjoy getting behind the wheel. Fuel efficiency is excellent. However my feeling is this car lacks durability and reliability is only average to poor. I would not buy another VW golf, or another VW for that matter.