Water pump blew at 40,000 and left us stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Timing belt was frayed and showing serious wear so it was replaced at 40,000.
Brake light bulbs keep burning out.
None of these problems are acceptable for a car with such low mileage!
This car has some serious flaws in it's mechanical design. Don't buy a VW product unless you can handle breaking down once in a while.
The 2.0 engine has good torque for kicking around town, but is low on horsepower for quick passing.
The 5 speed shifter is clunky and unsatisfying.
Mechanical issues aside, this car is extremely comfortable, and the fit and finish is excellent. The interior is ergonomically sound, and the quality of the finishings rivals much more expensive cars. The golf is great for highway cruising and long trips.
The list of standard features offsets the higher price as ABS, side airbags, keyless entry etc. all come on the base model.
Update: We have sold the car at 115,000kms
It beat us down with repairs, and turned out to be very unreliable. this was a garage kept car with full history (bought from a good friend). buyer beware!
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