Kilometres travelled
75,000 - 100,000 km
Did you buy this car new or used?
Used
If used, what year did you buy it used?
2020
How much did you pay? (including all on-road costs)
$7,000
What were your needs when you bought this car? Has it fulfilled those needs?
Small quick run around car. Indeed it has, easy to park, comfortable and perfect amount of power for around the city. Relatively fuel efficient and reliable.
What were your initial thoughts about the car? Tell us why it appealed to you.
Great handling and responsive. 2 litre turbo and small size is what appealed to me. Japanese alternatives are far outside of the price range and despite what many say about European cars, in my 3 years of ownership, it has shown me little trouble being regularly serviced and well kept.
What have you discovered since owning the car?
The importance of having the dual-clutch transmission serviced every 60,000 kms. As great as the gearbox is, being one of the earliest iterations from Volkswagen group, they can fail if not looked after. If the unfortunate was to happen, cost of replacement would be more than the car itself. Also the importance of tyres. Spending that little bit extra on more performance orientated tyres makes a night and day difference. When you find yourself on a twisty road and spirited driving ensues, you soon find out it's money well spent.
What do you like/dislike about the car?
The Golf is the German Corolla in my eyes. It knows what its job is, and does it well. Lack of modern creature comforts is its biggest drawback. Parking sensors, reversing camera and electrically operated seats are all in omission.
Any other comments on the car?
It has overall been a great ownership experience, a great platform which is shared among other VAG products. Aftermarket support is plentiful with the potential to tweak and tune the vehicle until your heart is content.
Reliability
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Features/technology
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Performance/economy
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Value for money
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Overall rating
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Lastly, would you buy this vehicle again?
Yes
Why would/wouldn't you buy it again?
I would buy the car tenfold. Has done everything and more of what I've asked and cannot fault. If you are looking for a cheap, quick and reliable car, make sure to shortlist the VW Golf GTI.