Kilometres travelled
0-10,000 km
Did you buy this car new or used?
New
How much did you pay? (including all on-road costs)
47990
What were your needs when you bought this car? Has it fulfilled those needs?
The new VW Golf is to replace my old VW Golf which was my second car and getting aging. The new one fulfilled my needs.
What were your initial thoughts about the car? Tell us why it appealed to you.
VW has a reliable reputation. It gains a lot of good comment from reviewers and I had little problems with the two Golfs I owned in the past 20 years. So, I did not have any hesitations to buy the newest model of Golf.
What have you discovered since owning the car?
Trouble and expensive maintenance costs. The reverse light was always on in night driving and I was never aware of until my son followed me one night from behind. It took one week to rectify the fault as there was no expertise to fix the issue in the Services Department of Continental Car Services, Auckland. Several months later after the incidence, the front panel on the passenger side next to the fascia was found fallen apart. It was found that the panel was adhered to the body by double sided adhesive tapes. It took another week to have it replaced. I believed that this was never manufacturer's fault. The electronic parking brake could not be released after the stormy day. Luckily, I could get it moving in the next day when the humidity was lowering down. When servicing the car after 24 months, the dealer replaced brake fluid, engine oil filter, etc. The car was only driven 3100 km, there is no reason to replace the pollen filter. When I protested, I was given a reason - the replacement of the pollen filter is justified at the two-year mark on every vehicle that they service regardless of the mileage. However, they never replaced the engine air filter in the last two services. Replacing filters at my point of views should depend on all aspects and their conditions, not just the period of time. I note that some car manufacturers recommend replacing brake fluid in 48 months too.
What do you like/dislike about the car?
Too many controls are using touch-controls. You tend to be distracted when using these controls while driving. The head up display is superb. The ride is good and smooth.
Any other comments on the car?
You should inspect the car from head to tail upon delivery of the vehicle. On annual services, you should instruct the services department to seek permission from you in replacing parts or accessories. You would be very unhappy if you are being ripped off.
Reliability
3
Features/technology
4
Performance/economy
4
Value for money
3
Overall rating
3
Lastly, would you buy this vehicle again?
No
Why would/wouldn't you buy it again?
The minor issues made me nervous and this is the worst Golf I had in the last 20 years. After the parking brake incidence, I now never put it on when in the garage.