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)
52000
What were your needs when you bought this car? Has it fulfilled those needs?
We needed a smaller car compared to our 1999 Nissan Avenir wagon, one that would probably last us for the next 5 - 10 years and a car that was fun to drive and reliable with all the modern safety technologies. Would have preferred a VW hybrid but not available and probably pricey. Test drove several cars, did a lot of on-line research, Golf seemed to fit our needs although the boot was smallish.
What were your initial thoughts about the car? Tell us why it appealed to you.
Solidly built, brilliant seating, controls just fell to hand, significant learning curve involved mastering the electronics, car's safety systems have already prevented two possible mishaps. Given the homework done prior to purchasing I was aware of the some of the not-so-positives like the backlighting missing from the volume/heat touch sliders, sometimes slow to react infotainment screen and some plasticky surfaces (not soft touch but easy to clean with grand kids around). Seating, visibility, drive and sound system are excellent.
What have you discovered since owning the car?
Rear end including rear window and sill under the rear door are dust attractants!! One Item my research didn't throw up was having had the car Durasealed when you exit the car due to the lack of guttering on the roof the deeding water just runs off and collects on your head and back.
What do you like/dislike about the car?
Far more things to like than a few annoying and odd design snafus that really should have been picked up before. I suppose all of VWs research $$$$ went into the new technologies and buttonless cabin with gorgeous twin electronic screens.
Reliability
5
Features/technology
5
Performance/economy
4
Value for money
4
Overall rating
4
Lastly, would you buy this vehicle again?
Yes
Why would/wouldn't you buy it again?
Other brands exceeded or matched VW features here and there but the Golf is a package rather than the best in class vehicle - it serves many modes and provides many on board options as to how you want the car set up.The fact that we purchased 5 yrs worth of warranty may suggest that we think that all that technology may not be 101% reliable but will be expensive to repair... Time will tell.