Buying Guide: VW Golf (2015-2020)
- Interior & Specification. The standard Golf will come with not much, Bluetooth, A/C, and a good enough touchscreen...
- Exterior & Engines. The options that you have for engine size and types in a Golf is staggering. You can have anything...
- Best for Economy. Leaving aside hybrid/electric Golfs, the SE 1.6 TDI reaches levels of 72.5mpg and...
Full Answer
Is the VW Golf a good used car?
A budget of £4000-7000 should net you a good used car, but remember you'll pay more if you want one of the sports-oriented GTI or GTD models. The Golf has a generally solid reputation for reliability, but VW's DSG automatic gearboxes don't, so remember to check everything works as expected when you go for a test drive.
What to know before buying a 2009-2014 Volkswagen Golf?
Here are five things to know before you buy 2009-2014 Volkswagen Golf: If you’re going to buy a Golf fitted with Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter engine, it may be wise to shop for one made after 2012, since a fault with the timing chain pre-tensioner can cause sudden and unexpected failure. If this fault occurs, it effectively ruins the engine.
Why is the Volkswagen Golf considered a premium car?
That's because it does most things very well - it's comfortable, practical and its engines are both economical and refined. The Golf is considered to be a somewhat premium rival to regular hatches like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.
What are the different types of Volkswagen Golfs?
The range included S, SE, GT, GTI, GTD, R and BlueMotion trims, while Match replaced SE in 2010. There’s no inherently bad Volkswagen Golf model, but there are particular versions in the range that represent the best used buy.
What should I look for in a Volkswagen Golf?
However, it is important to double check.Rattling in the exhaust system.Leakage in the rear window.Declining fuel efficiency.A weak dual-clutch (DSG) gearbox.Faulty passenger airbags.Cracks in the brake servo pipes.ABS overheating.
What is the best VW Golf to buy?
VW Golf GTI The GTI is arguably the most iconic Golf. It's the only trim level which has stood the test of time since the MK1, and the latest trim is, we think, the best yet. Lauded for its complete feel, the eighth-edition GTI has all the features you need to really impress on the roads.
What are the most common problems with a VW Golf?
Below are some of the model's most common problems reported by its users:Power Window Failure. ... Premature Brake Wear. ... Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure. ... Overheating Engine. ... Loss of Power. ... Electrical Problems. ... Injection Pump Failure. ... Coolant and Oil Leaks.More items...•
What is the most reliable VW Golf?
The original Golf model was manufactured to replace the VW Beetle. In 1975, it was sold under the name “Rabbit”. And, as with most things, “new and improved” can be used to describe Volkswagens. Recent CarBuyer research verifies that the Golf Mk6 model is considered more reliable than the Golf Mk5.
Which year VW Golf is best?
Here Are The Best And Worst Volkswagen Golf GTI Models Over The Years10 Best: 1983-1984 Rabbit GTI Mk 1. ... 9 Best: 1985-1992 Golf GTI Mk 2. ... 8 Best: 2007-2009 Golf GTI Mk 5. ... 7 Best: 2015-present Golf GTI Mk 7. ... 6 Best: 2000-2006 Golf GTI Mk 4. ... 5 Best: 2009-2013 Golf GTI Mk 6. ... 4 Worst: 1993-1999 Golf GTI Mk 3.More items...•
How long should a VW Golf last?
In terms of years, Volkswagen Golfs can run for an average of 5 years without problems and can still work further after changing the timing belt and if you maintain the engine regularly.
Is VW Golf expensive to maintain?
The majority of models in the range are more expensive to maintain than competitor vehicles, although it's great that the German company offers a five-year capped-price plan, which is longer than a few of its biggest competitors....Volkswagen Service PlanGolf3 years$366.66$1,100.005 years$380.00$1,900.0017 more columns
What is wrong with Volkswagen Golf?
The VW Golf has a notorious issue with its camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump. You should replace yours every 20k miles even if you can't hear that rattling sound, but that's what's causing it.
Is Volkswagen Golf good car?
Is the Volkswagen Golf a Good Car? Yes, the Volkswagen Golf is a good compact car . It offers an enjoyable interior, with comfortable front seats, a roomy second row, and impressive cabin materials. A hatchback design affords a massive cargo hold as well.
Are used VW Golfs reliable?
The Volkswagen Golf Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 25th out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $630 which means it has average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe than average, and the frequency of these issues is average, so major repairs are not common for the Golf.
Which Volkswagen model is the most reliable?
Out of all VW models, the Volkswagen Golf is said to be one of the most reliable and a great all-round car for drivers who are looking for comfort, convenience and long term reliability.
Is Golf TSI a reliable car?
Is a used Volkswagen Golf hatchback reliable? Our latest reliability data shows petrol Golfs in a better light than their diesel counterparts. Petrol models were given a reliability rating of 94.6%, while diesel variants received a rating of 89.4% – not terrible, nor amazing.
What is the difference between VW Golf models?
As you surely know, the six Volkswagen Golf models include the VW Golf, the VW Golf GTI, the VW Golf R, the VW e-Golf, the VW Golf SportWagen, and the VW Golf Alltrack. One of the key differences between the six Volkswagen Golf models is the level of engine performance and fuel economy that each model offers.
Is the Golf R better than the GTI?
There is a difference in power between the two cars. The GTI gains a few horses this year with 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Golf R, on the other hand, is also more energetic with 315 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque (manual transmission) or 295 lb-ft (DSG transmission).
Is Volkswagen Golf a reliable car?
Is the Volkswagen Golf Reliable? The 2021 VW Golf has a predicted reliability score of 73 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What's the difference between Golf GTI and Golf R?
The GTI does 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the Golf R sprints to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. More horses and more torque spread on all four wheels make the Golf R the faster car. Both cars come in the manual, which is fun to drive but not as fast as the DSG.
1: Try to Buy 2012 or Later Models
If you’re going to buy a Golf fitted with Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter engine, it may be wise to shop for one made after 2012, since a fault with the timing chain pre-tensioner can cause sudden and unexpected failure. If this fault occurs, it effectively ruins the engine.
2. Be Wary of DSGs
Some Golfs are fitted with VW’s dual-clutch (DSG) gearbox, which needs to be serviced religiously thanks to a weak mechatronics box. The problem is irregular, but the best way to arm oneself against it is by religiously changing the gear oil every 60,000 miles. A failure could result in a need to replace the whole gearbox.
3. Check the Fuel Economy
Many owners of these Golfs have reported fuel economy getting worse over time. With MPGs dipping down into the 25s on the highway, it could be frustrating. There is a fix, though.
4. Check the Rear Window for Dripping
A weak pump in the wear window’s washer fluid system can mean that fluid leaks onto the back window. This isn’t a huge problem in the summer, but during the winter it can be dangerous. Many cars were fixed by VW, but if the seller hasn’t had the fix done, it could mean some money out of your pocket.
5. Listen for a Rattle in Turbo Cars
This problem is a little more nebulous, but many owners have complained of a rattling coming from the exhaust system or the engine. The problem seems to be caused by the wastegate and doesn’t appear to have any associated issues, just a rattling sound that can be annoying. The result of this though, is that there is no official fix for the problem.
Should You Buy a Used Volkswagen Golf?
Look for a Golf that came later in the Mk6’s cycle, preferably with a manual, and be sure you’re buying a car that was cared for. Of course, that last piece of advice is always prudent, but in this case, it’s especially relevant as the difference between Mk6s that were taken care of and those that weren’t can be massive and expensive.
About the Volkswagen Golf
Before we get started, we will give you a quick introduction to the Volkswagen Golf. This highly-rated vehicle has been in production since 1973, and it won’t be long before we see the release of the latest 2021 model.
Should you buy your golf privately or from a dealer?
If you aren’t looking to purchase a brand new Golf, you may be wondering whether private or dealer is the best choice.
What does the Elite Euro pre-loved inspection include?
If you want to eliminate the risk of buying a faulty car, Elite Euro is the team to call. As your European car experts, we can inspect your Volkswagen Golf before you commit to the sale.
What can go wrong with a used Golf?
While the Volkswagen Golf is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, there are a few areas to focus on when purchasing a used model.
Does a Volkswagen Golf hold its value?
Of course, any car will start depreciating as soon as it leaves the showroom floor. But how does the VW Golf fair for value for money?
The Volkswagen Golf is a great secondhand car thanks to its hatchback practicality, rock-solid build quality and sophisticated image
Unless you’ve been deliberately trying to avoid knowing anything about cars for the last four decades, you’ll at least have heard of the iconic Volkswagen Golf.
Volkswagen Golf Mk5: used car buying guide
Despite having been around since 2004, the Mk5 Volkswagen Golf still manages to encompass much of the philosophy of the Mk7 model, which was only recently replaced. While the interior is starting to look a little dated, it’s still ergonomic.
Volkswagen Golf Mk6: used car buying guide
The Volkswagen Golf Mk6, introduced in January 2009, wasn’t an entirely new model compared to the Mk5 that went before it – instead, it was more of a heavy facelift, with a revised interior, new bumpers and lights and a new range of engines.
7. Comfortable interior
Every driver can get comfortable behind the wheel of the Golf - something that can't be said for every family car out there. There's plenty of adjustment from both the steering wheel and the seats.
6. Viewing platform
Thanks to its large windows and slim door pillars, the Golf offers exceptional visibility from every angle. In fact, there are few cars in any class that can surpass it. Go for our favourite Match model, and you also get front and rear parking sensors as standard.
What next?
Click here to find out more about the VW Golf, or click here to see the used cars for sale through What Car? Classifieds.
How many speeds does a 1982 GTi have?
Transmission-wise, early cars have a four-speed ‘box while series 2 GTi (from 1982) have a five-speed unit. Both are reasonably robust, but synchro can fail on high mileage examples so listen for a crunch as you shift into second. Linkages can also let go which will make gearchanges feel uncharacteristically sloppy.
Can VW Golf brakes corrode?
Be mindful of the fact that VW didn’t strengthen the rack mount on the RHD cars and this is an area that can corrode so give it an eyeball if you can. Golf brakes are okay if kept in good order and properly adjusted so check that the pedal feels solid and that the car pulls up in a straight line.
Can Mk1 golf springs snap?
Starting with the suspension, road springs can snap and the top mounts front and rear can wear, producing a nasty knock when you mount a lowered kerb or hit a pothole.