Is the VW Golf Mk 5 a good car?
The VW Golf Mk 5 offers a better cabin than its rivals and some great engines, but reliability can’t always be taken for granted and used values are relatively high. What is it? The Mexicans had a name for the original VW Beetle: El Ombligo (belly button).
How powerful is the Volkswagen Golf’s engine?
While the Golf’s petrol engines are generally pretty decent, the turbocharged 1.4-litre TSI engine is modern, pretty economical and – with 122bhp – reasonably nippy. Note the 1.4-litre TSI comes with an extra 20-40bhp in Sport and GT cars, while the 89bhp 1.4-litre FSI petrol isn’t as powerful as its TSI counterpart.
Is the Volkswagen Golf GT a good diesel car?
Much better is the 1.4 TSI unit found in the Golf GT. However, VW’s diesels are also excellent, with the 2.0 TDi easily the pick of the bunch. The 1.9 TDi now feels dated, although it’s still punchy. What the Golf doesn’t do well is provide fun, though the still-great 197bhp 2-litre GTi and 3.2-litre R32 can make your heart beat faster.
What is the difference between a Mark 4 and Mark 5 golf?
I ran a few mark 4 golf’s over 100k as Fleet cars woithout any issues. The mark 5 was a step down in build quality too although the mark 4 is starting to look its age now.
Is the 1.9 or 2.0 TDI better?
The 1.9 is slightly more economical, the 2.0 is quicker revving, smoother, faster, quieter. The 1.9 only has a 5 speed box though. The 2.0 doesn't pull quite as well from low revs (the 1.9 is like a tank) but is less peaky.
Which Golf engine is best?
The best of the Golf's petrol engines is the 1.5-litre TSI, delivering a fine blend of power and economy. It's genuinely impressive, with a keenness to rev that helps it to feel livelier than its fuel economy would suggest.
Is Golf 1.9 TDI good?
Our verdict on the Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI SE 5-door hatchback. One of the original hatchbacks, the Golf looks like remaining firmly at the top of its game. Obvious interior cutbacks are more than compensated for with improved handling and performance. There still isn't a more desirable hatchback on the market.
Is the 1.9 TDI a good engine?
Engine 1.9 is considered to be the most reliable TDI with 90 hp with Bosch pump. This is because of the very simple structure. However, even in it there are some elements that can cause problems. These are mainly turbines, EGR valves, flowmeters and injectors, and vacuum hoses should also be observed.
Which Golf engine is most reliable?
One Volkswagen engine consistently appears on 'most reliable' discussions and lists: the 1.8T. Haynes calls the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine the best VW engine. ItStillRuns compares it to the LS small-block V8 in terms of durability and tunability.
What is the best performance VW Golf?
New VW Golf R: The fastest and most powerful Golf ever madeNew VW Golf R is the most powerful Golf ever made, trumping the outgoing model for pace and acceleration.320 PS engine sends the R from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds.More items...•
Is 2.0 TDI good?
The reliability of the 2.0 TDI engine is not the best. Most problems start to appear after 100000 - 120000 km. Plenty of problems are in line with those from which the most modern diesels suffer, but there are also those that are typical of the 2.0 TDI versions. Shooting of cylinder heads in the 16-valve version.
Is Golf 5 a good car?
The Golf Mk5 didn't make the top 150 of our Driver Power 2016 satisfaction survey, but was ranked 145th in 2014, when it was rated the least reliable compact family car.
Which TDI engine is best?
Volkswagen 1.9L ALH TDI Diesel While Volkswagen has produced many very good diesel engines over the years, the “ALH” engine used between 1998 and 2006 is regarded as one of the best.
How long will 1.9 TDI engine last?
Just like any other engine on the market, the 1.9 TDI will last longer if it is taken care of properly. As crazy as it sounds, we have seen some 1.9's at 250,000 – 300,000 miles and one at just over 400,000 miles.
Which VW engine is the best?
Despite being originally made for Audi vehicles, the EA888 family is well regarded in the VW community. The the Generation 3 version of the 1.8L TSI takes the crown as the best VW engine on the market.
How long will a VW 2.0 TDI last?
VW/Audi 2.0 TDI Reliability However, overall these engines are solid and we have seen many last over 200,000 miles without any major engine damage. Heck, we've even seen some running at 400,000 miles as if they were brand new.
How fast is a Golf 2.0?
Many buyers will opt to go the turbo diesel route and both engines are well worth seeking out, especially after you've driven them back to back with the petrol Golf powerplants, the 2.0-litre TDi being especially impressive. This engine will punt the big-boned Golf through 60mph in 9 seconds and on to a top speed of 126mph, making it a brilliant long distance cruiser. The 103bhp unit is no slouch though and will get to 60mph in 11 seconds and top out at 116mph. It's also likely to prove the bigger seller. Fuel economy of both engines is excellent, the 1.9-litre averaging 56.4mpg and the 2.0-litre faring almost as well at an impressive 52.2mpg.
What is a Volkswagen Golf Mk V?
The Volkswagen Golf Mk V represents an interesting case study in product development. Many cars grow bigger and heavier over successive iterations until a critical point is reached, with the manufacturer asking themselves exactly what sort of car they are producing. This tends to result in a reappraisal and, more often than not, a smarter, better car. There are countless examples of this occurring and with the Golf, that moment came in February 2004 with the launch of the Mk V model. Used examples are now filtering onto the market, giving those who can afford it the opportunity discover what all the fuss is about.
How many litres are in a Golf MKV?
Upon launch, the Golf MKV range consisted of a basic 1.4- litre petrol engines, plus 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litre versions of the FSI (fuel stratified injection) petrol powerplant. A turbocharged 197bhp version of the 2.0-litre engine was added shortly thereafter to reprise the seminal GTi badge.
What was the criticism of the Ford Focus 5th generation?
One criticism levelled at the two previous generation models was that although the cars offered a ride and refinement package that was hard to beat, they never really offered the sort of infectious handling that many rivals could boast. The fifth generation car adopts a pragmatic tactic in 'benchmarking' the suspension of the Ford Focus and first impressions are promising. The body is eighty per cent stiffer than its predecessor and the new electro-mechanical steering feel and composed body control are leagues ahead.
How much is a 2009 VW Golf 2.0 GTi?
A 2009 58-plate VW Golf 2.0 GTi DSG 5dr should be priced at around £12,000 on a dealer forecourt, while a private buyer should ask for around £11,000 for the same car.
Why is the Golf so popular?
Another reason for the Golf’s popularity is its mind-bending choice of engines, trims and body styles. Three and five-door hatchbacks are just the start. You can also have an estate and a high-roofed MPV edition, the Golf Plus. You can’t have a convertible, though.
Is Volkswagen Golf reliable?
The reality, however, is that the Golf isn’t as reliable as some of its adversaries.
How much horsepower does a 2.0 Golf have?
But Golf's three diesels are superb, offering low fuel consumption, pace and power. The 2.0 SDI is a bit old fashioned, gutless and often hard work, so go for a 1.9 TDI or 2.0 TDI - they're fast, torquey and fuel efficient, albeit noisy. The 1.9-litre gets 105bhp or 115bhp, while the 2.0-litre is available with 140bhp and - from July 2006 - 170bhp.
What is the engine in a GTI?
There’s a wide choice of engines to choose from, ranging from the somewhat flaccid 75hp 1.4 up to the 16v 200hp 2.0 TFSI in the GTI. In between, there’s also a 1.6 FSI (fuel stratified injection), a fast and flexible 150hp 2.0-litre normally-aspirated petrol, and a punchy 140hp 2.0 TDI turbodiesel.
What engine did the 2006 MkV GT have?
A range of new engines appeared in the summer of 2006, including the 140bhp 1.4 TSI/TFSI twincharger (turbocharged and supercharged) petrol that appeared in the MkV GT. From 2007 there was also the highly fuel efficient BlueMotion (above), which could eke out 62.8mpg. In late 2007, the 1.6 FSI petrol engine was replaced by the new chain-driven 123hp 1.4 TSI fitted with just a turbo.
What year did the 1.4 TSI come out?
A 1.4 TSI model was launched in summer 2006 and despite the small engine size it's available with 140bhp and 170bhp - that's because it uses Volkswagen's latest engine technology that combines a supercharger with a turbo.
How fast does a 2005 R32 go?
It could do 0-60mph in a tad over six seconds and featured four-wheel drive, stiffer suspension and beefier brakes to cope with its supercar-like performance.
What is the oil required for PD engines?
PD engines require oil that meets VAG specifications – namely 505.01 (fixed servicing) or 507.00 (variable) – so search through receipts to ensure it’s been used, otherwise the car might have suffered camshaft wear. A sign of a fastidious previous owner is if they’ve changed the oil and filter every 7000 miles and used a long-life brew.
When did the GTI come back?
GTI was back on form. The Golf GTI came back with a bang in 2005. Powered by a turbocharged 200hp 2.0T FSI engine, it's smooth, refined and pleasingly quick to drive plus there's a choice of the standard six-speed manual or an optional semi-automatic DSG gearbox.
How much horsepower does a 1.9 liter diesel engine have?
Although the 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine produces just 100 horsepower, it also churns up 177 pound-feet of torque starting at a low 1,800 rpm.
What transmission does a Golf have?
The Golf comes standard with five-speed manual transmission.
What is the pump injection on a VW diesel?
This refers to high-pressure, electronically controlled fuel injectors that deliver fuel directly to each cylinder to increase power and efficiency .
When did VW diesels start to evoke the gas crisis?
For those of us at a certain age, VW diesels evoke the gas crisis of the 1970s, the first time we faced widespread fuel shortages and soaring prices. Of course, we blamed OPEC, the cartel of oil-producing countries.
Do diesels have direct fuel injection?
No more. The new diesels use turbochargers and direct fuel injection (thus the TDI label) that give them decent performance while cleaning up the smell and smoke.
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.
Fun, sporty, and nimble
I owned the 2005 Golf TDI GLS since 2011 and have loved it.
Best car i have owned
Looking for a new one my last one lasted 250,000 miles and only want a new car that has been taking care of and from a dealer i can trust
Nice car
Nice diesel car with great fuel economy. Good interior design. Well selected sets of features. It definitely worth to consider.
Beware this money pit!
I've owned this car for 2 years (was certified pre-owned) and it is a total money pit. Dealer did all my maintenance, which cost thousands over the past two years. Just got the word that the car needs a new cam shaft at 70K miles, which is ridiculous.
Better than Honda!
After owning Hondas and Acuras, VW's TDI has the advantage of being more reliable, more fuel efficient, and much more fun to drive. I often meet other TDI owners at the diesel pump with well over 250,000 miles or more on theirs. With over 120k on mine, it still runs great and is fun to drive.
Has some good qualities but . .
My wife and I bought our Golf new in 05. After three years, we still like it's design, driveability and the many safety features the car offers. However, we've had nagging problems with burnt out lights both inside and outside the car and the overall maintenance costs seem high.
Love this car!
I bought my 2005 Golf TDI brand new in February 2005. I love the fuel mileage - average of 46-48 mpg and I don't visit the gas station very often. It is a really fun car to drive with what feels like lots of power due to the torque. It is, however, expensive to maintain and not always easy to find a good local VW mechanic.
Good for the long haul
I drive about 115 miles round trip to work. All I have ever done is change the oil (about every 12-15k miles), replace a couple head lights, and change the tires. My car has yet to need brakes or any major repair. The perfect stylish, fun to drive, daily commuter!
Too many problems
Bought Golf GLS M/T new Jan/2006. Had a great run for the first few years. It handles great, is a lot of fun to drive and looks good. But, once it was out of warranty, the problems started. At about 44,000 miles/7 yrs., the master cylinder (brakes) needed to be replaced, and rotors.
golf 2005
This car is an awesome car. it is very good to drive around. I would recommend it for college students who do not have a lot of gas money. It is also very easy to find a parking space for this car due to its size.
Introduction
Models
- Models Covered: (3/5dr hatchback, 1.4, 1.4 FSI, 1.6FSI, 2.0 FSI, 2.0T FSI, 3.2 V6 petrol, 2.0SDI, 1.9 TDI, 2.0TDI diesel [S, SE, Match, Sport, GTI, R32])
History
- It seems almost unbelievable that Volkswagen have built over 22 million Golfs since the Mk 1 was launched in 1974, which means that every 25 seconds for the past 29 years, a Golf has been rolling off a production line. The Golf Mk IV was a very successful model for Volkswagen, commanding a 21 per cent share in the family hatch market across Europe and its final year sale…
What You Get
- The styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary insofar as most will know it's a Golf they're looking at without recourse to clocking the badge on its rump. As company boss Bernd Pischetsrieder explains: "The only mistake the Golf can make is to stop being a Golf." There's little doubt that the fourth generation Golf was - and is - a handsome piece of car design, but the fifth …
What to Look For
- Only one real issue has yet arisen and that's an oil pump bolt fault on early GTI models that has now been fixed under recall. Other than that, there's little to report. Keep a look out for cars that have been flogged by corporate users and ensure that servicing has been attended to diligently. Check the car's specification carefully, as some of the more desirable features, like air conditioni…
Replacement Parts
- (approx based on a 2004 Golf 1.4 ex Vat) An exhaust system is about £95. A clutch assembly will be around £75 and an alternator should be close to £115. Brake pads front and rear are about £55 and £45 respectively.
on The Road
- One criticism levelled at the two previous generation models was that although the cars offered a ride and refinement package that was hard to beat, they never really offered the sort of infectious handling that many rivals could boast. The fifth generation car adopts a pragmatic tactic in 'benchmarking' the suspension of the Ford Focus and first impressions are promising. The body …
Overall
- As long as you can stomach used prices that are firmer than a boxer's biceps, there isn't much to go wrong with a used Golf Mk V. Much of it will come down to selecting the right models. The 1.6-litre FSi, the 2.0-litre FSi and the 2.0-litre FSI turbo engines are the petrol engines to go for and the 2.0-litre TDI is the diesel unit to aim at. The 1.9-litre TDI diesel and the 1.4-litre FSI petrol aren't b…