Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Volkswagen Golf – The Cons 1. The Golf Is Missing All-Wheel Drive All-wheel drive is a popular feature for compact crossover vehicles and hatchbacks like the Golf. Unfortunately, Volkswagen does not offer this feature for the Golf.
Full Answer
Why would you buy a Volkswagen?
Usually, you buy a Volkswagen if you want to drive something that’s a little more upscale or better-refined-than-the-norm in a given segment. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Should you buy a Volkswagen e-Golf or regular golf?
If you’re current daily commute and errand routes allow for an electric car with a 125-mile, then we say that the Volkswagen e-Golf would be a great choice as it’s well-built and can be found for an affordable price on the used market. However, if you have range anxiety due to a long commute, then a regular Golf might be better.
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 happened to the Volkswagen e-Golf?
While the thought of the electrified Golf sounded good in theory, it’s limited production was an Achilles heel. The main caveat today is that the Volkswagen e-Golf was actually discontinued for the 2020 model year, however, new 2019 models do still exist.
Do VW Golf have a lot of problems?
The Volkswagen Golf has received a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal, ranking it 25th out of 36 compact cars in its segment. The Golf has average ownership costs with annual repairs amounting to an estimated $630 compared to the usual $650 for most vehicle models.
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.
Why shouldn't you buy a Volkswagen?
Since last September, the Volkswagen brand has been embroiled in a catastrophic emissions cheating scandal that has decimated the company's reputation in the US and around the world. VW admitted to equipping more than 11 million diesel-powered cars worldwide with software designed to cheat government emissions tests.
Are Used Volkswagen Golf 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.
How long will 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.
Are VW Golf expensive to fix?
The VW Golf is more expensive to maintain with an average annual repairs total of $630 Vs the Toyota Corolla's $362. To put that into perspective the average annual repair cost for all compact cars is $526 per year and $652 across all makes and models.
Do Volkswagens break down a lot?
Volkswagen Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Volkswagen Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 12th out of 32 for all car brands. This rating is based on an average across 345 unique models. The average annual repair cost for a Volkswagen is $676, which means it has above average ownership costs.
What Volkswagens to avoid?
Most Reliable 5-Year-Old Midsized SUVs. Best Used Cars and SUVs for Less Than $5,000....Used Cars to Avoid Buying.ModelYear(s) to AvoidFordFocus2012-2017FordMustang2015-2016, 2018FordRanger2019GMCAcadia2011-2013, 2016-2017, 2020103 more rows•Jan 4, 2021
Why are VW so unreliable?
The first Volkswagen reliability problem is engine oil sludge build-up. This problem mostly affects VW cars with the 1.8L turbo 4-cylinder engine from 1997 – 2005. To be specific, this problem mostly affects early 2000 VW Passat models. This problem usually appears somewhere between 70,000 – 90,000 miles.
Is Volkswagen Golf a good first car?
If you've got a teenager who needs a first car, or you are a teenager and you're looking for a great set of first wheels, the Volkswagen Golf is your best option. Spacious, well-designed, and efficient, the Golf offers all the benefits of the Volkswagen brand at an affordable price.
Is VW Golf easy to maintain?
Volkswagens are about as reliable as the average consumer car on the market. You can expect to perform routine maintenance about every six months. You may experience a breakdown or two after the car has 100,000 miles, as well.
Which Volkswagen Golf is the 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 many water bottles can fit in a VW Golf?
The front door pockets can easily fit two water bottles in each, and the rear door pockets can each comfortably fit one water bottle. The armrest opens up into a big bin, and there is storage behind the center console. Also, the glove box is notably massive. You can jam all sorts of things in there alongside your owner's manual and pair of gloves.
What size wheels are on a Volkswagen Golf?
Stick with the 16-inch wheels on the current model year's Volkswagen Golf - they provide a cozy ride quality. Anything bigger than that will take away some of the comfort. Those pesky washboard roads will cause some vibrations, but that is something that many of us have come to expect from driving just about any vehicle over those roadways. Over broken and jagged surfaces, the Golf remains composed. You will feel some dip while traversing an uneven road, but that is also something many of us have come to expect from the roadways.
Is the center console on a Golf a plastic?
The center console looks kind of tacky in comparison to the faux-leather seating and door trim. You also get a good amount of rattling when you turn the speakers up on the audio system.
Does the Volkswagen Golf have a climate control system?
Also, the heating on the front seats just gets moderately warm, so it is not terribly effective.
Is the Volkswagen Golf easy to operate?
Another strong point for the Volkswagen Golf is that the controls are easy to figure out. While the manual climate control system might feel a bit too basic, you at least have no guesswork involved. The controls are all placed well within the driver's reach and are clearly labeled. The touchscreen display has a simplified and logical set-up, so you will not be confused by a wonky interface. This is especially refreshing for folks who want a new car without too many frills.
Is the 2020 Honda Civic better than the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?
You can't go wrong with the Honda Civic, and it certainly bests the 2020 Volkswagen Golf in a lot of ways. The new hatchback Civic has been restyled and has improved noise reduction. Its fuel economy is superb, and the cabin actually feels pretty spacious. You get a smooth ride quality from the Civic, and there are plenty of standard and optional features available so you can customize it to your liking. However, the blind-spot camera is a bit tricky to use, and forward collision mitigation is hyper-vigilant.
What is the 6th generation Volkswagen Golf?
First revealed at the Paris Auto Show in 2008, the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf was the much-anticipated follow-up to the Rabbit. Called the Mark 6 or MK6, it built on the performance and quality of the Rabbit and made it a bit better looking.
Can Takata airbags be faulty?
Buying from a dealer and getting a warranty is also advisable. Finally, it’s worth remembering that these are Takata cars, so their airbags may be faulty. If you buy one, keep an eye out for a recall notice.
When did the Volkswagen e-Golf come out?
The Volkswagen e-Golf debuted back in 2015 as the first all-electric offering from the brand. While it wasn’t exactly a premium model, nor did it get the best range, it did offer prospective buyers a practical means of getting into an electric car without having to pay the hefty price for a Tesla.
What is the draw of the Volkswagen E Golf?
Price and range aside, the main draw of the Volkswagen e-Golf was that it looked and felt like a normal car. And that’s because it was, as Volkswagen essentially took their seventh-generation Golf architecture, ripped out the internal combustion engine, and stuffed an electric motor under the hood and a battery beneath the car.
How much horsepower does an e golf have?
Just to recap, when the e-Golf was introduced in 2015, it had an electric motor that produced 115 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque that was powered by a 24.2-kWh battery pack.
How fast does an e golf go?
Car and Driver noted that the e-Golf will do 85 mph as well as any other car and even net you “speeding tickets pretty much anywhere in America,” but if you can manage to keep the pedal off the floor, then you’ll be happy to know that the car drives just like a regular Golf.
Is Volkswagen a dirty diesel?
on June 9, 2020. The Volkswagen “dirty diesel” stigma might still exist in some consumer’s minds, but the all-electric e-Golf could be a much cleaner option for those looking to save on fuel costs. And while Volkswagen’s electrified hatchback might not suit everyone’s daily needs, it provides a fair amount of practicality and reliability.
Is the e golf a regular golf?
It looks like a regular Golf, but it is not a regular Golf. Electric powertrain aside, the e-Golf does look and feel like a regular Golf hatchback.
Can you win a race in an e golf?
No, you wouldn’t win any races in an e-Golf, but you’ll be able to get onto the freeway just fine. Thanks to electric motor’s instantaneous torque, the e-Golf’s acceleration feels spritely but you can expect to get to 60 mph in about 9.6 seconds. Car and Driver noted that the e-Golf will do 85 mph as well as any other car and even net you “speeding tickets pretty much anywhere in America,” but if you can manage to keep the pedal off the floor, then you’ll be happy to know that the car drives just like a regular Golf.
When was the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan R AGM?
The wheel hub of a Volkswagen Tiguan R line automobile sits on display at the Volkswagen AG (VW) annual general meeting (AGM) in Hannover, Germany, on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Getty. Many enthusiasts are well-educated on how to properly install and use such modifications, and enjoy them on the daily.
Which car brands are at the bottom of the VDS?
Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) places Volkswagen well within the upper half of the scale, with brands like Toyota , Porsche and Chevrolet at the top of the list; and brands like Dodge, Fiat and Land Rover towards the bottom.
Does a Volkswagen have a direct injection engine?
Like most newer cars, modern Volkswagens often use a direct-injected engine, some of which may suffer from valve gunk deposits as they age. Valve gunk buildup occurs when deposits collect on the intake valves. In regular engines, the spray action of the fuel injectors washed these deposits away as they built up.
Is a used Volkswagen a diesel?
Most used Volkswagens have a gasoline engine, but some are diesel, and others are hybrids. While a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is a great step to take before buying any used vehicle, some shoppers may benefit even further by having one performed if the vehicle in question is a VW hybrid or diesel. Advertisement.
Does the spray action of fuel injectors clean gunk?
In regular engines, the spray action of the fuel injectors washed these deposits away as they built up. In direct-injected engines used by manufacturers around the globe, the positioning of the fuel injector takes the cleaning effect out of the equation, but the gunk builds up just the same.
Can valve gunk cause pain?
If you notice any of these on a test drive, further investigation from a professional is advised before you buy. Valve gunk buildup can be a real pain, but the symptoms above often have other easier- to-fix causes . If in doubt, have the vehicle checked out.
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.
QUESTION
I've been looking through your website and I really appreciate your honesty and forthright disposition. I bought a VW Golf 1.4 turbo DSG fifteen months ago. And, before you start: Yeah, it's a shitbox!
ANSWER
The Golf is a beautiful-looking car (in that minimalist German way) that is also great to drive. Mototing journalists everywhere wet their pants in that undignified motoring journalist way, over the 'great drive' of the Golf.
FOLLOW-UP QUESTION
Thanks so much for your forthright comments! I think I should visit RMS and purchase “shitbox” numberplates!
ANSWER
I hope you don’t think I’m having too much of a shot here. You’ve got an emotional connection with the Golf - I get that. But, objectively:
